Apolipoprotein A-I

Lipids marker

Apolipoprotein A1

Apolipoprotein A-I

Category: Lipids
Unit: g/L

The primary structural protein of HDL particles. Superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to HDL-C because it directly quantifies functional HDL particles.

PED Notes

Oral 17-alpha-alkylated AAS devastate ApoA-1. Stanozolol reduced ApoA-1 by 40% in clinical studies — it upregulates hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) by 230% within 3 days, accelerating HDL catabolism. Injectable testosterone at TRT doses has minimal effect. Nandrolone showed no significant change. Compounds ranked worst to least: Stanozolol > Oxandrolone > Oxymetholone > Trenbolone > Boldenone > Testosterone > Nandrolone. Recovery is slow — ApoA-1 had not returned to baseline 6 weeks after a 14-week cycle.

When low (<1.10 g/L):

Supplements:

  • Niacin (Extended-Release) -- 1500-2000mg/day (titrate up by 500mg every 4 weeks). Increases ApoA-1 by ~8%. Take at bedtime with aspirin 81mg 30 min prior to reduce flushing
  • Omega-3 (EPA/DHA) -- 3-4g/day. Improves HDL-ApoA-1 exchange and cholesterol efflux capacity
  • Citrus Bergamot -- 500mg 2x/day. Increases HDL-C and modestly improves ApoA-1

Lifestyle:

  • Aerobic exercise -- 30-45 min, 3-5x/week. Meta-analysis of 57 RCTs shows aerobic training significantly increases ApoA-1
  • Eliminate or reduce oral AAS — this is the single most impactful intervention. If ApoA-1 is below 0.90 g/L, oral AAS should be discontinued immediately
  • Increase monounsaturated fats — olive oil, avocados, macadamia nuts
  • Allow 8-12 weeks minimum between cycles for ApoA-1 recovery. Do not begin a new cycle until ApoA-1 is above 1.00 g/L

References:

  • Hartgens, F., Rietjens, G., Keizer, H. A., Kuipers, H., & Wolffenbuttel, B. H. R. (2004). Effects of androgenic-anabolic steroids on apolipoproteins and lipoprotein (a). British Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(3), 253-259. DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.2003.000199
  • Saboori, S., Yousefi-Rad, E., Tammam, J., Thondre, P. S., & Coe, S. (2024). Effects of niacin on apo A1 and B levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Nutrition, 131(7), 1147-1155. DOI: 10.1017/S000711452300288X
  • Battista, F., Ermolao, A., van Baak, M. A., et al. (2023). Estimating the effect of aerobic exercise training on novel lipid biomarkers. Sports Medicine, 53(4), 871-886. DOI: 10.1007/s40279-023-01817-0

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Reference Ranges

Standard Range

1.1 - 1.8 g/L

VitalMetrics Range

1.2 - 1.8 g/L

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