Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher rates of many infectious diseases

This study was published in Epidemiology and Infection 1998 Oct;121(2):335-47

Study title and authors:

Cohort study of serum total cholesterol and in-hospital incidence of infectious diseases.
Iribarren C, Jacobs DR Jr, Sidney S, Claxton AJ, Feingold KR.
Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA 94611, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9825784

The study assessed the association between cholesterol levels and the risk of infections (other than respiratory and HIV) requiring hospitalisation. The study included 55,300 men and 65,271 women who were followed for 15 years.

The infectious diseases analysed in this study were thus classified:

o   Intestinal Infections: Salmonella, rotavirus (virus infection that can cause gastroenteritis).

o   Viral hepatitis.

o   Acute appendicitis.

o   All digestive and liver infections: Diverticulosis, abscess of the anal and rectal region, abscess of the intestine, liver disease, gallbladder inflammation, cholangitis(bile duct infection).

o   Endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layer of the heart).

o   Kidney infections.

o   Urinary tract infections.

o   All genito - urinary infections: cystitis, prostatitis, orchitis and epididymitis(inflammation of the testicles).

o   Venereal diseases: Syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis (sexually transmitted infection).

o   Muscle – skeletal infections: Arthropathy(disease of the joints), Infective myositis(skeletal muscle infection), osteomyelitis (infection of the bone or bone marrow),  periostitis (inflammation of the periosteum, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds bone).

o   Skin and subcutaneous tissue: Herpes, eczema, ringworm, thrush, carbuncle, boils, cellulitis (common skin infection caused by bacteria), lymphadenitis (swollen or enlarged lymph nodes), impetigo (bacterial skin infection), pilonidal cyst (cyst or abscess under the skin of the buttocks), pyoderma(skin infection that exudes pus).

o   Septicaemia, bacteraemia.

o   Gangrene.

o   Central and peripheral nervous system: Meningitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord), abscess on the brain, abscess on the spinal cord.

o   Endotoxic shock (septic shock).

o   Gynaecological: Salpingitis (infection and inflammation in the fallopian tubes), oophoritis (inflammation of the ovaries), pelvic inflammatory disease (bacterial infection of the female upper genital tract, including the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries), cervicitis (inflammation of the uterine cervix), vaginitis (inflammation of the vagina),  bartholin cyst or abscess, (infection of the bartholin's glands which lie next to the entrance to the vagina).

The study found for men:

(a) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 29% increased risk of been hospitalised with any infection compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(b) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 9% increased risk of been hospitalised with intestinal infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L).
(c) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 63% increased risk of been hospitalised with viral hepatitis compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(d) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 1% increased risk of been hospitalised with acute appendicitis compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(e) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 15% increased risk of been hospitalised with all digestive and liver infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(f) Men with lower cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L) had a 22% increased risk of been hospitalised with endocarditis compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(g) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 10% increased risk of been hospitalised with kidney infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-240 mg/dL).
(h) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 27% increased risk of been hospitalised with urinary tract infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(i) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 18% increased risk of been hospitalised with all genito-urinary infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(j) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 140% increased risk of been hospitalised with venereal diseases compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(k) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 28% increased risk of been hospitalised with muscle-skeletal infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(l) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 22% increased risk of been hospitalised with skin and subcutaneous tissue infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(m) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 17% increased risk of been hospitalised with Septicaemia and bacteraemia compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(n) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 20% increased risk of been hospitalised with gangrene compared to men with higher cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-240 mg/dL).
(o) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 67% increased risk of been hospitalised with central and peripheral nervous system infections compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(p) Men with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 128% increased risk of been hospitalised with endotoxic shock compared to men with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).

For women the study found:

(a) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 30% increased risk of been hospitalised with any infection compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(b) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 67% increased risk of been hospitalised with intestinal infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(c) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 51% increased risk of been hospitalised with viral hepatitis compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(d) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 22% increased risk of been hospitalised with acute appendicitis compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(e) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 19% increased risk of been hospitalised with all digestive and liver infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(f) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 137% increased risk of been hospitalised with endocarditis compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(g) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 9% increased risk of been hospitalised with kidney infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(h) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L) had a 28% increased risk of been hospitalised with urinary tract infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(i) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 33% increased risk of been hospitalised with all genito-urinary infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(j) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 90% increased risk of been hospitalised with venereal diseases compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(k) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-239 mg/dL) had a 4% increased risk of been hospitalised with muscle and skeletal infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(l) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 15% increased risk of been hospitalised with skin and subcutaneous tissue infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(m) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 39% increased risk of been hospitalised with Septicaemia and bacteraemia compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(n) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 93% increased risk of been hospitalised with gangrene compared to women with higher cholesterol levels between 4.14-5.15 mmol/L (160-200 mmol/L).
(o) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-239 mg/dL) had a 9% increased risk of been hospitalised with central and peripheral nervous system infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(p) Women with lower cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-239 mg/dL) had a 44% increased risk of been hospitalised with endotoxic shock compared to women with higher cholesterol levels over 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(q) Women with lower cholesterol levels below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) had a 2% increased risk of been hospitalised with gynaecological infections compared to women with higher cholesterol levels between 5.16-6.19 mmol/L (200-240 mg/dL).

