Low Blood Cholesterol Associated with High Calorie, High Saturated Fat Intakes in a Swiss Alpine Village Population

Abstract

The serum cholesterol level of the population of a Swiss alpine village was compared to that of a working class group of similar ethnic origin in the city of Basel. Despite their high calorie intake and the high saturated fat content of their diet, the villagers showed a low serum cholesterol level, comparable to that observed in poor underdeveloped populations on low fat diets. The population of Basel showed serum cholesterol levels similar to those in the United States. The differences cannot be explained by differences in weight, adiposity, altitude and climate, smoking habits or serum magnesium. The striking difference in physical activity may be responsible for it.