National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Hypolipoproteinemia


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Hypolipoproteinemia refers to unusually low levels of fats (lipids) in the blood. Low lipid levels may be caused by rare genetic conditions, or be a sign of another disorder such as overactive thyroid, anemia, undernutrition, cancer, chronic infection, or impaired absorption of foods from the digestive tract. Associated genetic disorders includes abetalipoproteinemia, familial hypobetalipoproteinemia, and chylomicron retention disease.[1][2] Signs and symptoms in the the genetic or familial form of hypolipoproteinemia vary. In hypobetalipoproteinemia the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are very low, yet people with this syndrome typically have no symptoms nor require treatment. Other forms result in absent or near absent LDL levels and can cause serious symptoms in infancy and early childhood.[1] Treatment for hypoproteinemia varies depending on the underlying cause and signs and symptoms present in each individual. 
Last updated: 12/1/2016
The signs and symptoms associated with familial hypolipoproteinemia vary depending on the underlying cause. While some individuals may have mild signs or symptoms or no detectable associated health issues, others may have serious symptoms in infancy and early childhood.[1] To view more detailed information on the associated signs and symptoms for the different genetic causes click on the links below:


Last updated: 12/2/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Hypolipoproteinemia. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

In-Depth Information

  • MeSH® (Medical Subject Headings) is a terminology tool used by the National Library of Medicine. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Hypolipoproteinemia. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  • Hypolipoproteinemia runs in my family. I can't find much information on this topic. I'd like to know if the symptoms I am experiencing are due to this condition. Who can I talk to? See answer


  1. Hypolipoproteinemia. MERCK Manuals. August 2015; http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine-and-metabolic-disorders/lipid-disorders/hypolipidemia. Accessed 12/1/2016.
  2. RR Elmehdawi. Hypolipidemia: A Word of Caution. Libyan Journal of Medicine. 2008; 3(2):84-90. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074286/.