Conclusions
This meeting considered nutritional approaches to
improve cardiovascular health. As well as recogniseddiet and lifestyle factors, it is becoming clear that functional
foods can play a useful role in the reduction of
CVD risk and may be especially relevant for certain
genotypes. Biomarker-based definitions of health and
disease used a reference range, but categorising subclinical
‘at risk’ populations is problematic and can lead
to confusion over ‘medicinal’ vs. ‘nutritional’
approaches as defined in legislation. There is increasing
evidence, particularly from dietary interventions, that
the scope to alter CVD risk is dependent on individual
cardio-metabolic risk and specific genetic profiles. This
points to a future for personalised nutrition.
While an overall cardio-protective diet is clearly
optimal, the positive role of individual foods and ingredients
was also highlighted during this meeting. Specific
ingredients can positively impact on blood pressure and
endothelial function, as well as serum cholesterol status,
three key markers of CVD risk. Overall, the data and
ideas shared during this meeting give considerable cause
for optimism. The majority of premature death and ill
health associated with CVD can be avoided by achieving
an appropriate bodyweight and by following a variety
of common sense approaches to nutrition. This includes,
eating at least 2 portions of fish per week, one of which
should be oil-rich, eating at least 5 portions of a variety
of fruit and vegetables per day, consuming 48 g of
wholegrain per day and cutting down on saturates and
salt. While this approach has been promoted for some
time, we now have a firm scientific foundation upon
which to base these recommendations.