Correlates of low serum lipid levels among the Evenki herders of Siberia

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Abstract
This study examines serum lipid levels (total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) among the Evenki reindeer herders of Central Siberia. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels among the Evenki are low, even relative to other indigenous arctic and herding populations. Total and LDL cholesterol levels are higher in women, while HDL and triglyceride levels are comparable between the sexes. Additionally, residence location (i.e., herding brigade vs. central villages) has a significant influence on men's but not women's total and LDL cholesterol levels. Low lipid levels among the Evenki appear to reflect the maintenance of a traditional lifestyle with high levels of energy expenditure and relatively low levels of fat consumption. Sex differences in lipid levels may be partly attributable to differences in activity patterns, as women have significantly lower levels of energy expenditure than men.