Polynesian immigrants in New Zealand were compared with subjects living in Tokelau, the island group from which the migrants originated. The mean length of time in New Zealand was 7.1 yr. Migrant males had higher mean concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower mean concentrations of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than nonmigrant males. Among females, the differences were in the same direction, but significant only for triglycerides. Females had higher levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than males in Tokelau and in most age groups in New Zealand. Pregnancy elevated the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and this effect was greater in Tokelau than New Zealand. In Tokelau 53% of energy is from fat and 80% from coconut, rich in short chain lauric and myristic fatty acids, while cholesterol and sugar intake is low. In New Zealand, saturated fat intake declines, while cholesterol, carbohydrates and sugar intakes increase. Alcohol is used modestly in both environments. The role of exercise, diet and alcohol consumption in the emergence of these contrasts between serum lipid concentration in migrants and nonmigrants is considered. © 1981.

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Lipids polynesia Alcohol Drinking exercise human epidemiology sex difference comparative study diet Aged geographic distribution Environment Epidemiologic Methods lipid blood level lipoprotein Adolescent male female pregnancy cholesterol adult Sex Factors Age Factors New Zealand triacylglycerol Transients and Migrants cardiovascular system Middle Age