In recent years, we have had it drummed into us that there is an important distinction to be made between different kinds of cholesterol. On the one hand, there is the so-called “good” variety – high-density lipoprotein (HDL) non-oxidized cholesterol – and we should keep its level high. On the other hand, there is so-called “bad cholesterol” – low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – the level of which should be kept low.
Consequently, it is not enough to state baldly that someone has a high overall cholesterol level.
Recently, a gene has been identified which provides information about whether we have a genetically determined high HDL level. And we also know what can be done if a person does not have this beneficial gene variant: by taking certain combinations of vitamins, it is possible to increase the level of good cholesterol. As a corollary, it is possible to mitigate the effect of the “less good” genotype by means of a change in lifestyle, i.e. diet or vitamin supplements. But of course, you have to know your genes first.
