Genetic makeup may dictate cholesterol spikes on low-carb, high-saturated-fat diets
New research shows people with a genetic tendency toward high LDL cholesterol can see sharp rises when they follow low-carb diets rich in saturated fat.
A postdoctoral scholar presented findings at the American Society for Nutrition’s annual meeting indicating that a polygenic score for LDL cholesterol predicts how individuals respond to low-carbohydrate diets high in saturated fat. Using data from 431 participants in the DIETFITS study, the team observed that those with the highest genetic risk showed the largest LDL rises after six months, while no such pattern emerged among low-fat diet followers.
The work highlights the heterogeneity of dietary effects and proposes that clinicians might eventually use genetic profiles to flag patients at risk of adverse cholesterol changes. Until such tools are commonplace, the authors recommend monitoring lipid levels and favoring unsaturated fat sources like nuts, olive oil, and avocado for low-carb eaters. The study was funded by several NIH institutes and the American Heart Association, and the results remain preliminary pending peer-review publication.
Why it matters
Understanding genetic influences can help tailor diets to avoid harmful cholesterol spikes.
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