The lean mass hypersponder phenotype is a unique phenomenon common among individuals who follow a low-carb or zero-carb diet. It is characterized by an increase in LDL cholesterol, an increase in HDL cholesterol, and a decrease in triglycerides. This phenotype is rare in the general population, and the cut points required to characterize it are usually not found in people who consume unhealthy foods.
The increase in LDL cholesterol in individuals with this phenotype has not been shown to increase coronary artery calcification, making it particularly interesting to those concerned about cardiovascular health. Moreover, a recent study found that individuals with high levels of urinary ketones produced by the ketogenic diet have a reduced prevalence of coronary artery calcification.
The case report we will discuss today, published in Frontiers of Endocrinology, describes the lean mass hypersponder phenotype in the context of a low-saturated fat, carbohydrate-restricted diet. The case involves a 21-year-old individual with ulcerative colitis who experienced significant improvement following a ketogenic diet. However, his LDL cholesterol increased to 321 mg/dL, exceeding the cut point for the lean mass hypersponder phenotype.
Despite the high LDL cholesterol level, the individual underwent a coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) that found no evidence of soft and hard calcification of the coronary arteries. This dispels the notion that high LDL cholesterol levels are always harmful and supports the idea that the lean mass hypersponder phenotype is associated with cardiovascular protection.
Many doctors still adhere to the outdated diet-heart hypothesis model, which posits that consuming saturated fats increases blood lipids, leading to atherosclerosis. However, research demonstrates the importance of nuance and the absence of hypertriglyceridemia in assessing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Maintaining a low-carb diet must also be conscious of their metabolic health. The Berberine Fasting Accelerator by Myoscience is a tool that may help improve intermittent fasting protocols and mitigate the consequences of consuming hyper-palatable foods. It promotes an appetite-suppressing effect and raises ketone levels during fasting periods.
In conclusion, the lean mass hypersponder phenotype is a unique and fascinating occurrence that is becoming more commonly recognized, especially in those on a low-carb or zero-carb diet. The case report we have discussed is only the beginning of further scientific inquiry that will investigate the nuances of this phenotype. The potential cardiovascular benefits of this phenotype and the metabolic benefits of a low-carb diet demonstrate the importance of continued research and the need to dispel outdated models of thought in medicine.
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Summary of Transcript:
The video explores the lean mass hypersponder phenotype, which is common in people who follow a low-carb or zero-carb diet and are physically active. This phenotype is characterized by an increase in LDL cholesterol, an increase in HDL cholesterol, and a decrease in triglycerides. The video discusses a case report of a 21-year-old who had ulcerative colitis and went into remission on a ketogenic diet but experienced a significant increase in LDL cholesterol. However, his coronary computed tomography angiogram indicated no evidence of atherosclerosis, suggesting this phenotype may be cardio-protective. The video also discusses the outdated diet-heart hypothesis and suggests that there is a lot of nuance to the relationship between saturated fat, blood lipids, and atherosclerosis. Finally, the video promotes the berberine fasting accelerator as a tool to support metabolic health.
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Summary of Description:
The video discusses the concern over the elevation of LDL cholesterol on a low-carb diet, particularly among those with the lean mass hyper responder phenotype, which consists of higher LDL and HDL cholesterol and low triglycerides. Cut points for concern include LDL over 200 mg/dl, HDL over 80 mg/dl, and triglycerides under 70 mg/dl. However, research suggests that the increase in LDL among hyper responders does not necessarily increase coronary artery calcification. A low-carb diet may mobilize more fat for fuel, and ketones may be cardio-protective.
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Source Description
Are the LDL cholesterol elevations observed on a low-carb diet worth the concern?
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—————————————–Show Notes————————————–
0:00 Intro
0:30 Lean mass hyper responder phenotype: higher LDL, HDL cholesterol, and low triglycerides.
0:40 Cut points: LDL over 200 mg/dl, HDL over 80 mg/dl, and triglycerides under 70 mg/dl.
1:13 A carb-restricted diet mobilizes more fat for fuel.
1:30 The LDL increase in hyper responders does not increase coronary artery calcification.
8:43 A low-carb diet LDL increase is associated with energy redistribution.
9:27 Ketones may be cardioprotective.
