What causes low apolipoprotein B levels and what should be done?

Generally, low apolipoprotein B levels may be caused by long-term low-fat diet, excessive exercise, malnutrition, chronic viral hepatitis, hyperthyroidism, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, or medication. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Long-term low-fat diet: Prolonged insufficient fat intake in the diet can affect the supply of raw materials required for the liver to synthesize apolipoprotein B, resulting in reduced levels. Adjust the dietary structure and moderately increase intake of high-quality fats such as egg yolks, deep-sea fish, and nuts, with deep-sea fish consumed 2–3 times per week.

2. Excessive exercise: Long-term high-intensity physical activity excessively consumes lipid-related substances in the body, leading to decreased apolipoprotein B levels. Reduce exercise intensity and switch to moderate-intensity activities such as brisk walking or jogging, exercising 3–5 times per week for about 30 minutes each session, to avoid excessive consumption while maintaining regular physical activity.

3. Malnutrition: Long-term dietary imbalance and deficiencies in essential nutrients such as protein and fat can impair the liver's normal function of synthesizing apolipoprotein B. Increase intake of high-quality protein sources such as lean meat, milk, and soy products, combined with moderate amounts of plant oils such as olive oil and rapeseed oil.

4. Chronic viral hepatitis: The liver is the primary organ for synthesizing apolipoprotein B. Chronic viral hepatitis can damage liver cells, reducing their synthesis capacity. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as diammonium glycyrrhizinate enteric-coated capsules, silymarin capsules, and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules to protect liver cells.

5. Hyperthyroidism: This condition accelerates metabolic rate, increasing lipid breakdown and consumption, thereby lowering apolipoprotein B levels, often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations and excessive sweating. Patients should follow medical guidance to use medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets to manage symptoms.

In daily life, maintain a regular diet, avoid long-term monotonous eating or excessive dieting, and ensure balanced nutrient intake. Regularly recheck lipid levels and related organ functions, and adjust improvement strategies promptly based on indicator changes to maintain metabolic stability.