Cited by 159Diet and metabolism studiesDietary Effects on HealthLipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health

Modification of Lipoproteins by Very Low-Carbohydrate Diets

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Volek, Jeff S., Sharman, Matthew J., Forsythe, Cassandra E.·2005·The Journal of Nutrition

Abstract

Very low-carbohydrate diets (VLCDs) are popular, but remain controversial. This review summarizes the latest studies that have examined the effects of VLCDs on lipoproteins and related risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Prospective studies indicate that VLCDs improve the lipoprotein profile independently of weight loss. Although not as effective at lowering LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), VLCDs consistently improve postabsorptive and postprandial triacylglycerols (TAGs), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and the distribution of LDL-C subfractions to a greater extent than low-fat diets. VLCDs also improve proinflammatory markers when associated with weight loss. Studies usually report mean lipid responses, but individual data indicate a large degree of variability in the magnitude and in some cases the direction (e.g., LDL-C) of lipoprotein responses to both low-fat and VLCDs. Such variability makes it hard to defend a single diet recommendation, especially considering the potential for low-fat/high-carbohydrate diets to exacerbate TAG, HDL-C, and other characteristics of the metabolic syndrome. Considering the effectiveness of VLCDs in promoting fat loss and improving the metabolic syndrome, discounting or condemning their use is unjustified. We encourage a more unbiased, balanced appraisal of VLCDs.

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Crossref · 10.1093/jn/135.6.1339

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Authors
Volek, J. S., Sharman, M. J., & Forsythe, C. E.
Affiliations
University of Connecticut (US)
Corresponding author
Volek, Jeff S.
Venue
The Journal of Nutrition
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2005-06
Volume
135
Issue
6
Pages
1339-1342
ISSN
0022-3166 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2147851061
Cited by
159
References
40
Citations by year
2025: 3 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 5
FWCI
1.76
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Nutrition (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • eCite Digital Repository (University of Tasmania) (submittedVersion)
  • Australasian Journal of Paramedicine (submittedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Diet and metabolism studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Dietary Effects on Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health
Keywords
very low carbohydrate diet, lipoproteins, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL subfractions, cardiovascular risk factors, weight loss, pro-inflammatory markers, metabolic syndrome, low-fat diet
MeSH terms
Dietary Carbohydrates, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Humans, Lipoproteins

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