The results of this study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with higher rates of many infectious diseases.

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Cholesterol supplementation benefits patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome

This study was published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics 1997 Jan 31;68(3):305-10

Study title and authors:
Clinical effects of cholesterol supplementation in six patients with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS)

Elias ER, Irons MB, Hurley AD, Tint GS, Salen G.
Department of Pediatrics, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9024564

Children with the Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome have very low cholesterol levels and most are either stillborn or die early because of serious malformations of the central nervous system. Those that survive have a small head size, learning problems and behavioral problems. They tend to grow more slowly than other infants and many affected individuals have fused second and third toes and some have extra fingers or toes.

The problems that occur in Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome is because of their very low cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is necessary for normal embryonic development and has important functions both before and after birth. It is a structural component of cell membranes and the protective substance covering nerve cells (myelin). Also, cholesterol plays a role in the production of vitamin D, certain hormones and bile acids.

The study examined the effects of cholesterol supplementation in children with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome. The trial included six children, age range from birth to 11 years old.

The study found:
(a) Clinical benefits of the cholesterol therapy were seen in all patients, irrespective of their age at the onset of treatment, or the severity of their cholesterol defect. 
(b) The cholesterol therapy improved growth, gave a more rapid developmental progress, a lessening of problem behaviors, older patients progressed to puberty, they had a better tolerance of infection, improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms, and a reduction in photosensitivity and skin rashes
(c) Patients had no adverse reactions to treatment with cholesterol.

The results of the study suggest that cholesterol supplementation benefits patients with Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome.

Links to other studies:
The link between low cholesterol and autism
Low cholesterol and suicidal behavior

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher death rates from respiratory diseases

This study was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology 1997 Dec;26(6):1191-202

Study title and authors:
Serum total cholesterol and risk of hospitalization, and death from respiratory disease.

Iribarren C, Jacobs DR Jr, Sidney S, Claxton AJ, Gross MD, Sadler M, Blackburn H.
Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, Oakland, CA 94611, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9447398

The study examined the association of cholesterol levels with respiratory diseases. The study included 48,188 men, 55,276 women, age range 25-89, who were followed for 15 years with a total of 976,866 person years of observation.

The study found for patients requiring hospitalisation:
(a) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 41% increased risk of been hospitalised with pneumonia and influenza compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(b) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 17% increased risk of been hospitalised with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (bronchitis and emphysema) compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(c) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 13% increased risk of been hospitalised with asthma compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(d) Those with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 35% increased risk of been hospitalised with other respiratory diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, laringitis, asbestosis, pneumuconiosis, empyema, mediastinitis, pleurisy, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary fibrosis, rhumatic pneumonia and lung disease) compared with those with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).

With regard to death from respiratory diseases the study found:
(e) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 87% increased risk of death from pneumonia and influenza compared with men with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(f) Women with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 41% increased risk of death from pneumonia and influenza compared with women with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(g) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 35% increased risk of death from bronchitis, emphysema and asthma compared with men with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(h) Women with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 79% increased risk of death from bronchitis, emphysema and asthma compared with women with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(i) Men with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 96% increased risk of death from other respiratory diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, laringitis, asbestosis, pneumuconiosis, empyema, mediastinitis, pleurisy, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary fibrosis, rhumatic pneumonia and lung disease) compared with men with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).
(j) Women with the lowest cholesterol levels, below 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL), had a 126% increased risk of death from other respiratory diseases (rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsilitis, laringitis, asbestosis, pneumuconiosis, empyema, mediastinitis, pleurisy, pulmonary congestion, pulmonary fibrosis, rhumatic pneumonia and lung disease) compared with women with the highest cholesterol levels, above 6.2 mmol/L (240 mg/dL).

The results of the study show that low cholesterol levels are associated with more hospitalisations and higher death rates from respiratory diseases.

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Low fat diets induce unhealthy effects in type two diabetics

This study was published in Diabetes Care 1990 Apr;13(4):446-8

Study title and authors:

Effects of changing amount of carbohydrate in diet on plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in type II diabetic patients.

Rivellese AA, Giacco R, Genovese S, Patti L, Marotta G, Pacioni D, Annuzzi G, Riccardi G.

Institute of Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, 2nd Medical School, Naples, Italy.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2318105

This 15 day study investigated the effects of a low fat diet and a high fat diet on eight nonobese, mildly type two diabetic patients, average age 45 years old.

The two diets comprised of:
(i) 60% carbohydrate, 20 % protein, 20% fat (low fat diet).
(ii) 40% carbohydrate, 20% protein. 40% fat (high fat diet).

