Day 035 - 12 Oct 94 - Page 55
1
2 Q. Let us now look at the conclusion: "The Panel concluded
3 that there is currently insufficient evidence on which to
4 base a recommendation for a decrease in fat intakes to
5 prevent cancer, although an increase in consumption of any
6 fatty acids should not be encouraged. The Panel agreed
7 that the dietary reference values based on other
8 considerations and presented in paragraph 3.8, were
9 consistent with a prudent view of the current data
10 relating dietary fat and the occurrence of cancer."
11
12 If you turn to paragraph 3.8, you find that the
13 recommendation is in 3.8 (i) that "Saturated fatty acids
14 should provide an average for the population of 10 per
15 cent of total dietary energy", the top of page 55. Do you
16 see that?
17 A. Yes, I do.
18
19 Q. In (vi): "Total fatty acid intake should therefore
20 average 30 per cent and total fat intake, including
21 glycerol 33 per cent, of total dietary energy including
22 alcohol or, if you exclude alcohol, 35 per cent of energy
23 derived from foods". Have I understood that correctly?
24 A. It seems to me you read it accurately.
25
26 Q. My question is this: I take it you would say that those
27 recommendations are dangerously generous so far as fat is
28 concerned?
29 A. They are so close to what the population is already
30 eating that it is hard to imagine it will have a very
31 substantial effect. It should be expected to reduce heart
32 disease incidence modestly. There are some reasons to
33 believe that it may also reduce the incidence of colon
34 cancer.
35
36 Q. Can I draw your attention to paragraph 3.7.2 under
37 diabetes? It is fair to read actually the middle sentence
38 in 3.7.1: "Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is more
39 common and is often associated with obesity". Then
40 3.7.2: "There is no suggestion that diet has any role to
41 play in the genesis of insulin-dependent diabetes". Do
42 you agree or disagree with that statement?
43 A. I would disagree with that.
44
45 Q. "Diet may be related to the development of
46 non-insulin-dependent diabetes in so far as obesity is a
47 risk factor for it, but there is no evidence that dietary
48 fat has any special role". Do you agree or disagree with
49 that statement?
50 A. No, I would disagree with that statement.
51
52 Q. I think it is fair to say, Dr. Barnard, and I do not want
53 you to have to repeat yourself, you have already given us
54 the reason why you do not agree with those statements
55 earlier in your evidence, have you not?
56 A. Yes, because, well, yes, I will not elaborate unless
57 it is of help to you.
58
59 Q. The Defendants can ask you to elaborate in
60 re-examination. I do not ask you to do it now.
