Why is Metabolic Syndrome Increasing in Developing Countries

The Role of Dietary Fats and Oils in the Increase of Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes in Developing Countries

About 60% of the global increase in non-communicable diseases is predicted to occur in developing countries, with most increased mortality from type 2 diabetes (T2D) and coronary heart disease (CHD). Obesity rates in some emerging nations have tripled since 1999, with metabolic syndrome also increasing. Unlike developed nations where most people with T2D are over 64, most with T2D in developing nations are between the ages of 45 and 64. Another issue is a troubling worldwide rise in childhood diabetes. These shifts are linked to modern dietary changes. Refined carbohydrates, high fat intake, red meats, and low-fiber choices are replacing high-fiber, low-fat, and low-calorie foods. Salt and sugar intake also rises with income. In particular, the growing availability of processed commercial vegetable oils boosts higher total fat intake (TFI) and trans-fatty acid (TFA) consumption in developing nations.

Specific fatty acids (FAs) are known to affect cell metabolism. Changes in quantity and quality of fat consumption can alter insulin sensitivity. High TFI is associated with hyperinsulinemia and lower insulin sensitivity. Decreased insulin sensitivity can spark a cascade of events causing T2D. High fat intake is a predictor for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in healthy adults and progression to T2D in those with IGT. High fat is also associated with obesity and glucose-insulin metabolic disruption, contributors to T2D.

For this study, data from PubMed, nutritional surveys in developing countries, and websites and publications of national and international groups, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), were compiled. Much of the focus is on South Asians and Asian Indians, due not only to the authors' interests, but also because more relevant studies have been conducted on these populations than others.

Since the 1960s, TFI as a percentage of total energy (%en) intake has risen in Kenya, China, India, Hungary, Latvia, Brazil, and elsewhere; everywhere data were available, except for the Russian Federation in a sample studied between 1992 and 2000.

Continued Tomorrow

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/419/101044-419.html

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/