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The haggis tolerance test in Scots and Sassenachs
A G Fraser1, A Rees, S Matthews
1Departments of Cardiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff.
Insights
Scottish men exhibit a resistance to the lipaemic effect of haggis, a national dish, despite higher baseline lipid levels. This dietary response differs significantly from Sassenach men, suggesting a unique physiological adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Scotland has a high incidence of coronary heart disease.
- The role of traditional Scottish diet, specifically haggis, in this incidence is unclear.
- Pre-existing differences in lipid profiles exist between Scottish and Sassenach (non-Scottish English) men.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the lipaemic effect of consuming haggis in Scottish and Sassenach men.
- To determine if haggis consumption contributes to elevated blood lipid levels.
- To explore potential physiological differences in lipid metabolism between the two groups.
Main Methods:
- A controlled meal of 200g haggis was administered to 6 Scottish and 10 Sassenach men.
- Fasting and post-meal (90 minutes) serum lipid concentrations (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL) were measured.
- Pre-existing hyperlipoproteinaemia was identified in four subjects.
Main Results:
- Scottish men had higher baseline cholesterol and triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol compared to Sassenach men.
- Haggis consumption did not alter serum cholesterol levels in either group.
- Serum triglyceride levels increased by 51% in Sassenach men 90 minutes post-meal, but remained unchanged in Scottish men.
Conclusions:
- Scottish men demonstrate a resistance to the acute lipaemic effect of haggis.
- Observed differences in lipid response suggest distinct metabolic adaptations in Scottish individuals.
- The 'haggis tolerance test' may serve as a diagnostic tool for Sassenach men.
Abstract:
To find out if the Scottish national dish, haggis, contributes to the high incidence of coronary heart disease in Scotland the lipaemic effect of a meal of 200 g of haggis was measured in six Scottish and 10 Sassenach men. The Scots had higher fasting cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and a lower proportion of high density lipoprotein cholesterol than the Sassenachs. Four subjects were found to have hyperlipoproteinaemia, which had been unrecognised previously. Serum cholesterol concentrations did not change after haggis was eaten (mean dose 2.6 g/kg body weight). Serum concentrations of triglycerides increased by 51% at 90 minutes in the Sassenachs but were unaltered in the Scots. There were no serious adverse effects. This study shows that Scots have higher lipid concentrations than Sassenachs but seem to be resistant to the lipaemic effect of haggis. The haggis tolerance test may be useful in Sassenachs.