Dietary Management of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia

This paper reviews the effects of major macronutrients and specific dietary interventions on atherogenic dyslipidemia, a common trait characterized by increased concentrations of triglyceride-rich and small, dense LDL particles, and reduced HDL-cholesterol.

Studies have shown that reducing carbohydrate intake is the most effective dietary approach for managing atherogenic dyslipidemia, particularly in individuals with excess adiposity and/or metabolic syndrome. Plant protein sources can also be beneficial, possibly due to their content of phytochemicals. Whereas dietary guidelines emphasize limiting intake of saturated fat for reducing cardiovascular risk by lowering concentrations of LDL cholesterol, this has not been shown to have an impact on atherogenic dyslipidemia. Attenuation or reversal of atherogenic dyslipidemia can be achieved by adopting a dietary pattern that emphasizes moderating carbohydrate intake, in particular processed grains and added sugars, rather than by focusing primarily on limiting saturated fat and its effects on LDL-cholesterol.