What dietary interventions have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol?
Effective dietary approaches to lowering LDL cholesterol include replacing saturated and trans fatty acids with dietary carbohydrates or unsaturated fatty acids and reducing dietary cholesterol. Although the response to dietary interventions is variable, a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol typically lowers LDL cholesterol by 10% to 15%. Other beneficial dietary interventions can include addition of plant stanols/sterols (2 g/d), which trials suggest lower LDL cholesterol by 5% to 15%, and addition of viscous fiber (.10 g/d), which reduces LDL cholesterol by 3% to 5%. A 10-lb weight loss reduces LDL cholesterol by 5% to 8%. Regular physical activity is also a key component of therapeutic lifestyle modification. Although exercise does not reliably lower LDL cholesterol, it facilitates weight loss and has other beneficial effects on the lipid profile.