A quantitative estimate of the impact of diet on the mortallity of ischaemic heart disease in Denmark
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to quantify the impact of different dietary factors on the mortality from ischaemic heart disease in Denmark. Methods: Relative risks and knowledge on the distribution of different dietary factors were used to estimate etiological fractions. Results: It is estimated that an intake of fruit and vegetables and saturated fat as recommended would prevent 12 and 22%, respectively, of deaths from ischaemic heart disease in Denmark. An intake of fish among those at high risk for ischaemic heart disease, would lead to a 26% lower mortality, while alcohol intake among abstainers would have no significant quantitative effect. Discussion: These results suggest that changes in dietary habits according to current recommendations would have an impact on public health in Denmark.