Carbohydrate Restriction Alters Lipoprotein Metabolism by Modifying VLDL, LDL, and HDL Subfraction Distribution and Size in Overweight Men

Abstract

To determine the effects of carbohydrate restriction (CR) with and without soluble fiber on lipoprotein metabolism, 29 men participated in a 12-wk weight loss intervention. Subjects were matched by age and BMI and randomly assigned to consume 3 g/d of either a soluble fiber supplement (n=14) or placebo (n=15) with a macronutrient energy distribution of approximately 10% carbohydrate, approximately 65% fat, and approximately 25% protein. Because the groups did not differ in any of the variables measured, all data were pooled and comparisons were made between baseline and 12 wk. After 12 wk, subjects had a mean weight loss of 7.5 kg (P<0.001), and abdominal fat was reduced by 20% (P<0.001). Plasma LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were significantly reduced by 8.9 and 38.6%, respectively. Similarly, apolipoproteins C-I (-13.8%), C-III (-21.2%) and E (-12.5%) were significantly lower after the intervention. In contrast plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations were increased by 12% (P<0.05). Changes in plasma TG were positively correlated with reductions in large (r=0.615, P<0.01) and medium VLDL particles (r=0.432, P<0.05) and negatively correlated with LDL diameter (r=-0.489, P<0.01). Changes in trunk fat were positively correlated with medium VLDL (r=0.474, P<0.0) and small LDL (r=0.405, P<0.05) and negatively correlated with large HDL (r=-0.556, P<0.01). We conclude that weight loss induced by CR favorably alters the secretion and processing of plasma lipoproteins, rendering VLDL, LDL, and HDL particles associated with decreased risk for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Fad Diets: Lifestyle Promises and Health Challenges

“…Low-carbohydrate diets have also a great potential in eliminating a larger proportion of abdominal fat (Volek et al, 2004). In addition, carbohydrate restriction can be efficient in significantly lowering both the plasma LDL cholesterol and triglyceride following a twelve-week weight loss intervention (Wood et al, 2006). At the same time, HDL levels can be dramatically increased because of the high-fat consumption included in Atkins diet (Brinkworth, Noakes, Buckley, Keogh, & Clifton, 2009).…”

Efeito da dieta e do ciclismo indoor sobre a composição corporal e nível sérico lipídico

“…On the other hand, a low-calorie diet is critical in the treatment of dyslipidemia 34 . Groups CI, D and CD presented reduced TG, LDL and VLDL levels.…”

Carbohydrate Restriction Reduces Lipids and Inflammation and Prevents Atherosclerosis in Guinea Pigs

“…Because human studies over the last decade have shown that CR diets improve plasma lipid profiles and reduce atherogenic lipoproteins, we used guinea pigs in the current study to evaluate the effects of CR on the different aspects of the onset and progression of atherosclerosis, such as: lipid accumulation in the aorta, sPLA2 activity, inflammation, and arterial stiffness 18) .…”