The study found:
(a) Triglycerides were 24% higher on the low fat diet.
(b) Apolipoprotein CII levels were 15% on the low fat diet. (Apolipoprotein CII (apoCII) is a protein found in large fat particles absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is also found in very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. High levels of apoCII are associated with angina and heart attacks).
(c) Very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels were 43% higher on the low fat diet. (High VLDL levels are linked to diabetes. See here).

The results from the study show that a low fat diet induces harmful effects on cholesterol values in nonobese, mildly type two diabetic patients.

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Low cholesterol levels predict death in patients with bacteria in the blood

This study was published in the Archives of Family Medicine 1995 Sep;4(9):785-9

Study title and authors:
Risk factors for the development of bacteremia in nursing home patients.

Richardson JP, Hricz L.
Department of Family Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7647945

The study examined the association between cholesterol levels and death rates in people with bacteremia (bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the blood). The study included 26 patients who were admitted into a nursing home.

The study found that the only admission characteristic of patients that was associated with death caused by bacteremia was low cholesterol of 3.79 mmol/L (147 mg/dL) in patients who died, whereas patients who survived had higher cholesterol of 5.05 mmol/L (195 mg/dL).

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Low fat, low cholesterol diets result in lower cholesterol levels and a higher death rate

This study was published in Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 1978;109:317-30

Study title and authors:

Low fat, low cholesterol diet in secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

Woodhill JM, Palmer AJ, Leelarthaepin B, McGilchrist C, Blacket RB.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/727035

The study set out to determine the effects of a low fat, low cholesterol diet on death rates in men with existing heart disease. The study included 458 men, aged 30 to 59, who were followed for up to seven years.

The men were allocated in groups to consume either:

(i) A low fat, low cholesterol diet.

(ii) Their usual diet.

The study found:

(a) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet lowered their cholesterol levels 4.5% more than the men following their usual diet.

(b) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet had 49% increased death rates compared to the men following their usual diet.

(c) The men following the low fat, low cholesterol diet had 44% increased heart disease death rates compared to the men following their usual diet.

The results of the study show that a low fat, low cholesterol diet results in lower cholesterol levels and a higher death rate.

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Analysis of six trials show that as cholesterol levels are lowered the death rate increases

This study was published in the British Medical Journal 1990 Aug 11;301(6747):309-14

Study title and authors:

Lowering cholesterol concentrations and mortality: a quantitative review of primary prevention trials.

Muldoon MF, Manuck SB, Matthews KA.

Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2144195

This study analysed the findings of six cholesterol reduction trials. The participants in the six cholesterol reduction trials received either diet based, drug based, a mixture of diet and drug cholesterol lowering treatment or placebo. The trials lasted for an average of 4.8 years and included 24,847 male participants who were followed for a total of 119,000 person years. The average age of the men was 47.5 years.

The analysis found:
(a) The men receiving cholesterol reduction treatment reduced their cholesterol levels by about 10%.
(b) The men receiving cholesterol reduction treatment had a 7% increase in death rates compared to the men taking a placebo.

The results of this analysis of six trials show that as cholesterol levels are lowered the death rate increases.

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High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets are a feasible long-term treatment for type 1 diabetes

This study was published in Upsala Journal of Medical Science 2005;110(3):267-73

Study title and authors:

A low carbohydrate diet in type 1 diabetes: clinical experience--a brief report.

Nielsen JV, Jönsson E, Ivarsson A.

Department of Medicine, Blekingesjukhuset, Karlshamn, Sweden. jorgen.vesti-nielsen@ltblekinge.se

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16454166

This study examined the effects of a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, diet on 22 patients with type I diabetes who were failing to control fluctuations in their blood sugar levels in higher carbohydrate diets. The diet was limited to around 70-90 grams a day of carbohydrate and excluded potatoes, rice, pasta, bread and cereals. The diet consisted of 20% carbohydrate, 30% protein and 50% fat.

After 12 months on the high-fat, low-carbohydrate, diet, the study found:
(a) Hypoglycaemic episodes (where the blood glucose levels drop to abnormally low dangerous values) decreased from 2.9 episodes per week to 0.5 episodes per week.
(b) Meal insulin requirements decreased from 21.1 Iu per day to 12.4 Iu per day.
(c) Unhealthy high triglyceride levels decreased by 33%.

This study shows that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, diet is a feasible long-term treatment of type 1 diabetes and leads to improved blood glucose control.

Links to other studies:
Reduced saturated fat consumption has led to vitamin D deficiency
The beneficial effects of a low carbohydrate diet for diabetes
Type I diabetics have better blood sugar control on a high fat diet

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Higher cholesterol levels and higher meat consumption are associated with decreased rates of heart disease deaths

This study was published in the Journal of Internal Medicine 1995 Jan;237(1):49-54

 

Study title and authors:

High serum alpha-tocopherol, albumin, selenium and cholesterol, and low mortality from coronary heart disease in northern Finland.

