Med Clin (Barc). 1981 Mar; 76(6): 246-50.

[High density lipoprotein cholesterol. Normal values, influence of vascular risk factors and of a vegetarian diet (author's transl)]

The serum levels of cholesterol bound to high density lipoproteins (HDL-C) were determined by the heparin-manganese chloride precipitation method in 306 subjects, 182 male with ages ranging from 11 to 81 years, and 124 female with ages ranging from 7 to 78 years. Twenty six subjects belonged to a lacto-vegetarian community, while the remaining 280 were healthy volunteers, factory workmen sampled during a regular check-up, and either outpatients or inpatients being evaluated for minor illnesses or minor surgery. None of the subjects had arteriosclerosis or a metabolic disease and, with the exception of the lacto-vegetarians, they were all consuming a normal diet. HDL-C concentrations varied very little among the different age groups. Females had HDL-C values slightly superior to those of males. No significant differences were found between smokers and non-smokers, alcohol drinkers and non-drinkers, and regularly exercising and sedentary people. HDL-C concentrations were independent of total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Females under oral contraceptive treatment had lower HDL-C levels than control females, but the differences were not statistically significant. Compared with age and sex-matched controls, the lactovegetarians showed similar HDL-C concentrations.