Table 2.
Results of mediation analysis between processed red meat and meat associated compounds for major causes of death in NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study
| Mediator | Proportion (%) of effect due to mediation (95% CI) | P value |
|---|---|---|
| Heme iron: | ||
| Overall | 21.3 (16.5 to 27.1) | <0.0001 |
| Cancer | 22.8 (13.7 to 35.3) | <0.0001 |
| Cardiovascular disease | 24.1 (14.4 to 37.4) | <0.0001 |
| Respiratory disease | 20.9 (13.7 to 30.4) | <0.0001 |
| Processed meat nitrate: | ||
| Overall | 50.1 (36.1 to 64.1) | <0.0001 |
| Cancer | 37.0 (14.8 to 66.4) | <0.005 |
| Cardiovascular disease | 72.0 (34.5 to 92.7) | <0.0001 |
| Respiratory disease | 55.8 (32.4 to 76.8) | <0.001 |
| Processed meat nitrite: | ||
| Overall | None | – |
| Cancer | None | – |
| Cardiovascular disease | None | – |
| Respiratory disease | 14.9 (3.9 to 43.3) | P=0.1 |