Luoma PV, Näyhä S, Sikkilä K, Hassi J.

Oulu Regional Institute of Occupational Health, University of Oulu, Finland.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7830030

The study investigated the risk factors for, and the rates of heart disease deaths in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland. The study lasted for nine years and included 350 participants, average age 46 years.

The study found:
(a) The death rates from heart disease were 17% lower in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(b) Cholesterol levels were 6.3% higher in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(c) Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were 7.0%  higher in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(d) Vitamin E levels were 14.2% higher in northernmost Finland compared with southern areas of Finland.
(e) Vitamin E levels increased with the consumption of reindeer meat.

The results of the study show that higher cholesterol levels and higher meat consumption are associated with decreased rates of heart disease deaths.

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Low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with increases in deaths from heart disease and cancer

This study was published in Arteriosclerosis 1988 Nov-Dec;8(6):737-41

Study title and authors:

High density lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality. The Framingham Heart Study.

Wilson PW, Abbott RD, Castelli WP.

Framingham Epidemiology Research Section, NHLBI, Massachusetts.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3196218

This 12 year study examined the association of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels with death rates from heart disease and cancer. The study included 2,748 participants aged 50 to 79.

The study found:
(a) Both men and women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels also had the highest total cholesterol levels.
(b) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 92% increase in death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(c) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 47% increase in death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(d) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 309% increase in heart disease death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(e) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 207% increase in heart disease death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(f) Men with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had a 17% increase in cancer death rates compared to the men with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.
(g) Women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels had an 8% increase in cancer death rates compared to the women with the highest HDL cholesterol levels.

The results of this study show that men and women with the lowest HDL cholesterol levels also had the lowest total cholesterol levels, and that low HDL cholesterol levels are associated with increases in deaths from heart disease and cancer.

Eating a diet rich in saturated fat is the best way to raise HDL cholesterol levels. See here.

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Higher cholesterol levels lead to a longer life

This study was published in the Journal of Gerontology 1993 May;48(3):M103-7

 

Study title and authors:

Morbidity and mortality in rural community-dwelling elderly with low total serum cholesterol.

Ives DG, Bonino P, Traven ND, Kuller LH.

Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=8482813

The objective of this two year study was to examine the association of cholesterol levels with death rates in the elderly. The study included 3,874 participants aged 65 to 79. Those with cholesterol levels of less than 150 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/l) were compared with those with cholesterol levels between 200-240 mg/dL (5.1-6.2 mmol/l).

After two years the study found that 12.8% of those with low cholesterol had died, whereas only 7.3% of those with the higher cholesterol had died.

The results of this study indicate that higher cholesterol levels lead to a longer life.

Links to other studies:
Low cholesterol associated with poor health and increased stroke and heart disease
Declining cholesterol rates in people over 65 are associated with a 630% increase in death rates
Older men with lower cholesterol have a 54% higher death rate

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Low cholesterol levels are associated with higher rates of dementia

This study was published in the Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences 2010 May;65(5):559-64

Study title and authors:
Relationship between low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and dementia in the elderly. The InChianti study.

Zuliani G, Cavalieri M, Galvani M, Volpato S, Cherubini A, Bandinelli S, Corsi AM, Lauretani F, Guralnik JM, Fellin R, Ferrucci L.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatrics, University of Ferrara, Via Savonarola 9, 44100 Ferrara, Italy. gzuliani@hotmail.com

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20299544

The object of the study was to evaluate the association between cholesterol levels and the prevalence of dementia. At the start of the study a total of 1,051 individuals aged 65 years or over were assessed for dementia and again after three years.

The study found:
(a) After one year, individuals with dementia had significantly lower cholesterol levels and significantly lower levels of  high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared with individuals without dementia.
(b) After three years, individuals newly diagnosed with dementia had significantly lower cholesterol levels and significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared with individuals without dementia.

The results of the study demonstrate that low cholesterol levels and low levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with higher rates of dementia.

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Low cholesterol levels lead to significantly higher death rates

This study was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 2001 Sep;49(9):1142-7

 

Study title and authors:

The value of serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in defining mortality risk in older persons with low serum cholesterol.

Volpato S, Leveille SG, Corti MC, Harris TB, Guralnik JM.

Epidemiology, Demography and Biometry Program, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11559371

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between low cholesterol, albumin and death rates in older people. The study included 4,128 participants age 70 and older at (average age 78.7 years, range 70-103) who were followed for nearly five years.

Albumin is a protein in your bloodstream that helps transport a variety of important substances, including calcium, hormones, the protein bilirubin and important nutrients called fatty acids. Albumin also helps your blood maintain its osmotic pressure, which helps keep its water content from leaking through your blood vessels into surrounding tissue.

