Effect of low carbohydrate high fat diet on LDL cholesterol and gene expression in normal-weight, young adults: A randomized controlled study. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Retterstøl, Kjetil; Svendsen, Mette; Narverud, Ingunn; Holven, Kirsten B.
• Is Part Of: Atherosclerosis. Volume 279(2018)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 61
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Fat -- Diet -- Cholesterol -- LDL -- Fatty acids -- Saturated fatty acids -- Cardiovascular risk factors -- Atkins Diet; Arteriosclerosis -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.136
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.10.013
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9150

Abstract

Abstract: Background and aims: The effects of a low carbohydrate/high fat (LCHF) diet on health are debated. This study aims to explore the effects of a diet with less than 20 g carbohydrates per day (LCHF) on plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in young and healthy adults. The secondary aim is the assessment of lipid profile and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) gene expression. Methods: This was a randomized controlled parallel-designed intervention study. Participants were either assigned to a three-week LCHF diet or a control group continuing habitual diet ad libitum, in both groups. Results: In total, 30 healthy normal weight participants completed the study. Nine subjects did not complete it due to adverse events or withdrawn consent. In the LCHF diet group (n = 15), plasma LDL-C increased from (mean ± SD) 2.2 ± 0.4 mmol/l before intervention to 3.1 ± 0.8 after, while in the control group (n = 15), LDL-C remained unchanged: 2.5 ± 0.8 mmol/l ( p < 0.001 between groups). There was a significant increase in apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, uric acid and urea in the LCHF group versus controls. Plasma levels of triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), glucose, C-peptide or C-reactive protein (CRP), blood pressure, body weight or body composition did not differ between the groups. PBMC gene expression of sterol regulator element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) was increased in the LCHF group versus controls ( p ≤ 0.01). The individual increase in LDL-C from baseline varied between 5 and 107% in the LCHF group. Conclusions: An LCHF diet for three weeks increased LDL-C with 44% versus controls. The individual response on LCHF varied profoundly. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Low carbohydrate/high fat (LCHF) diet for three weeks increased LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) with 44% versus controls. The response to LCHF diet varied between the individuals from no more than 5% increase in LDL-C and up to a 107% increase. The unpredictable individual response to the LCHF diet suggest that LDL-C should be measured in people using an LCHF diet.