A Nutrition Survey of Atherosclerosis Patients to Study the Effects of Iron, Zinc, and Copper on Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the causes of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, which account for nearly 50% deaths in developed nations. Metabolic syndrome is known to contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome includes the symptoms of visceral obesity and insulin resistance, which are caused by several risk factors such as overeating, lack of exercise, and aging. As overconsumption of fat and high calorie diets lead to visceral obesity or insulin resistance, health promotion activities such as creating awareness about healthy diet or providing exercise education have been undertaken elsewhere. According to epidemiological and animal studies, in addition to high fat or high calorie diet, consumption of higher levels of trace minerals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) are reported to have an effect on atherosclerosis. Some studies suggest that the serum Fe levels of patients with atherosclerosis are higher than those of healthy adults . This suggests Original Article