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

Plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) increased by 44% in participants following a low carbohydrate/high fat diet compared to controls.

• In the LCHF diet group, LDL-C rose from 2.2 ± 0.4 mmol/l to 3.1 ± 0.8 mmol/l over three weeks.
• The control group maintained a stable LDL-C level at 2.5 ± 0.8 mmol/l.
• Significant increases in apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acids, uric acid, and urea were observed in the LCHF group.
• No significant differences were found in plasma triglycerides, lipoprotein (a), glucose, C-peptide, or C-reactive protein between the two groups.
• Increased gene expression of a specific cholesterol regulator was noted in the LCHF group compared to controls.
• Individual LDL-C responses in the LCHF group varied widely, with increases ranging from 5% to 107%.

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