Question 3
Even though weight loss was not significant, LDL cholesterol was still lowered more than expected. What other factors could have contributed to lowering the subjects' LDL cholesterol?
posted by StephHyett @ 5:23 PM
25 comments
25 Comments:
If overall fat and caloric intake was lowered, then the liver wouldn't have to manufacture as much LDL due to the lowered level of triglycerides requiring LDL for transportation. If the liver doesn't have to produce as much LDL, then obviously blood levels of LDL will be lowered.
Decreased caloric intake in addition to lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol most likely contributed to the "larger than predicted" reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in the control group. Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol elevate LDL levels by down-regulating the LDL receptors in the liver. As LDL receptor activity is suppressed, less LDL is cleared from the blood and levels rise.
The decrease if fat and caloric intake could have easily impacted the LDL level so it was probably a combination of all these that caused such a dramatic result.
A decrease in fat and calories would possibly explain the higher than expected results.
The reduction in high fat and high calorically dense foods was probably the most significant contributor to a decrease in LDL levels. However, the participants were also encouraged to exercise at least 30-60 minutes on most days of the week and it was noted that both groups increased their physical activity. Exercising increases HDLs, which are the good type of cholesterol and it also decreases LDLs, which are the bad type of cholesterol.
Like stated above the participants were encouraged to decrease overall energy intake, reduce portions and increase physical activity. As we all know regular physical activity increases HDL and can contribute to reducing LDL. Additionally, each participant received individualized nutritional counseling with an RD twice a week to reinforce diet recommendations. This combination most likely contributed to the “more than expected” LDL reduction. Furthermore, the participants had an amplified awareness of their daily intake patterns. It may have been interesting to review the diet recommendations from each RD to determine what information was actually provided.
The research although emphasizing on the consumption of ready to eat oats also included many other healthful factors that could have had a decrease on the LDL cholesterol of the participants. Any person who has a high LDL level, the dietitian or doctor are going to recommend decreasing high fatty and caloric dense foods while increasing exercise along with some other recommendations which is precisely what this diet asked it's participants to do. Therefore, consuming the oats was not the only thing beneficial to improvement of lipid levels, specifically LDL cholesterol.
Similar to what was mentioned above, if the subject’s total fat consumption and caloric intake were lowered, this would cause their LDL to lower. Also, the participants engaged in regular physical activity, and as a result their HDL probably increased while their LDL lowered.
In addition to consumption of the ready-to-eat cereal, overall caloric restriction and a decrease in intake of saturated fat and cholesterol could also have lowered the subjects LDL cholesterol.
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The fact that overall calorie and fat intake was lower during this study, so that could have a big impact on LDL. Also, other lifestyle changes that were not noticed or reported may have taken place during the study to impact the cholesterol levels.
Jenn,
I didn't think about the lowered need for LDL production from the liver! Great thought.
Jenn,
I didn't think about the lowered need for LDL production from the liver! Great thought.
The decrease in LDL cholesterol was likely caused by the study group’s high intake of soluble fiber from the whole grain oat cereal. The body eliminates cholesterol through the secretion of bile acids. Research indicates that soluble fiber binds bile acids in the intestines, causing them to be eliminated. Since fewer bile acids are available, the liver draws cholesterol from the bloodstream to create more, thus causing a decrease in serum cholesterol levels.
Fewer calories than the client usually consumes, increased amounts of oat bran fiber, increased physical activity, and regular check-ins with an RD would all combine to help lower LDL cholesterol.
The overall decrease in energy intake, the 30-60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week, and the decrease in high fat and energy dense foods most likely contributed to lowering the subjects' LDL cholesterol.
The decrease in caloric intake as well as saturated fat are two key contributors to a larger than predicted reduction in LDL cholesterol. However, these to factors in conjunction with regular exercise and biweekly RD visits all serve to lower cholesterol.
Sarah Gervais
There could be several things that contributed to the lower LDL cholesterol levels such as the participants engaged in more physical activity, they were consuming a large amount of fiber daily, and their diets were modified so they were consuming less calories and less saturated fat.
I remember the article saying that the RD's encouraged people to exercise 30-60 minutes most days of the week. I think that may have had a big impact on the LDL levels as well as participants most likely having an overall healthier diet in addition to the RTE oats.
Anna Taylor said:
Even if weight isn't lost, total calorie intake and fat could be reduced. Changes like these, along with increased physical activity and increased soluble fiber intake, are probably what led to the lowering of the subjects' LDL cholesterol.
The reduced amount of fat and caloric intake impacted the LDL levels in addition to physical activity if the participants adhered to the encouragement of exercising.
Other factors that could have contributed to the LDL cholesterol being lower than expected would include overall lower caloric intake, reduced fat intake (especially saturated fat), and lower dietary cholesterol intake. In addition, the study stated that most participants increased physical activity, and this can also have a lowering effect on LDL levels.
Sarah Udell,
I agree. I think that the 30-60 minute exercise had a large impact on the cholesterol levels.
I think everyone has the right idea. The decreased overall energy intake and increase in exercise/energy expenditure would most likely yield these results.
I also agree with Rachel. I overlooked that each participant received individualized nutritional counseling with an RD twice a week. This could have definitely contributed to lowering the LDL cholesterol.
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