[Atherogenic factors in the diet of the Costa Rican population, 1991]

The present study analyzes the aterogenic factors of the diet of the Costa Rican population in various population and geographic groups. Data utilized was obtained from the Second National Survey on Apparent Food Consumption, 1991. Results found that on the national level consumption of fats, in relation to total caloric intake was higher than recommended levels. Likewise, the percentage of saturated fats exceed the established recommendations for prevention cardiovascular disease, and the intake of polyunsaturated fats was inferior to recommended levels. P/S ratio was 0.3, a value within the range considered to be aterogenic. Cholesterol intake is considered to be adequate. Cholesterol-Saturated-Index (CSI) of the majority of the diets studied was high, as reported in similar situation in other countries where cardiovascular disease is likewise the first cause of death. Dietary fiber was found to be in the lower levels of the daily recommendations. Also, the intake of vitamin C and E shows normal values, while intake of vitamin A is deficient. The principal source of three types of fat in the diet, as well as vitamin E, was shortening made from palm oil, which in spite of no being a rich source of unsaturated fatty acid, the consumption of it is high. Egg is the main source of cholesterol and dietary fiber is primarily obtained from beans. In conclusion, the Costa Rican diet presents a nutritional imbalance which can be considered an atherogenic risk factor for cardiovascular disease.