The study found:
(a) Those with low cholesterol had significantly higher death rates than those with normal and high cholesterol.
(b) Among participants with low cholesterol, those with albumin levels below 38 g/L had a 43% increase in death rates compared to those with albumin levels above 38 g/L.
(c) Among participants with low cholesterol and high albumin (above 38 g/L), those with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol below 47 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/l) had a 32% reduction in death rates compared to those with abumin below 38 g/L.
(d) Among participants with low cholesterol and high albumin (above 38 g/L), those with levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol above 47 mg/dL (1.2 mmol/l) had a 62% reduction in death rates compared to those with abumin below 38 g/L.

The results of the study demonstrate that low cholesterol is significantly associated with higher death rates and that higher levels of albumin and HDL cholesterol are associated with lower death rates.

The best way to raise your albumin levels is to eat quality protein such as beef, pork, fish, chicken and eggs.

Eating a diet rich in saturated fat raises levels of HDL cholesterol the most. See here.

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High consumption of soft drinks increases the risk of heart disease and diabetes

This study was published in Circulation 2007 Jul 31;116(5):480-8

Study title and authors:

Soft drink consumption and risk of developing cardiometabolic risk factors and the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged adults in the community.

Dhingra R, Sullivan L, Jacques PF, Wang TJ, Fox CS, Meigs JB, D'Agostino RB, Gaziano JM, Vasan RS.

Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mount Wayte Ave, Suite 2, Framingham, MA 01702-5803, USA.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17646581

Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke. 

Metabolic syndrome was defined as the presence of three or more of the following: 

(i) Waist circumference more than 35 inches (women) or more than 40 inches (men).

(ii) Fasting blood glucose levels more than 100 mg/dL (5.5 mmol/l).

(iii) Triglycerides levels more than 150 mg/dL (1.69 mmol/l).

(iv) Blood pressure more than 135/85 mm Hg.

(v) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL (1.03 mmol/l) (men) or less than 50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/l) (women). 

This study investigated the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its components to soft drink consumption in 6.039 person-observations (average age 52.9 years) who were free of metabolic syndrome at the start of the study.

The study found that compared to those who drank less than one soft drink per day:

(a) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 31% increased risk of obesity.

(b) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 30% increased risk in having a bigger waist circumference.  

(c) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 25% increased risk of high fasting glucose levels.

(d) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 18% increased risk of high blood pressure.

(e) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 25% increased risk of elevated triglyceride levels.

(f) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 32% increased risk of low levels of the beneficial high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

(g) Those who drank one or more soft drinks a day had a 44% increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

This study reveals that in middle-aged adults, soft drink consumption is associated with a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and therefore a raised risk of health problems such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

Links to other studies:
Drinking cola is associated with a 87% increased risk for development of type 2 diabetes
Cola and other soft drinks increase the risk of diabetes by 24%
Both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened drinks increase the risk type II diabetes

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Low carbohydrate diets improve blood glucose control in patients with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young.

This study was published in the Journal of International Medical Research 2011;39(6):2296-301

Study title and authors:

The Influence of Dietary Carbohydrate Content on Glycaemia in Patients with Glucokinase Maturity-onset Diabetes of the Young.

Klupa T, Solecka I, Nowak N, Szopa M, Kiec-Wilk B, Skupien J, Trybul I, Matejko B, Mlynarski W, Malecki MT.

Department of Metabolic Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland; Krakow University Hospital, Krakow, Poland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22289546

Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) is a group of diabetes disorders that affects about 2% of people with diabetes. MODY is often not recognised and people may be treated as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes by their doctors. 

MODY has the following characteristics:

(i) Diabetes presents at a young age, usually less than 25 years of age.

(ii) MODY runs in families through several generations. A parent with MODY has a 50% chance of passing on MODY to their child. 

(iii) People with MODY do not produce enough insulin; this is different to Type 2 diabetes where people frequently produce lots of insulin but don't respond to their insulin.

There are six varieties of MODY:

MODY 1 Rare form of MODY. Similar effects to MODY 3.

MODY 2 Causes between 10-65% of MODY. Causes mild diabetes. Often diagnosed in childhood or pregnancy.

MODY 3 Causes between 20-75% of MODY. Causes progressive diabetes and patients may get diabetes complications. Usually diagnosed after puberty.

MODY 4 Rare form of MODY. Seems to produce relatively mild diabetes.

MODY 5 Rare form of MODY. Associated with kidney disease that is often diagnosed before diabetes.

MODY 6 Extremely rare form of MODY. Severity of diabetes unknown as yet. 

This study concerns MODY 2 which is a mutation in the glucokinase gene on chromosome 7. Glucokinase is an enzyme that acts as a glucose sensor so the beta cells in the pancreas produce the correct amount of insulin after a meal. However in MODY 2 the mutated glucokinase enzyme is less responsive to glucose entering the blood stream which results in continuously elevated high blood glucose levels.

This study evaluated the effect of the quantity of dietary carbohydrate on glucose levels in 10 glucokinase mutation carriers: seven with MODY and three with prediabetes. The patients were exposed to a 60% high-carbohydrate diet for two days and then switched to 25% low-carbohydrate diet for another 2 days.

