Fish oil supplementation and LDL cholesterol
Last Updated Aug 2007
Q: Different studies have shown that fish oil supplementation can increase LDL
concentration. Could you comment?
Dr. Claude M.
A: Dear Claude,
There are two types of LDL particles; the large, fluffy LDL particles that are not
atherogenic, and the small, dense LDL particles that are atherogenic. Although
fish oil will not change the LDL concentrations, there will be a shift of the LDL
particle size from the small dense particles to the large, fluffy particles.
Following the Zone Diet will decrease LDL levels because the reduction in insulin
levels removes a stimulator for the accelerated production of LDL particles in the
liver.