Chylomicron-retinyl palmitate clearance in type I hyperlipidemic families.

Our primary aim was to determine the extent to which intraplasmic retinyl palmitate (RP) transfers to other lipoprotein particles when chylomicron remnants are not produced and/or the plasma RP residence time is increased. The study was conducted on three familial type I hyperlipoproteinemic patients, four lipoprotein lipase (LpL)-deficient heterozygotes, and three controls on a metabolic research unit. To each subject, a fat load was administered containing 16% of total daily calories in type I patients, 40% in heterozygotes and controls, plus 60,000 U/m2 vitamin A. Triglyceride (TG) and RP levels were evaluated in chylomicron and nonchylomicron fractions. Delay in the clearance of chylomicron fraction RP and the marked deficiency in nonchylomicron-RP (presumed lack of remnant production) in all three type I patients suggests that RP does not demonstrate significant intraplasmic transfer from chylomicrons to existent apolipoprotein B100 particles. In contrast to noncoincident TG and RP peaking in the normal subject, heterozygotes were found to demonstrate coincident plasma TG and RP curves, which is consistent with a common catabolic pathway for both TG and RP and inconsistent with intraplasmic RP transfer. This corroborates reports on compromised chylomicron clearance in heterozygotes. We conclude that RP is an appropriate representative marker for intestinally derived particles in LpL-deficient or partially deficient individuals.

The legal implications of dietary fats: risks of cardiovascular disease and the duty of food manufacturers.

The arguments for a warning on foodstuffs open new ground in product liability. Some of the dangers of fat-laden foods have been apparent for many years and are widely known to the public. Other aspects of fat consumption, specifically hidden fats, such as saturated fats, have only recently been explored, and are known to a limited segment of the population at risk. Negligence and warranty theories are too narrow to encompass this situation, wherein the benefits and risks of a product are not well defined and not easily separable. Some warning about the dangers resulting from fat ingestion is necessary, but may be adequately dispensed by ingredient labeling. If consumers are aware of the potential for harm, then they are assuming a substantial portion of the risk. How risk-free can we, or should we, make our society? The marketplace is the appropriate venue for determining the acceptance of saturated-fat-containing products by our society. Clear and open labeling policies will allow consumers to weigh the relative advantages and disadvantages of lower fat intake. Warnings of fat content need not be extreme, but should disclose the possible physiological outcome of the heavy ingestion of saturated fat.

Use of survey data in a corporatewide health promotion program: The MetLife experience.

MetLife developed a corporate-wide health promotion program based on a survey of its employees, its local management, and its medical personnel. The survey's goals were to determine the wellness topics of greatest interest to employees, as well as topics believed by local management and medical personnel to be of greatest need. There was surprising unanimity concerning what employees said they wanted and what managers and medical personnel believed were needed. Stress management--including relaxation techniques and time management skills--was high on all three surveys, as were the basic of nutrition, exercise, healthy aging, cancer, and men's and women's health issues.