About Adventist Health Study-2

Adventist Health Study-2 (AHS-2) is a health research study of 96,000 Seventh-day Adventists in the U.S. and Canada. Adventists, due in part to their unique dietary habits, have a lower risk than other Americans of heart disease, several cancers, and probably high blood pressure, arthritis, and diabetes. This, along with their wide variety of dietary habits, provides a special opportunity for careful research to answer a host of scientific questions about how diet (and other health habits) may change the risk of suffering from many chronic diseases.

Two previous studies on Adventist health involving 24,000 and 34,000 Californian Adventists have been directed from Loma Linda University over the last 40 years. These have been among the first to raise scientific awareness of the close relationship between diet and health. This groundbreaking work has brought visibility and accolades to the lifestyle recommended by Seventh-day Adventists from both the scientific and lay communities. (See the prime-time media coverage on these studies.)

Researchers and Partners

  • Dr. Gary Fraser with a team of researchers from the School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, is conducting the study.
  • Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama is recognized as an important partner in the study and was particularly involved in the recruitment of Black participants and the dissemination of information.
  • The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and Union and Local Conference administrations enthusiastically support and endorse the study.
  • Adventist churches in the U.S. and Canada were actively involved in promotion of the study and the recruitment of participants and are recognized as indispensable partners in this project. 

Questions to be answered

Some areas AHS-2 will be analyzing:

  • What specific foods enhance quality of life?
  • Do soy products really help prevent breast and prostate cancer?
  • What foods help prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer's, and arthritis?
  • Heredity or lifestyle – which is more important?
  • Does faith contribute to a healthier life?
     

The significance of AHS-2

AHS-2 is of the largest, and most exciting health studies of its kind ever designed and will have national importance and international significance. As one of the largest health studies of Black/African Americans, it aims to help answer why Black/African Americans have a disproportionate amount of cancers and heart disease. It is estimated that 40 percent of cancers could be prevented by a proper diet. AHS-2 seeks to increase understanding of the benefits of healthy eating.
 

Preliminary Results

 

Read scientific publications about AHS-2