The study found:

(a) On the high-carbohydrate diet, glucose levels were significantly higher compared with the low-carbohydrate diet.

(b) On the high-carbohydrate diet, spikes in glucose levels occurred significantly more frequently compared with the low-carbohydrate diet.

This study suggests that diets with a low carbohydrate content may improve blood glucose control in patients with Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young.

Links to other studies:

The case for high fat/low carbohydrate diets in diabetes management

High fat/low carbohydrate diet decreases risk of heart disease

Diabetes patients health benefits from a high fat/low carbohydrate diet

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Statins and fibrates increase the risk of Parkinson's

This study was published in Drug Safety 2008;31(5):399-407

Study title and authors:
Use of statins and the risk of Parkinson's disease: a retrospective case-control study in the UK.

Becker C, Jick SS, Meier CR.
Basel Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18422380

This study set out to explore the risk of the development of Parkinson's disease in people with untreated high cholesterol and with people treated with statins and fibrates. 3,637 people with Parkinson's were compared with the same number of controls.

The study found:
(a) Those people with high cholesterol who did not take statins had a 2% lower risk of Parkinson's compared to those with lower cholesterol.
(b) Those who took statins had a 6% higher risk of Parkinson's.
(c) Those who took fibrates had a 25% higher risk of Parkinson's.

The results of this study show that statins and fibrates increase the risk of Parkinson's.

Links to other studies:
Possible link with statins and dementia
Statins implicated in multiple sclerosis
Statins may be implicated in neurodegenerative diseases

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Adverse side effects may stop up to 75% of patients from continuing with statin treatment

This study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association 2002 Jul 24-31;288(4):462-7

Study title and authors:

Adherence with statin therapy in elderly patients with and without acute coronary syndromes.

Jackevicius CA, Mamdani M, Tu JV.

Department of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, Pharmacy Department and Women's Health Program, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C4. Cynthia.Jackevicius@uhn.on.ca

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12132976

This study was designed to compare 2-year adherence rates of statin prescriptions in 3 groups of patients. All patients were over 65 years old.

The groups were:
(i) Those with recent acute coronary syndrome. (Heart attack and unstable angina) (22,379)
(ii) Those with chronic coronary artery disease. (36,106)
(iii) Those without coronary disease. (85,020)

The adherence rates were:
(i) 40.1% in the acute coronary syndrome group.
(ii) 36.1% in the chronic coronary artery disease group.
(iii) 25.4% in those without coronary disease.

The very high dropout rate of these diverse groups of patients taking statins, suggests that a large percentage of them would have suffered from some of the myriad side effects of statins.

Links to other studies:
Even brief exposure to statins causes muscle damage
Statin treatment increases cardiovascular diseases in diabetics by 31%
Women should not be prescribed statins as they fail to provide any overall health benefit

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High HDL cholesterol gives protection from lung cancer.

This study was published in Lung Cancer 2008 Sep;61(3):292-300

Study title and authors:

HDL-cholesterol and the incidence of lung cancer in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.

Kucharska-Newton AM, Rosamond WD, Schroeder JC, McNeill AM, Coresh J, Folsom AR; Members of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study.

Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27514, United States. Anna Newton@unc.edu

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18342390

This 13 year study examined the association of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels with the incidence of lung cancer in 14,547 people.

The study found that those with the lowest HDL cholesterol had a 45% increased risk of lung cancer.

The best way to raise your HDL cholesterol levels is to consume a diet high in saturated fat. See here, here and here.

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Low cholesterol linked to an increased risk of suicide

This study was published in Psychiatry Research 2011 Jun 30;188(1):83-7

 

Study title and author:

Low cholesterol is a risk factor for attentional impulsivity in patients with mood symptoms.

Troisi A.

Department of Neurosciences, University of Rome Tor Vergatta, Rome, Italy. alfonso.troisi@uniroma2.it

 

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21112642

Troisi notes that attentional impulsivity is a demonstrated risk factor for suicide. Attentional impulsivity is related to mania and depression.

The study examined the relationship between cholesterol levels and attentional impulsivity in 301 patients with mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.

The study found:
(a) Lower cholesterol levels were associated with increased attentional impulsivity.
(b) Participants with cholesterol levels lower than 165mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L) were at a significantly increased risk of attentional impulsivity compared with the rest of the group.

The study shows that low cholesterol is associated with increased attentional impulsivity, and considering that attentional impulsivity is a demonstrated risk factor for suicide, the results of the study suggest that low cholesterol may be linked to an increased risk of suicide.

Links to other studies:
Lowering cholesterol levels lead to an increase in death from accidents, suicide, and violence
Low cholesterol levels associated with violence, antisocial behaviour and premature death
Both low cholesterol levels and declining cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk of death from suicide in men

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High levels of von Willebrand Factor implicated in diabetes complications - high fat diets lower the levels of von Willebrand Factor

This study was published in Metabolism 1994 Nov;43(11):1406-9

Study title and author:
Decrease in von Willebrand factor levels after a high-monounsaturated-fat diet in non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects.

