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Fruit and fish consumption: a possible explanation for population differences in COPD mortality (The Seven Countries
C Tabak1, E J Feskens, D Heederik
1Department of Chronic Diseases and Environmental Epidemiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|December 10, 1998
Summary
Higher fruit and fish intake may reduce chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality. These dietary factors significantly explain international variations in COPD death rates, suggesting a protective effect.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- International variations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortality exist.
- Dietary factors are hypothesized to influence COPD prevalence and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between average intake of antioxidants, fruits, vegetables, and fish and international differences in COPD mortality.
Main Methods:
- Ecological analysis of 16 cohorts from the Seven Countries Study over 25 years.
- Dietary intake assessed at baseline, with chemical analysis of foods.
- COPD mortality established centrally, with rate ratios calculated for dietary factor consumption.
Main Results:
- Inverse association found between COPD mortality and baseline fruit (RR 0.49) and fish (RR 0.97) consumption.
- No significant association observed for antioxidants or vegetables.
- Fruit and fish consumption explained 67% of the variance in COPD mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Fruit and fish consumption may partially explain global disparities in COPD mortality.
- Findings align with previous individual-level studies on diet and COPD.