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Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.

In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.

Apr 15, 2025

VLDL vs Non-HDL Cholesterol: Key Differences Explained

Compare VLDL and Non-HDL Cholesterol to learn which marker is more relevant for health assessment.

Introduction

VLDL and Non-HDL Cholesterol are both valuable markers in assessing cardiovascular and metabolic risk. This comparison explores how each contributes to identifying lipid-related health concerns.

What Is VLDL?

VLDL transports triglycerides from the liver to tissues. It is often elevated in people with insulin resistance, obesity, and fatty liver disease.

What Is Non-HDL Cholesterol?

NON-HDL-CHOLESTEROL represents the total cholesterol content of all atherogenic particles, including VLDL, IDL, LDL, and Lp(a). It is considered a broader and more predictive measure of cardiovascular risk than LDL alone.

Comparison Table

Criteria

VLDL

Non-HDL Cholesterol

Primary Function

Transports triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues.

Measures cholesterol in all atherogenic lipoproteins excluding HDL.

Diagnostic Relevance

Indicates triglyceride burden and risk of fatty liver and insulin resistance.

Strong predictor of cardiovascular events; better than LDL in mixed dyslipidemia.

Speed of Response

Fluctuates with triglyceride production and dietary intake.

Changes with lipid-altering therapies and long-term metabolic shifts.

Specificity

Specific to triglyceride transport and VLDL particle activity.

Captures total atherogenic cholesterol load including VLDL, LDL, IDL, Lp(a).

Clinical Use

Used in metabolic profiling, NAFLD, and cardiovascular risk assessment.

Recommended marker for evaluating residual cardiovascular risk.

Measurement Units

mg/dL (often estimated from triglycerides)

mg/dL (calculated: Total Cholesterol - HDL)

Normal Range

5–40 mg/dL (estimated)

Below 130 mg/dL (or below 100 mg/dL in high-risk patients)

Best Use Case

Tracking triglyceride metabolism and liver-derived lipoproteins.

Evaluating total atherogenic burden in cardiovascular risk management.

Clinical Use Cases

VLDL is used to evaluate triglyceride levels and understand metabolic function. It’s helpful in assessing NAFLD, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular inflammation.

Non-HDL Cholesterol is recommended by major guidelines for estimating total atherogenic cholesterol burden, especially in patients with high triglycerides or mixed dyslipidemia.

Which Test Should You Choose?

Non-HDL Cholesterol is the preferred marker for cardiovascular risk when triglycerides are elevated or LDL is ambiguous. VLDL can offer additional insight into liver lipid activity and metabolic syndrome.

Using Both Together

These markers complement each other. Non-HDL provides a broad risk score, while VLDL focuses on triglyceride metabolism. Using both helps detect combined metabolic and cardiovascular threats.

Pros and Limitations

  • VLDL Pros: Sensitive to triglyceride dynamics and liver output.

  • VLDL Limitations: Not commonly measured directly; affected by recent meals.

  • Non-HDL Cholesterol Pros: More predictive of cardiovascular events than LDL alone.

  • Non-HDL Limitations: Doesn’t isolate specific lipid contributors like VLDL or Lp(a).

When to Test

Both markers are part of an extended lipid panel. Test them when triglycerides are elevated, heart disease risk is high, or metabolic dysfunction is suspected.

FAQs

Is Non-HDL better than LDL?

Yes, especially in people with high triglycerides or mixed lipid abnormalities.

Can VLDL and Non-HDL both be high?

Yes. This combination suggests elevated triglycerides and total atherogenic burden, increasing cardiovascular risk.

Can lifestyle changes improve both markers?

Yes. Reducing sugar, trans fats, and increasing fiber and exercise help both VLDL and Non-HDL levels.

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What would cost you $15,000? $399 with Mito.

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What's included

Core Panel - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers

Clinician reviewed insights and action plan

1:1 consultation with a real clinician

Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking

Dedicated 1:1 health coaching

Duo Bundle (For 2)

Most popular

$798

$760

5% off

Individual

$399

$349

13%

What would cost you $15,000? $399 with Mito.

No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.

What's included

Core Panel - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers

Clinician reviewed insights and action plan

1:1 consultation with a real clinician

Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking

Dedicated 1:1 health coaching

Duo Bundle (For 2)

Most popular

$798

$760

5% off

Individual

$399

$349

13%

What would cost you $15,000? $399 with Mito.

No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.

What's included

Core Panel - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers

Clinician reviewed insights and action plan

1:1 consultation with a real clinician

Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking

Dedicated 1:1 health coaching

Duo Bundle (For 2)

Most popular

$798

$760

5% off

Individual

$399

$349

13%

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

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The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.

Company

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Join our newsletter

The information provided by Mito Health is for improving your overall health and wellness only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We engage the services of partner clinics authorised to order the tests and to receive your blood test results prior to making Mito Health analytics and recommendations available to you. These interactions are not intended to create, nor do they create, a doctor-patient relationship. You should seek the advice of a doctor or other qualified health provider with whom you have such a relationship if you are experiencing any symptoms of, or believe you may have, any medical or psychiatric condition. You should not ignore professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of Mito Health recommendations or analysis. This service should not be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your clinician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your clinician or other qualified health provider.

© 2025 Mito Health Inc.