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Genetic differences may explain why some people see their cholesterol levels plummet while on low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets. In fact, doctors may provide advice on diets based on the patients genetic profiles.

According to Dr. Ronald M. Krauss of the University of California, Berkeley, who spoke at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society in August on the emerging science of nutrigenomics, which focuses on the way diet interacts with genetics to influence health, millions of people around the world have high blood levels of ``bad'' LDL cholesterol. This type of cholesterol sticks to artery walls and raises risks of heart attack or stroke.

In fact, our genes seem to divide us into two main groups when it comes to the dangerous blood fat. In group ``A'' types, larger and more buoyant LDL particles predominate, while in group ''B'' types, LDL is smaller in diameter but denser and heavier. Of the two types, small LDL is the more lethal due to the fact that ``it is more likely to stick to the artery wall.

However, there are some good news for type B's. When placed on standard low-fat, high-carbohydrate cholesterol-lowering diets, members of this genetic subgroup typically see their levels of LDL (both large and small) fall dramatically. In contrast, type A individuals generally chart a decrease in less harmful large-size LDL cholesterol, while experiencing an overall increase in blood levels of more dangerous small-size LDL--hardly the effect they were seeking.

Individuals who are genetically predisposed to pattern B are the ones who fare better on low-fat diets. Some type A people may want to avoid low-fat diets--especially very extreme ones (less than 10 percent of calories from fat)--altogether.

Pinpointing who is type A or B requires quick identification of the responsible genes. However at this point in time, scientists are still searching for the genes in question. Right now, Krauss' team is studying dietary and cholesterol patterns within families to hone in on five candidate genes, with the most promising located on chromosome 19p.

Information provided is courtesy of and compiled by the Academy of Anti-Aging Research.