Eminent Stanford University researcher, Professor Ralph Paffenbarger, has stated, “Adventists are a national treasure for health research because of their diversity in diet.” Dr. Paffenbarger was for many years an external consultant to the Loma Linda University Adventist Health Study. He is very familiar with the pioneering health breakthroughs from the earlier Adventist health studies.
The revelation of this national treasure during the last 45 years has only been possible with the participation of Seventh-day Adventists and the contribution of more than $30 million of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a result, more than 200 research articles have been published in scientific journals.
Making a Difference
Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) researchers believe that the best is yet ahead and are expecting many more pioneering findings in the next few years from the current study. With 72,000 questionnaires returned, Adventist Health Study-2, which began recruiting participants in 2002, is now the largest of any health study of Adventists.
However, another 50,000 responses are needed to make AHS-2 a truly significant and viable study that will have international impact.
The first five years of funding from NIH ends in 2006. “Our challenge during 2005 is to sign-up another 50,000 members,” says Dr. Terry Butler. “Only then can we have the guarantee of another five years of funding to gather the evidence of the best types of foods and lifestyle that enhance health and reduce cancer risk.”
Everyone Needed
All Adventists, regardless of their diet or lifestyle, contribute equally to the results. It is the diversity of diet among Adventists that provides a unique edge for this type of research. Dr. Gary Fraser, director of AHS-2, says, “We certainly need many more Adventists of all kinds of dietary lifestyles. It would be especially helpful to have more non-vegetarians, more men and more vegans.”
Some Early Results
In the latest descriptive analysis of the first 63,000 members in the study, 65 percent of participants are female with an average age of 60 years, and 58 percent of females and 62 percent of males are overweight. Thirty percent eat two or more eggs a week, about 40 percent never eat cheese, and women eat more fruits and vegetables than men. Other results can be found in the 2004 newsletter at the AHS-2 website.
Pacific Union Response
There has been a promising start from Pacific Union members to the Adventist Health Study-2 with 16,842 having returned questionnaires. However, to reach the union goal, another 11,500 responses are necessary. If all who are eligible get involved, that is possible. Pastors and church leaders are encouraged to have another big recruitment push in early 2005.
"If you have been waiting on the sidelines now is the time to step forward," said Tom Mostert, union president. "We want this study to be a success so God will be glorified."
