C. Tissa Kappagoda, MBBS, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, CA, USA.
Dianne A. Hyson, RD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer Sciences, California State University of Sacramento, CA, USA.

This paper examines the potential impact of some popular diets on cardiovascular risk factors in aging populations. The compositions of these diets are compared against the broader recommendations of the Food and Nutrition Board and the American Heart Association. The Atkins and South Beach diets have been advanced as components of weight loss programs, while the Mediterranean type of diet has been promoted as being especially beneficial to those who are at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. When viewed against the recommendations of the Food and Nutrition Board, it is apparent that these diets are unlikely to meet the special nutritional needs of the older population.
Key words: Atkins, South Beach, Mediterranean diet, nutrition, coronary artery disease.