Is High Cholesterol Deleterious? An Alternative Point of View. Comment on Burén et al. A Ketogenic Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Diet Increases LDL Cholesterol in Healthy, Young, Normal-Weight Women: A Randomized Controlled Feeding Trial. Nutrients 2021, 13, 814.

Uffe Ravnskov

doi:10.3390/nu13062119

Abstract

In their study of the effect of an LCHF-diet on blood lipids, Burén et al. [...].

Highlights

In their study of the effect of an LCHF-diet on blood lipids, Burén et al became worried because, after a few weeks, the participants’ LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) increased significantly [1]
It is correct that many studies have found an association between LDL-C and cardiovascular disease, but association is not the same as causation
We have documented that the cholesterol hypothesis is unable to satisfy any of the Bradford Hill criteria for causality [2]

Summary

Introduction

In their study of the effect of an LCHF-diet on blood lipids, Burén et al became worried because, after a few weeks, the participants’ LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) increased significantly [1]. It is correct that many studies have found an association between LDL-C and cardiovascular disease, but association is not the same as causation.

Results

Conclusion