Abstract
BackgroundRegular-fat cheese does not seem to increase low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations compared to reduced-fat cheese. However, plasma LDL-C concentrations do not reflect levels and size of LDL particles, which might be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk.MethodsThe aim was to compare the effects of regular-fat cheese vs reduced-fat cheese and carbohydrate-rich foods on LDL particle size distribution in adults with ≥ 2 metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors. The study was part of a 12 weeks’ randomized controlled trial in which subjects had been randomly allocated to 1 of 3 intervention groups; regular-fat cheese (REG), reduced-fat cheese (RED) or a no-cheese/carbohydrate (CHO) group. Subjects in the REG and RED groups consumed 80 g cheese/d per 10 MJ, whereas subjects in the CHO consumed bread and jam corresponding to 90 g/d and 25 g/d per 10 MJ, respectively. Fasting blood samples at wk. 0 (baseline) and wk. 12 were analyzed for LDL particle size distribution and cholesterol content using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.ResultsA total of 85 subjects [mean ± SD age: 54.0 ± 12.8 y; BMI: 28.7 ± 3.6 kg/m2] completed the study. Overall, regular-fat cheese did not impact lipoprotein particle number and size differently than reduced-fat cheese. In men (n = 23), the REG diet decreased total LDL particle number (LDL-P, − 223.2 ± 91.1 nmol/l, P = 0.01) compared with the RED diet. The reduction was primarily in the medium-sized LDL fraction (− 128.5 ± 51.8 nmol/l, P = 0.01). In women (n = 62), the REG diet increased the concentration of cholesterol in the small high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles compared with the CHO diet (2.9 ± 1.0 mg/dl, P = 0.006).ConclusionOverall, regular-fat cheese did not alter LDL particle size distribution compared to reduced-fat cheese after a 12 wk. intervention in subjects with ≥2 MetS risk factors. However, our results suggest that lipoprotein response to cheese intake is gender-specific. This warrants further investigation.Trial registrationThis trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT0261471. Registered 30 November 2015 - Retrospectively registered.
Highlights
Regular-fat cheese does not seem to increase low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations compared to reduced-fat cheese
The gender sub analysis showed a decrease in Low density lipoprotein particle number (LDL-P) in men on the regular-fat cheese (REG) diet compared to the reduced-fat cheese (RED) diet (− 223.2 ± 91.1 nmol/l, P = 0.01) (Table 5)
Ratios of LDL-C:High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and ApoB:ApoA-1 were significantly reduced in men on the REG diet compared with the RED diet (− 0.53 ± 0.13, P = 0.0007 and 0.09 ± 0.03, P = 0.009, respectively), but did not differ from that of the CHO diet (Table 5)
Summary
Regular-fat cheese does not seem to increase low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations compared to reduced-fat cheese. Plasma LDL-C concentrations do not reflect levels and size of LDL particles, which might be a better predictor of cardiovascular risk. Epidemiological studies have revealed that reducing plasma cholesterol levels results in clinically relevant reductions in risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) [1]. Increased plasma low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations is considered one of the main CVD risk factors, a number of individuals who develop atherosclerosis and CVD have LDL-C concentrations in the normal range [2]. Studies show that a higher presence of small, dense LDL (sdLDL) particles is associated with a higher risk of CVD [4, 5], independent of plasma LDL-C concentrations [6, 7]. The benefit of reducing the intake of foods with high amounts of saturated fat is highly dependent on what is eaten instead
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
