VLDL cholesterol: What is it?

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol is one of the three major types of blood cholesterol combined with protein. The other two are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Each type contains a specific combination of cholesterol, protein and triglyceride, a blood fat. VLDL cholesterol contains the highest amount of triglyceride.

Like LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol is considered "bad" cholesterol because elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. There is no simple, direct way to measure VLDL cholesterol. So it is usually calculated as a percentage of triglyceride levels.

As triglyceride levels are reduced, so are VLDL levels. Foods that are high in glycemic index tend to stimulate VLDL cholesterol production.