Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is one of three forms of cholesterol complexes monitored by doctors for health reasons. The other types of cholesterol complexes are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is often called bad cholesterol, and HDL is said to be good cholesterol. Cholesterol is a soft, fatty substance found within every cell of the human body. Cholesterol is important to how cells work in everyday life. To get to all the cells of the body, it is necessary for cholesterol to travel through the bloodstream. Because cholesterol is a fat, it cannot go through the bloodstream without help, otherwise the blood and cholesterol would separate and bubble, like oil in water. To solve this problem, proteins surround the cholesterol as it travels through the bloodstream. The combination of the protein and cholesterol forms the cholesterol complex. The cholesterol in each complex is exactly the same.
VLDL is created by the liver when a person consumes more carbohydrates than is expended through energy requirements. VLDL is created to transport this newly created fat to muscle and already existing fat deposits. This is one of the major differences between VLDL, LDL, and HDL: in addition to cholesterol, VLDL contains newly made fat, called triglycerides. After the triglycerides are deposited with the other fat, the cholesterol complex remains, but it is now an intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL). Some IDL is reabsorbed by the liver, but most of it continues to travel through the bloodstream transforming into LDL. Since LDL is the cholesterol complex primarily responsible for clogging and hardening arteries through atherosclerosis, and VLDL can turn into LDL, it is also monitored by doctors.
Several conditions and factors can cause increased levels of VLDL:
? Overeating
? Alcohol use
? Obesity
? Diabetes
? Birth control pills
? Cushing's syndrome
? Uremia
? Hepatitis
? Cancer
? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrotic_syndrome Nephrotic syndrome
? Genetics
VLDL cannot be measured in the same way as LDL and HDL. To determine the amount of VLDL in a person's body, it is necessary for doctors to measure triglyceride levels and estimate VLDL as a percentage of that. Normal ranges of VLDL are anywhere from 5 - 40 mg/dl. For the estimates to be correct, though, it is necessary that the person have triglyceride levels of over 400 mg/dl.
Whenever readings are in the upper range of normal or beyond it is recommended to take steps in reducing VLDL. This done primarily by eating a balanced diet and eliminating foods that promote LDL and triglyceride production. A diet high in fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help reduce VLDL. Natural cholesterol lowering supplements like Vasacor, or prescription statins, can be used to reduce VLDL cholesterol levels. Elimination or reduction of alcohol consumption is also recommended. Along with a healthy diet, most doctors will advise a patient to begin a program of regular exercise. For more information about additional ways to reduce and manage VLDL cholesterol levels, visit cholesterol-reduction.org cholesterol-reduction.org
John MacNamara is a lead researcher and nutritional advisor behind vasacor.com Vasacor Cholesterol Treatment, a natural supplement for people concerned about high cholesterol. He currently serves as a consultant to the nutritional supplement industry, and enjoys hiking and skiing in the Idaho mountains.
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