Low carbohydrate intake increased the risk of death among men
Carbohydrate and fat intake levels have different effects on men and women. Low carbohydrate intake in men increased the likelihood of death from all causes. In women, high carbohydrate intake increased the risk of death. High fat intake increased the likelihood of dying from cancer only in men.Researchers from Nagoya University analyzed the effect of carbohydrate and fat consumption on mortality from various causes depending on gender. The results of the study were published in The Journal of Nutrition.
The risk of all-cause mortality among men who derived less than 40% of their energy from carbohydrate intake was 59% higher than among participants who derived 50 to 55% of their energy from carbohydrates. Women who received 65% or more of their energy from carbohydrate intake had a 71% higher risk of total mortality than those with moderate carbohydrate intake.
Men receiving 35% or more of energy from fat increased the risk of cancer mortality by 79% compared with receiving 20-25% of energy from fat intake. The effect of fat intake on all-cause and cancer mortality in women was not statistically significant.
Data from more than 80,000 adults aged 35 to 69 years were analyzed. The average body mass index in men was 23.7 kg/m2, and in women - 22.2 kg/m2. Fat intake, carbohydrate intake, and total calorie intake were assessed using questionnaires. During 8.9 years of follow-up, the researchers recorded 2,783 deaths.