**2. Diet and lipoprotein**

Lipoprotein concentrations are affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Among environmental factors such as physical activity and smoking, diet is an important component in preventing and improving dyslipidemia. Diet intervention is recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines as first-line therapy for the management of disturbances in lipoprotein concentrations. Also the Third report of the NCEP recommended that if dietary therapy do not improve disturbances in lipoprotein concentrations, non-pharmacologic therapeutic factors such as viscous fiber and plant stanols and sterols should be recommended prior to advancing to drug therapy[18].
