Diet and Plasma Lipids

Abstract

The amount of cholesterol in the diet does affect blood cholesterol levels. In a recent study by Mattson and colleagues (1), a liquid formula diet containing 4 different amounts of cholesterol was fed to over 60 male prisoners. The results clearly show that for each 100 mg cholesterol per 1000 calorie increment there is a linear and predictable rise in serum cholesterol. But, these plasma changes are small and do not tell us how much cholesterol is actually absorbed.