EFFECTS OF EXERCISE AND A CHOLESTEROL-FREE DIET ON HUMAN SERUM LIPIDS

Abstract

Six male subjects were maintained on a diet free of all animal fats for 54 days; carbohydrate intake was increased to maintain an approximate caloric balance. Serum cholesterol decreased progressively to a low plateau over the first 3 weeks, and thereafter showed a small rise, suggesting increased synthesis. Treadmill exercise sufficient to increase daily energy expenditure by a sixth was carried out for 14 days during the phase of increased synthesis. Serum cholesterol levels did not differ significantly between exercised and control subjects, but serum triglycerides decreased significantly (P < 0.05) over the exercise period.