Lipoprotein (a) Update

Lipoprotein (a) Update

In March of last year I wrote an article about the “Sneaky Heart Danger” Lipoprotein (a). In it I wrote that:  “High levels of Lipoprotein (a) increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease and that Lipoprotein (a) levels are NOT affected by lifestyle changes”.   Another disturbing fact is that high Lipoprotein (a) levels are NOT rare as it is estimated that 63 million Americans have an inherited predisposition for high levels.

New Information from Web Site Visitor

A commenter named Ruth was kind enough to share a research article published last year entitled “Consumption of a defined plant-based diet reduces Lipoprotein (a), inflammation and other atherogenic lipoproteins and particles within 4 weeks”.

The defined plant-based diet excluded animal products, cooked foods, free oils, soda, alcohol and coffee.  It allowed for the consumption of raw fruits, vegetables, seeds, avocado and small amounts of raw buckwheat and oats.

The study authors concluded:

“A defined, plant‐based diet has a favorable impact on Lp(a) and other atherogenic lipoproteins and particles. Lp(a) concentration was previously thought to be only minimally altered by lifestyle interventions. In this study, however, a defined plant‐based diet resulted in a substantial reduction in Lp(a) in only 4 weeks. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms that contribute to reduced Lp(a) concentrations, which may include alterations in LPA gene expression mediated via hepatic inflammation.”

My Thoughts

This preliminary study is encouraging. It will be interesting to see if future studies will show an actual reduction in cardiac events.  I’d also like to see studies that at least allow some cooked veggies, grains and legumes.  It’s hard enough for most people to transition to a whole food plant based (WFPB) diet let alone one that excludes all cooked food.

We’ll see how it plays out.

Stay Healthy and Strong