What is an optimal VLDL Cholesterol level?
The short answer
Optimal VLDL Cholesterol is under 15 mg/dL, as stated on video.
Most labs call VLDL Cholesterol high only above 30. So your report can call 23 normal while it sits above the optimal ceiling.
“...the other poor man's way to get a V LDL-C. And I like to see that number less than 15 milligrams per deciliter.”
What each range means
- under 15 mg/dL Optimal
- 15–30 mg/dL Normal on most reports. Above optimal Dr. Peter Attia · 5:32 →
- over 30 mg/dL Most labs flag this as high
What VLDL Cholesterol measures
The cholesterol carried on the particles your liver uses to ship triglycerides out.
Most labs estimate it from triglycerides instead of measuring it. It counts toward the particles that can enter an artery wall.
Checked against MedlinePlus — VLDL Test.
Common questions
What is an optimal VLDL Cholesterol level?
Under 15 mg/dL, from a quote on video (Dr. Peter Attia, 5:32).
What is a normal VLDL Cholesterol level?
Most US labs print 2–30 mg/dL. Your report grades you against that range. It exists to catch disease, not to describe your best.
What does your VLDL Cholesterol number mean?
On a typical lab range, under 2 mg/dL is low, 2 to 30 is normal and over 30 is high. Your own report prints its range next to your number, and that is the one your lab uses. The optimal range on this page comes with the quote behind it.
Is VLDL Cholesterol of 23 normal?
A typical lab range calls it normal. On video, the optimal ceiling is 15 mg/dL (Dr. Peter Attia, 5:32), so by that line it is high.
What does the VLDL Cholesterol test measure?
The cholesterol carried on the particles your liver uses to ship triglycerides out. Most labs estimate it from triglycerides instead of measuring it. It counts toward the particles that can enter an artery wall.