Dietary Factors Influencing the Pathogenesis of Gallstone Disease in Kerala, India

Introduction: Increased consumption of meat is associated with gallstone ailment as intake of non-vegetarian food increases biliary acid, a trimethylamine transporter that tempts the gallstone cholesterol. Aim: To determine the relationship of dietary factors with gallstones amongst Indian patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a case-control study which was conducted at Jubilee Mission Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India from February 2008-June 2009. Study population included patients having cholelithiasis or lately identified with indicative or nonindicative gallstones. The nutritional ingestion was measured by qualified nutritionist by means of semi-quantifiable survey on food-frequency questionnaire. The subjects were matched up in age and gender proportions having analogous demographic features. The usual ultrasound of abdomen was performed by medical practitioners. Results: There were 200 patients included as cases and 200 controls, of the cases 112 (56%) were males and 88 (44%) were females, age range was 10-80 years. Preponderance was noted in age group of 31 to 40 years mounting to 52 (26%) pursued by 22.5% controls in the age groups of 21 to 30 and 41 to 50 years. According to the dietary interests, the vegetarian and non-vegetarian percentage ratio was of 21.5 and 78.5. Conclusion: The risk factors responsible for the development of Gallstone Disease (GSD) were food including meat, cholesterol, tamarind, and squat in fibre. In case of such ailments, vegetarian food with suggested calories and should be encouraged. Therefore, the anticipatory measures like amendments in routine and food should be carried out to eradicate these hazardous factors