3.2.3. CVD-related nutritional knowledge
Our subjects generally had higher correct-response rates for the
questions related to the therapeutic aspects of nutrients on CVD. Most
of the subjects knew that patients who are on diuretics are likely to be
deficient in potassium (83.0%) and that omega-3 fatty acids help to
reduce CVD (77.3%). On the other hand, only 21.6% knew that waterinsoluble
fiber is not effective in reducing blood cholesterol, and 45.7%
knew that calcium lowers the risk of hypertension. The subjects did
not accurately understand the food sources of cholesterol (83.5%) and
fatty acids (76.6%); nor did they know the daily recommended amount
(300 mg) of cholesterol for a low-cholesterol diet (89.0%) (Table 5).