Being fairly new to this board, could someone explain the relationship between LDL "a" and "B", Tri's and Atkins? I am 46 and started Atkins in Jan. Have lost 15 lbs. of the 30 lbs. goal and have never felt better in my life. I have tried everything from low-fat to Weight Watchers to low cal and nothing worked.

My first cholesterol test in 1993 showed high numbers which I found out runs in the family. However there is no heart disease. Numbers then were 242 total, 76 HDL, 124 LDL, 209 Tri's and 3.2 ratio.

Last fall I started a course of 4000 mg. garlic, 2000 mg. flaxseed oil, 1000 mg. flush free niacin, and 2000 mg. fish oil concentrate per day. My recent tests are as follows: 254 total, 74 HDL, 165 LDL, 73 Tri's and 3.4 ratio with 0.9 HDL/Tri ratio.

Question: how can I reduce the LDL to see the excellent results I have seen in the Tri's? I saw something on this board about Tri "a" and Tri "b" but am unfamiliar with this. Are the things I am taking responsible for the reduced Tri's? Is there something I am missing that can get that LDL down? Thanks to all help!

Beth - there is a recent study that shows having low triclycerides directly correlates to having high levels of the harmless subtype "a" LDL. Which is why HDL and Trig numbers are more important than just total numbers. High Trig levels correlate directly to high carb intake, that is why Atkins is working for you. Trans fat intake is also said to increase LDL but you should not worry about them because you have eliminated them going Atkins. I would recommend going to the medical issues section of Protein Power Life Plan web site and either post or search for your answers to cholesterol questions. They have a ton of scientific knowledge and success in this area. I have been eating low carb for quite some time with excellent success for health, not for weight loss. Eat healthy and the weight comes off naturally. Good luck

Thanks for the reply. I was always skeptical of Atkins because I thought all you ate was bacon, eggs and butter. I now see that is not the case. Until recently, I thought breads and pastas were good for your health and great for a diet!

I will look into the website you suggested. I am glad to know my HDL and Tri's are good. I will keep on the current plan and see what information the Protein Power Life Plan can give me on the LDL situation.