Anyone concerned with this?

Over the past 5 years, my cholesterol has decreased from 153 to a most recent measurement of 118. This tracks with me transitioning to a high protein/low fat diet. I probably eat even more low fat than most, as I prefer my calories to come from protein and carbs rather than fat (just a personal preference). I don't avoid fat altogether, and some days I do choose to eat more, but not on a regular or consistent basis.

The reference range at Quest is 125-199. I've been less than 125 three times, but two measurements were 124, so I figured that was within the error of the test.

This recent test is the lowest it's ever been. I also have a freakishly low ApoB. I figure a lot of this is genetics, and I will ask my physician about it, but I'm wondering if anyone else has specifically addressed this issue on the advice of their doctor

My LDL (52), HDL (59), and non-HDL (65) are all within normal range, as are my triglycerides (53).

There are certain conditions associated with very low cholesterol. But if you're otherwise healthy, probably don't have any of those conditions.

But, apparently very low cholesterol is associated with increased mortality. I don't know what that means on a subgroup analysis - what kinds of people have that super low cholesterol, what was their diet/genetics/body habitus like, etc.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33691735/

Yeah, I'm thinking my numbers aren't really low enough to worry about, but I was curious if anyone else had been told differently.

How do you get ApoB covered? I'm interested in mine but insurances usually will not pay for the more in depth lipid panels.

KidDoc said:

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How do you get ApoB covered? I'm interested in mine but insurances usually will not pay for the more in depth lipid panels.

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I've never used them, but you can order a la carte with these guys. https://ownyourlabs.com/shop-oyl/

KidDoc said:

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How do you get ApoB covered? I'm interested in mine but insurances usually will not pay for the more in depth lipid panels.

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My doctor orders it as part of my annual bloodwork.

I'm on an HDHP, so I'm paying OOP, but I do get the insurance-negotiated rate, so it's not very expensive.

I've heard it's now more standard of a test and covered. Otherwise, I've also heard it is fairly inexpensive.

Sweet I'll ask for it next round if it isn't in my round tomorrow. Really trying to stay off statins due to the questionable evidence of LDL being predictive (vs ApoB) and muscle pain and potential dementia side effects.

TXTransplant said:

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Anyone concerned with this?

Over the past 5 years, my cholesterol has decreased from 153 to a most recent measurement of 118. This tracks with me transitioning to a high protein/low fat diet. I probably eat even more low fat than most, as I prefer my calories to come from protein and carbs rather than fat (just a personal preference). I don't avoid fat altogether, and some days I do choose to eat more, but not on a regular or consistent basis.

The reference range at Quest is 125-199. I've been less than 125 three times, but two measurements were 124, so I figured that was within the error of the test.

This recent test is the lowest it's ever been. I also have a freakishly low ApoB. I figure a lot of this is genetics, and I will ask my physician about it, but I'm wondering if anyone else has specifically addressed this issue on the advice of their doctor

My LDL (52), HDL (59), and non-HDL (65) are all within normal range, as are my triglycerides (53).

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Jesus. I would kill for those numbers. How many grams of saturated fat do you limit yourself to in a day? Less than 10?

I don't intentionally limit my fat, and I don't even look at saturated fat. I just don't really crave fatty foods. It's a special treat to have a steak or something cooked in butter.