Background: Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an apoB100-containing lipoprotein with high levels positively associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Lp(a) levels are largely genetically determined. Currently, the only approved therapy for patients with extreme elevations of Lp(a) is lipoprotein apheresis, which eliminates apoB100-containing particles including Lp(a). The current study analyzed the association of free-living diet composition with plasma Lp(a) levels. Methods: Dietary composition data from 28 diverse participants was collected via a standardized protocol by registered dietitians using 24-hour recalls. Data were analyzed with the Nutrition Data System for Research (Version 2018). Diet quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) score. Fasting plasma Lp(a) levels were measured via an isoform-independent ELISA. Results: Subjects self-reported race/ethnicity [Black (n=18); Hispanic (n=7); White (n=3)]. The mean age was 48.3±12.5 years with 17 males. Median level of Lp(a) was 79.9 nmol/L (34.4-146.0) and was negatively associated with absolute (g/d) and relative (percent calories) intake of dietary saturated fatty acid (SFA) (SFA absolute: R= -0.43, p= 0.021, SFA calorie %: R= -0.38, p= 0.044), absolute palmitic acid intake (palmitic absolute: R= -0.38, p= 0.045), and absolute steric acid intake (steric absolute: R= -0.40, p= 0.034). Analyses of associations with HEI when stratified based on Lp(a) levels > or ≤ 100nmol/L revealed no significant associations with any of the constituent factors. Conclusions: We found a negative relationship between dietary saturated fatty acid intake and Lp(a) levels in a diverse cohort of individuals. The mechanisms underlying this relationship require further investigation.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

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This work by supported by NIH funds: Reyes-Soffer, R01 HL139759 and UL1TR001873. Additional private donor funds support publication cost.

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