CARBOHYDRATE AND SUCROSE INTAKE IN THE CAUSATION OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC HEART-DISEASE, DIABETES-MELLITUS, AND DENTAL-CARIES

The benefits that might accrue from the ingestion of a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet have never been directly tested in terms of atherosclerotic disease incidence, but only in terms of reductions in plasma lipid levels. In this regard, the possible benefits of a higher carbohydrate intake appear to be related to a lower intake of saturated fat and cholesterol. In most epidemiological studies, inadequate attention has been paid to the confounding biases introduced by lowered total caloric intakes and lowered body weights. No risks have been shown for a high-carbohydrate intake in terms of new events of CHD. In regard to the causation of diabetes mellitus, no risks or benefits have been demonstrated for variations in intake of sucrose or other carbohydrates. However, a reduction of total caloric intake may be beneficial in prevention and amelioration of diabetes, due to correction of obesity. There is no evidence that reduction in carbohydrate intake per se is uniquely beneficial in adult-onset diabetes. Reduction of frequency of sucrose consumption results in reduced dental caries without known risk. The benefits of reduction of consumption of other simple sugars and carbohydrate-containing foods has been more difficult to establish. Fluoridation of water supplies appears to reduce the incidence of caries.