Serum Lipids in South African Bantu and White Subjects

Abstract

Normal South African Bantus differ from white Europeans in lipoprotein pattern as well as in total serum cholesterol. Urban Bantus have higher α-lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations and lower β-lipoprotein cholesterols than whites. Young rural Bantus have lower α-lipoprotein cholesterols than young urban Bantus, and both have lower β-lipoprotein cholesterols than old urban Bantus. These differences may be related to standards of living and are thought to be of value in defining the "ideal" levels for both cholesterol fractions.