Abstract
Studies from all over the world have shown that the lipid profile is significantly influenced by the dietary practice, life-style and ethnic origin of the population under study. This study was planned to analyze the lipoprotein profile in healthy individuals of the Eastern Ghat mountains belonging to tribal Kandha, fishermen of the Coromondal coast (Naulia) and urban-dwellers from the city of Berhampur to act as controls. There were 93 Naulias and 97 each of Kandhas and urban-dwellers. Naulias were hard working (body mass index: BMI 21.7±2.3), and consumed rice, alcohol and marine fish. Kandhas were under-nourished (BMI 19±1.6) and survived on tubers, jungle fruits and minimum protein. Urbandwellers were mostly sedentary workers (BMI 22±2.3) living on carbohydrate (63%), fat (16%) and protein (21%). The lipid values of Naulias and Kandhas were significantly lower than those of the urban-dwellers, except high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while all other lipid parameters were lower than those of the urban-dwellers. The abundant intake of fish containing omega 3 fatty acids and tough physical labour were the factors behind such a favourable profile in Naulias. Although Kandhas were deficient in protein, more physical activity kept their lipid profiles on the favourable side.