What is the dietary treatment for low HDL cholesterol?
Supplementation with several food additives and nutritional supplements has been tested. A systematic review with meta-analysis of 23 RCTs evaluating effect of various amounts of soy protein with isoflavones on lipid profile found a 3% increase in HDL with an absolute difference 1.5 mg/dL (95% CI, 0.0–2.8).4 Supplementation with standard multivitamins in a single small, crossover RCT showed a 31% increase in HDL.5
Many other strategies, supplements, and plans have been tested in different populations. Other than the above interventions, no other interventions raise HDL when subjected to meta-analysis or quality randomized trials (TABLE).
Recommendations from others
No specific guidelines on dietary therapy of HDL exist; however, the American Heart Association (AHA) published diet and lifestyle recommendations in 2006.14 These guidelines recommend a diet low in fat, saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol in addition to minimizing sodium, added sugars, and alcohol. The AHA also recommends for consumption of oily fish and the DASH diet.
Acknowledgments
The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and not to be construed as official, or as reflecting the views of the US Air Force Medical Service or the US Air Force at large.
