Suggestions for Chinese Dietary Lipids Reference Intakes in the New Period

Abstract

With the rapid development of economy and society, the dietary pattern of Chinese residents has undergone obvious transition. The recommendation of dietary lipids intake has a significant influence on the improvement of dietary pattern and on the achievement of Healthy China goals in the new period. We put forward some suggestions on the revision of dietary lipids reference intake for Chinese residents. (1) The upper limit of acceptable macronutrient distribution range (U-AMDR) of percent of energy (%E) from fat for residents aged 18 years and above in China is 30%E, lower than that in countries of European Union and North America, which is 35%E. Some scholars suggest raising the U-AMDR of dietary fat for Chinese adults, but there is still insufficient evidence for modification. However, considering the characteristics of high-energy and nutrient-dense diets required by the elderly, increasing the U-AMDR of dietary fat in the elderly should be considered. (2) Some studies have shown that the ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6/n-3PUFA) is closely related to the risk of multiple chronic non-communicable diseases. The average dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of Chinese residents is 8.6, and even higher in some populations. Therefore, it is recommended that the recommended values of dietary n-6/n-3PUFA ratio be included in the new dietary lipid reference intake recommendations. (3) Despite numerous investigations, the relationship between dietary cholesterol intake and the outcomes of several chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, remains unclear. The average daily cholesterol intake was in the normal range, 264.0 mg in urban residents while 168.8 mg in rural residents. Based on current research evidence, it is still inappropriate to set dietary cholesterol limits for the general adult population. For patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, it is suggested to refer to the recommendations on dietary cholesterol intake in the guidelines of control and prevention for corresponding diseases.

Keywords

• percent of energy from fat
• the ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
• cholesterol