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.

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