I think a lot of it is genetics. I have been lowcarbing for about a year and a half. Not religiously and not paleo, but pretty faithfully LC. I am gluten free, so don't eat those grains with B vitamins. (I do take a B supplement). I drink wine and coffee. My cholesterol went from 199 last January to 172 this January, with a ratio of 2.5. I am sure the lowcarbing has had an effect on this. I do eat a lot of animal protein <G>. I get fat when I eat high carb. I think each of us has to find our own magic bullet re: cholsterol and there is no one answer. Needless to say, I was thrilled with my test results this year! :-) best, Anne Washburn North Carolina