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A statin a day keeps the doctor away: comparative proverb assessment modelling study

BMJ 2013; 347 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f7267 (Published 17 December 2013) Cite this as: BMJ 2013;347:f7267

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Re: A statin a day keeps the doctor away: comparative proverb assessment modelling study

Briggs and colleagues show that an apple a day may significantly reduce vascular mortality. However they missed an opportunity to address the consumption of apple juice, given that the UK 5 a Day campaign counts 1 glass of fruit juice as a serving of fruit (1). Previous work has shown clear apple juice to significantly increase TC and LDL-C compared to apples (2). A glass of apple juice does not require an apple’s mastication effort, but given its adverse health effects any pro-apple message must include a juice disclaimer.

(1) http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/5ADAY/Pages/Whatcounts.aspx
(2) Ravn-Haren G, Dragsted LO, Buch-Andersen T, et al. Intake of whole apples or clear apple juice has contrasting effects on plasma lipids in healthy volunteers. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52:1875–1889.

Competing interests: SL prefers apples to apple juice

20 December 2013
Sarah E Lillie
Postdoctoral Fellow
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
Minneapolis, MN 55417