Variations in Dietary Intake Between Newly Diagnosed Gallstone Patients and Controls

Mohammed A. Alsaif

To compare dietary intake of newly diagnosed gallstone patients and controls, 56 gallstone patients and 101 randomly selected control subjects without gallstones were enrolled in the study. The presence of gallstones were determined by ultrasonography. Both patients and control subjects completed a questionnaire exploring their dietary intake. Aanthropometric measurements were collected. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) and Apolipoprotein B (Apo B). Oral contraceptive usage was significantly higher in gallstone patients than controls. Patients were significantly older than controls and had higher body mass index (BMI), however HDL-cholesterol levels were found significantly higher in controls. Dietary intake including energy, proteins, carbohydrates, refined sugar, sodium, calcium, and iron were significantly higher in patients. Dietary fiber and antioxidant vitamin (vitamin C) levels were significantly lower in patients. Dietary interventions that emphasize the prevention effect of some nutrients and the contributory effect of others might provide a method of avoiding the formation of gallstones.