Rasmussen O, Thomsen C, Ingerslev J, Hermansen K.
Medical Department of M (Diabetes & Endocrinology), Aarhus Kommunehospital, Denmark.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7526126

High levels of von Willebrand factor (a protein used in blood clotting) have been reported in diabetics with cardiovascular complications, suggesting a role for this protein in the development of cardiovascular complications in type two diabetics.

This study investigated the effects of a low fat, high carbohydrate diet and a high fat diet on the blood levels of von Willebrand factor. 15 patients with type two diabetes received either diet for three weeks and their levels of von Willebrand factor was measured.

The diets were:
(i) 50% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 30% fat (low fat, high carbohydrate diet).
(ii) 30% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 50% fat (high fat diet).

The study found:
(a) The levels of von Willebrand factor decreased by 12.5% on the high fat diet.
(b) The levels of von Willebrand factor increased by 5.7% on the low fat, high carbohydrate diet.

This study shows how a high fat diet decreases the levels of von Willebrand Factor, and therefore decreases the risk of complications from diabetes.

Links to other studies:
A high fat/low carbohydrate diet reduces high blood sugar levels
High fat diets reduce dangerous C-reactive protein levels by 52.6%
Professor says that low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets are the preferred method for treating type 2 diabetes

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High fat diets may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes

This paper was published in Diabetes Care 2009 May;32(5):959-65

Study title and authors:

Influence of fat and carbohydrate proportions on the metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis.

Kodama S, Saito K, Tanaka S, Maki M, Yachi Y, Sato M, Sugawara A, Totsuka K, Shimano H, Ohashi Y, Yamada N, Sone H.

Department of Lifestyle Medicine and Applied Nutrition, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan.

This paper can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19407076

This paper is a meta-analysis of 19 studies which compared the effects of replacing dietary fat with carbohydrate in patients with type II diabetes.

The average composition of the diets were:
(i) 58% carbohydrate, 24% fat (low fat, high carbohydrate diet).
(ii) 40% carbohydrate, 40% fat (high fat diet).

The study found:
(a) The (bad) fasting insulin levels were 8% higher on the low fat, high carbohydrate diet compared to the high fat diet.
(b) The (bad) triglyceride levels were 13% higher on the low fat, high carbohydrate diet compared to the high fat diet.
(c) The beneficial high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were 6% lower on the low fat, high carbohydrate diet compared to the high fat diet.

The findings of the study suggest that a high fat diet may be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes compared to a low fat, high carbohydrate diet.

Links to other studies:
Diabetes rates have tripled since the low fat crusade started in 1977
High fat, low carbohydrate diets are an effective tool in the treatment of diabetes
High dietary intake of fructose leads to diabetes

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Low fat diets increase the risk of heart disease in diabetics

This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and  Metabolism 1993 Feb;76(2):347-51

Study title and authors:

Effect of variations in dietary fat and carbohydrate intake on postprandial lipemia in patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Chen YD, Swami S, Skowronski R, Coulston AM, Reaven GM.

Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, California.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8432777

The effect of dietary composition on concentrations of triglyceride levels was studied in eight patients with type II diabetes. In the study two diets were consumed by each patient for two weeks.

The diets consisted of:
(i) 60% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 25% fat (low fat diet).
(ii) 45% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 40% fat (high fat diet).

The study found that triglyceride levels were higher after the low-fat (high carbohydrate) diet, and as high triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, the low-fat diet should not be consumed by patients with type II diabetes.

Links to other studies:
Low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets, similar in composition to the recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, have deleterious health effects when consumed by patients with type 2 diabetes
High-fat, carbohydrate-restricted diets are a superior treatment option for type 2 diabetes compared to a low-calorie, low fat diet
LDL cholesterol size: does it matter?

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Higher-fat diets are a more effective treatment for diabetes than low-fat diets

This study was published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 2004 Sep;65(3):235-41

Study title and authors:

Beneficial effect of low carbohydrate in low calorie diets on visceral fat reduction in type 2 diabetic patients with obesity.

Miyashita Y, Koide N, Ohtsuka M, Ozaki H, Itoh Y, Oyama T, Uetake T, Ariga K, Shirai K.

Center of Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism, Sakura Hospital, School of Medicine, Toho University, 564-1 Shimoshizu, Sakura-City, Chiba 285-0841, Japan.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15331203

The aim of this 4 week study was to compare the effects of a low calorie high fat diet and a low calorie low-fat diet in obese subjects with type II diabetes.

22 diabetics received diets of either:
(i) 1000 calories per day, 65% carbohydrate, 25% protein, 10% fat (low-fat diet).
(ii) 1000 calories per day, 40% carbohydrate, 25% protein, 35% fat (higher-fat diet).

