Can someone with elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels eat chicken liver?

Dietary Recommendations for Individuals with LDL of 138 mg/dL

Chicken liver should be limited or avoided for individuals with an LDL of 138 mg/dL due to its high cholesterol content, which can further elevate LDL levels. 1

Rationale for Limiting Chicken Liver

Chicken liver is an organ meat that contains high amounts of cholesterol. For individuals with elevated LDL levels:

• The American Heart Association recommends limiting dietary cholesterol to <200 mg/day 1
• Individuals with LDL >130 mg/dL (which includes someone with LDL of 138 mg/dL) should restrict cholesterol intake to <7% of total calories and maintain cholesterol intake below 200 mg/day 1
• High cholesterol organ meats, including liver, should be limited or avoided due to their significant cholesterol content 1

Recommended Dietary Approach for Managing Elevated LDL

Foods to Limit or Avoid

• Organ meats (liver, kidney, brain)
• Foods high in saturated fats
• Trans fatty acids
• Full-fat dairy products 1
• Limit saturated fat to 7% of energy intake 2

Recommended Foods

• Foods high in unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil)
• Plant sterols/stanols (2g/day)
• High soluble fiber foods (10-25g/day) such as oats, barley, and psyllium
• Fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, and fish 2, 1

Specific LDL-Lowering Strategies

1. Reduce saturated fat intake: Limit to <7% of total calories 2, 1
2. Increase soluble fiber: Aim for 10-25g/day 2
3. Add plant stanols/sterols: Target 2g/day 2
4. Maintain healthy weight: Weight loss can help lower LDL levels 2
5. Regular physical activity: At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days 1
6. Consider Mediterranean-style diet: Rich in olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, fish, and legumes 1

Protein Alternatives to Chicken Liver

Instead of chicken liver, consider these protein sources that are lower in cholesterol:

• Lean white meat (chicken breast, fish)
• Lean red meat in moderation
• Plant-based proteins (legumes, tofu)

Research has shown that lean red meats and lean white meats have similar effects on serum lipids when incorporated into a cholesterol-lowering diet 3, so the focus should be on limiting organ meats rather than all animal proteins.

Monitoring Recommendations

• Recheck lipid profile after 8-12 weeks of dietary changes to assess effectiveness 1
• For someone with LDL of 138 mg/dL (moderately high-risk), aim for an LDL-C goal of <130 mg/dL 1

Key Takeaway

While chicken liver is nutritious in many ways, its high cholesterol content makes it unsuitable for someone with elevated LDL levels of 138 mg/dL. Focus instead on a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, high in soluble fiber, and include foods with plant sterols to help manage your LDL levels.