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The aim of this study was to determine the association between dietary intake, determined using a food frequency questionnaire, and genome damage in lymphocytes measured using the micronucleus (MN) assay. The study, performed on 190 healthy individuals (mean age 47.8 years, 46% males), also examined whether a supplementation with beta-carotene, vitamins C and E along with zinc (ACEZn), in a randomized trial for 6 months, improves genome stability. Multivariate analysis of baseline data showed that (1) the highest tertile of intake of vitamin E, retinol, folic acid, nicotinic acid (preformed) and calcium is associated with significant reductions in MN frequency, i.e. -28, -31, -33, -46 and -49%, respectively (P < 0.005) relative to the lowest tertile of intake and (2) the highest tertile of intake of riboflavin, pantothenic acid and biotin was associated with significant increases in MN frequency, i.e. +36% (P = 0.054), +51% (P = 0.021), and +65% (P = 0.001), respectively, relative to the lowest tertile of intake. Mid-tertile beta-carotene intake was associated with an 18% reduction in MN frequency (P = 0.038); however, the highest tertile of intake (>6400 microg/day) resulted in an 18% increment in MN frequency. Supplementation with ACEZn significantly reduced the MN index by 13% (P = 0.038). The study also showed interactive additive effects such as the protective effect of increased calcium intake (-46%) and the exacerbating effect of riboflavin (+42%) on increased genome damage caused by low folate intake. The results from this study illustrate the strong impact of a wide variety of micronutrients and their interactions on genome health, depending on the level of intake.

A computerised dietary analysis system for use with diet diaries or food frequency questionnaires is described. Analyses using this system are now available at running cost to other research workers in the area of human nutrition.

Study objective-To determine the sociodemographic, attitudinal, and dietary correlates of high and low fat consumption in the community. Design -The study was undertaken using a postal survey format. A questionnaire was sent for self completion to a randomised sample of the adult population of two Australian states. Participants -Adult participants were selected randomly from the Electoral Rolls of the states of Victoria and South Australia. As voting at elections is compulsory in Australia, these rolls contain the names of all Australian citizens over the age of 18 years. Altogether 3209 respondents completed the survey giving a response rate of 67%. Main results -Lower than average fat consumption was more common in women. Age was a significant factor only in men. Occupation was not related to lower than average fat consumption but manual work and low occupational prestige were linked to higher than average consumption in men. People with a history of conditions related to heart disease were more likely to be low consumers but medical history did not distinguish high from average consumers. Low fat consumption was linked to higher refined and natural sugar consumption and higher alcohol consumption, but protein and complex carbohydrate consumption did not vary with fat consumption. Low fat diets also had higher densities of fibre and most vitamins and minerals, the exceptions being retinol, zinc, and vitamin B12, nutrients generally linked to meat and dairy consumption. Of the latter, only the low zinc concentrations, which are already borderline in the community, pose a potential nutritional problem. Conclusions -This study showed very strong links between dietary fat intake and the intake of nearly all other nutrients in the diet. The results highlight the need to consider relationships between nutrients not only for purposes of nutrition education but also in relation to nutritional epidemiology studies. (J Epidemiol Community Health 1994;48:26-32)

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Study objective-The aim was to establish the public's perception of the relative importance of various environmental risk factors for cancer.Design-A postal survey was undertaken using a questionnaire to assess the public's knowledge of cancer morbidity and mortality and the role of lifestyle and genetic risk factors. Sociodemographic data were also collected.Setting-The survey was completed in the state of South Australia.Participants-A random sample of 1500 names were selected from the electoral rolls ofthe state. These rolls contain the names of all Australian citizens over the age of 18 years. A response rate of 73% was achieved.Measurements and main results-The results of the survey showed that the knowledge base of the community was generally high, with few differences across sociodemographic groups. The relative importance of cancer as a contributor to mortality was, however, overestimated and the potential for "cure" underestimated. The role of both diet and cigarette smoking in cancer promotion was widely recognised but there was an overemphasis on the importance of pollution of the food supply compared to imbalance of nutrients. Respondents were more able to assign risk in relation to diet using a food based assessment, compared to a nutrient approach. There was wide acceptability that lifestyle change could have a profound effect on the cancer profile of the community. Conclusions

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the role that diet can play in the promotion, retardation or amelioration of the cancer process. This has led to the development of dietary guidelines for cancer prevention by health authorities in several Western societies. However, there is still limited information about the sociodemographic determinants of intake of foods and nutrients of interest in many of these countries. A study of the dietary intake of a random sample of residents of the State of Victoria in Australia showed that women, those in the older age groups and in the higher occupational ranks, had diets more in line with current recommendations for cancer prevention — the most marked differences being between men and women. However, the sociodemographic differences were relatively small compared with the low rate of overall compliance with the guidelines.