Gazzola K, et al. - Ethnic differences in plasma lipid levels in a large multi-ethnic cohort were examined. In addition, researchers explored how obesity and other determinants contribute to ethnic differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels. In terms of plasma LDL-C levels, ethnic differences are comparatively small. Ethnic groups differed markedly in terms of plasma TG and HDL-C levels, with a higher HDL-C and lower TG levels among participants of African (Ghanaian and Surinamese) origin. The most unfavorable lipid profiles were among individuals of South Asian Surinamese and Turkish origin.