Medical Nutrition Therapy Lowers Serum Cholesterol and Saves Medication Costs in Men with Hypercholesterolemia

This study was designed to evaluate whether medical nutrition therapy administered by registered dietitians could lead to a beneficial clinical and cost outcome in men with hypercholesterolemia. Ninety-five subjects participating in a cholesterol-lowering drug study took part in an 8-week nutrition intervention program before initiating treatment with a cholesterol-lowering medication. Patient records were reviewed via a retrospective chart review to determine plasma lipid levels at the beginning and end of the program and the number and length of sessions with a dietitian. Complete information was available for 74 subjects aged 60.8±9.8 years (mean±SD). Medical nutrition therapy lowered total serum cholesterol levels 13% ( P