Effects of fasting on HDL particle function and size distribution.

The effects of fasting on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles remain an area of ongoing investigation. This narrative review examines the impact of various fasting regimens, including intermittent fasting (IF) and continuous fasting (CF), on HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), particle size distribution, and concentration. Current evidence on fasting's influence on HDL particles is limited and inconsistent, particularly in IF studies, where variability in HDL metrics, recruitment bias, and confounding factors-such as weight loss as a primary study goal-complicate interpretation. While some CF studies suggest a mild trend toward decreased HDL-C and alterations in HDL particle size distribution, the overall health implications of these changes remain unclear. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how fasting affects HDL particles and their broader implication for health and disease.