NEW OBSERVATIONAL STUDY WITH 40 PARTICIPANTS
New study shows that long-term fasting reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by accelerating the removal of cholesterol from arterial plaque
Überlingen, 06.08.2024
A newly published observational study explains the effects of fasting on cholesterol functionality and its potential to reduce the risk of heart disease.
The study was conducted on 40 participants who fasted for 12 days under medical supervision. The participants, a diverse group of both men and women across different ages, were given a follow-up examination one month after they resumed eating.
Fasting significantly improved the participants’ cardiovascular health, as evidenced by reductions in blood pressure, triglyceride levels, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, with the most notable decrease observed in highly atherogenic small LDL particles. These are known as “bad cholesterol” because they tend to deposit cholesterol in the foam cells, which causes atheroma plaque. Remarkably, these most dangerous LDL particles continued to decrease, and remained lower even one month after fasting.
HDL cholesterol increased moderately. A initial decrease in HDL during fasting caused some consternation, because HDL is often referred to as “good cholesterol”. However, the study revealed that this decrease is only temporary. One month after fasting, HDL cholesterol levels increased again, and even surpassed baseline.
Importantly, the study not only highlights the relevance of the level of cholesterol. It also shows that HDL removes cholesterol from arterial plaque at a faster rate in the month following the reintroduction of food. This underscores the importance of the food reintroduction phase.
The most important findings summarised
- This study involved 40 subjects who fasted for 9±3 days under medical supervision in a specialised facility
- During fasting, HDL-cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is almost retained, followed by a significant increase 1-month later
- Cholesterol loading capacity (CLC), a marker of serum proatherogenic potential, decreased remarkably during fasting
- Fasting maintains HDL functionality and induces a beneficial shift in the atherogenic risk profile, even 1-month later
Video about the topic
In this video, Dr Robin Mesnage, Scientific Director of the Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinics, discusses the latest research on the effects of fasting on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
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Contact
For more information or to schedule an interview with the study’s lead researchers, please contact
Dr. Robin Mesnage
Scientific Director of the Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinics
robin.mesnage@buchinger-wilhelmi.com
Publication
Grundler F, Palumbo M, Adorni MP, Zimetti F, Papotti B, Plonne D, Holley A, Mesnage R, Ruscica M, Wilhelmi de Toledo F. (2024). HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and cholesterol loading capacity in long-term fasting: evidence from a prospective, single-arm interventional study in healthy individuals. Atherosclerosis
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