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LDL Cholesterol
Primary atherogenic lipoprotein
Also known as: LDL-C,Low-Density Lipoprotein,Direct LDL
Reference Ranges
Clinical Reference
0.0 – 130.0 mg/dL
Optimal Range
50.0 – 100.0 mg/dL
Critical Range
> 160.0
mg/dL
Optimal <100; near optimal 100-129
Related Conditions
Cardiovascular Disease
High
Metabolic Syndrome
High
Food & Lifestyle Recommendations
🍎 Food
Increase soluble fiber (oats, beans, flaxseed, apples); reduce saturated fat from red meat and full-fat dairy
Soluble fiber reduces LDL by 5-10% per meta-analyses; FDA health claim
🍎 Food
Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds)
Replacing saturated with unsaturated fat reduces LDL and CVD events
🏃 Exercise
Regular aerobic exercise (150+ min/week) can reduce LDL by 5-10%
Exercise has modest LDL effect but improves overall lipid profile
Evidence-Backed Supplements
When High
-
Modest LDL reduction; primarily lowers triglycerides
Fish oil (EPA+DHA) 1000–2000 mg EPA+DHA/day With meals -
Meta-analyses show 15-25% LDL reduction
Berberine HCl 500 mg 2–3x/day With meals -
FDA-approved health claim for CVD risk reduction
Psyllium husk powder 5–10 g/day With meals, with 8+ oz water -
Psyllium husk 10g/day reduces LDL by 5-10%; FDA health claim approved
Psyllium husk powder 5–10 g/day With meals, with 8+ oz water -
Red yeast rice contains monacolin K (lovastatin); LDL reduction 15-25% but quality concerns
-
Plant sterols/stanols reduce LDL by 8-10% at 2g/day dose
Plant sterol/stanol esters 1.5–3 g/day With meals
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- Should I have an ApoB test to better assess my cardiovascular risk? ApoB may be more predictive than LDL-C alone
- Given my LDL level, what is my 10-year cardiovascular risk score? Ask about ASCVD risk calculator
Upload your blood test to see how your LDL Cholesterol compares to reference and optimal ranges.
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