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Dietary Patterns Systematic Reviews

Systematic Review Question

Are prevailing patterns of diet behavior in a population, assessed using factor or cluster analysis, related to risk of cardiovascular disease?

Conclusion Statement

Limited evidence from epidemiological studies indicates that dietary patterns, assessed using cluster or factor analysis, characterized by vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and low-fat dairy products are associated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease in adults. Evidence of a relationship between dietary patterns characterized by red and processed meat, sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, and fried foods and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease is limited and less consistent. 

Grade: III - Limited