The study found:
(a) The harmful fasting high blood insulin levels were reduced by an extra 20% in the higher-fat diet group compared to the low-fat diet group.
(b) The beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased in the higher-fat diet group by 15% but did not increase in the low-fat diet group.
(c) There was a four-fold larger decrease in visceral fat area in the higher-fat diet group compared to the low-fat diet group. (Abdominal, or visceral, fat is of particular concern because it’s associated with a variety of health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and stroke — much more so than subcutaneous fat, which is found just under the skin. Visceral fat, on the other hand, lies out of reach, deep within the abdominal cavity, where it pads the spaces between the abdominal organs).
(d) The ratio of visceral fat area to subcutaneous fat area did not change in the low-fat diet group, but it decreased significantly in the higher-fat diet group.

The results of the study suggest that, a low-calorie/higher-fat diet might be more effective treatment for a reduction of visceral fat, improved insulin sensitivity and an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels than a low calorie/low-fat diet in obese subjects with type II diabetes.

Links to other studies:
Diabetes treated successfully by high fat, low carbohydrate diets
High fat/low carbohydrate diet decreases risk of heart disease
The case for high fat/low carbohydrate diets in diabetes management

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The lower the cholesterol level - the higher the risk of suicide

This study was published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 2003 Sep;108(3):215-21

Study title and authors:
Serum lipid levels and suicide attempts.

Lee HJ, Kim YK.
Department of Psychiatry, Korea University, College of Medicine, Ansan City, Korea.

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12890277

The objective of the study was to determine whether a correlation exists between lower cholesterol levels and increased suicide risk. Cholesterol levels were measured in 60 patients who had recently experienced failed attempts at suicide and equal numbers of non-suicidal patients.

The study found:
(a) Total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in suicide attempt patients compared to non-suicidal patients.
(b) Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were significantly lower in suicide attempt patients compared to non-suicidal patients.
(c) The lower the cholesterol level - the higher the risk of suicide.

This study shows the lower the cholesterol level - the higher the risk of suicide.

Links to other studies:
Evidence of how low cholesterol leads to suicidal behaviour
Low cholesterol levels are associated with more suicide attempts
Those with the lowest cholesterol levels have more than six times the risk of committing suicide than those with the highest cholesterol levels

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High fat/Low carbohydrate diets are particularly effective in reducing the dangerous visceral fat in type II diabetics

This study was published in Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity 2011;4:167-74

Study title and authors:

Effects of a moderate low-carbohydrate diet on preferential abdominal fat loss and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Sasakabe T, Haimoto H, Umegaki H, Wakai K.

Department of Clinical Nutrition, Haimoto Clinic, Yayoi, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan;

This study can be accessed at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21779148

Visceral fat refers to the fat that surrounds the internal organs. Subcutaneous fat is body fat that is close to the skin's surface and is considered less dangerous, and easier to lose than visceral fat.

Studies have shown that those with visceral fat are more susceptible to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high blood pressure.

This study examined the effects of a low carbohydrate diet on visceral fat, subcutaneous fat and heart disease risk factors in patients with type II diabetes. The study included 52 type II diabetes patients who consumed a high fat/low carbohydrate diet for six months.

The main principle of the low carbohydrate diet used in the study was to eliminate carbohydrate-rich foods depending on each patient’s HbA1c levels:

(i) Patients with HbA1c levels less than 9.0% eliminated carohydrate-rich foods from their dinner. 

(ii) patients with an HbA1c level more than 9.0% were asked to eliminate carbohydrates from breakfast and dinner. 

Patients were allowed to eat as much protein and fat as they wanted, including saturated fat. There were no other dietary restrictions.

The study found:

(a) The high fat/low carbohydrate diet resulted in a 14.2% visceral fat loss in men and an 18.9% visceral fat loss in women, as well as a 9.0% subcutaneous fat loss in men and an 8.8% subcutaneous fat loss in women. 

(b) Men lost 2 kg in weight and women lost 1.7 kg in weight.

(c) The unhealthy high HbA1c levels decreased by 1.9% in men and by 1.6% in women.

(d) The unhealthy high fasting glucose levels decreased by 21 mg/dl (1.16 mmol/l) in men and by 20 mg (1.11 mmol/l) in women.

(e) The unhealthy high triglyceride levels decreased by 16 mg/dL (.18 mmol/l) in men and by 7 mg/dL (.08 mmol/l) in women.

(f) The levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol rose by a healthy 5 mg/dL (.13 mmol/l) in men and 1 mg/dL (.03 mmol/l) in women.

The results of the study suggest that as well as been effective for absolute fat loss, the high fat/low carbohydrate diet is particularly effective in reducing the dangerous visceral fat. Additionally the diet reduced the values of many risk factors of heart disease and diabetes complications.

Links to other studies:
As children eat less saturated fat and cholesterol - their obesity rates have soared
Obese and diabetic patients lose more weight on a high fat diet compared to a high carbohydrate diet
High-fat diets are better than high-carbohydrate diets in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

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