Cholesterol - It's not all bad

Published on 5 October 2024 at 13:23

Have you been advised to lower your cholesterol to protect yourself from cardiovascular disease? Do you avoid foods high in cholesterol and saturated fats because of concerns about your arteries?

But has anyone ever told you about the risks of having low cholesterol?

Your Body: A Cholesterol-Producing Machine

High levels of certain types of cholesterol in the bloodstream have been linked in some studies to heart disease. In some individuals, cholesterol builds up in their blood vessels, leading to atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques narrow the vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

One key fact about cholesterol is that your body produces it daily. Around 75% of it is made by your liver, with only about 25% coming from the food you eat. So, why would your body create something that could potentially harm your heart and circulation? The answer is simple—your body needs cholesterol because it performs many vital functions.

Statin drugs work by blocking your body from producing cholesterol. In the UK, approximately 8 million adults take statins to manage high cholesterol levels. This raises the question: why are so many people producing so much of this essential substance?

If your cholesterol levels are high, you might be told to avoid foods rich in cholesterol, such as eggs, cheese, and shellfish. However, for most people, eating foods that contain cholesterol leads to the body producing less, thanks to an internal feedback mechanism that keeps levels stable. Clearly, a certain amount of cholesterol is crucial for your body.

Cholesterol and Your Health

You may have been led to believe that it’s necessary to lower your cholesterol as much as possible, but extremely low levels can cause a range of issues. Cholesterol is needed to produce hormones, is a key component of the membranes surrounding brain cells, and is involved in making vitamin D.

Let’s explore these in more detail.

Cholesterol and Hormones

Cholesterol is a complex molecule that forms the structure from which pregnenolone, known as the ‘master hormone’, is made. Pregnenolone can then be converted into hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, oestrogen, and stress hormones. A lack of cholesterol can lead to hormone imbalances, which can affect every cell in your body.

Cholesterol and Your Brain

Did you know that around 20% of the cholesterol in your body is located in your brain, not in your arteries? In fact, your brain contains more cholesterol than any other organ, and it produces cholesterol for its own use.

Cholesterol is found in the myelin sheath, a fatty layer that insulates nerve cells and helps transmit messages more efficiently. One study found that total cholesterol levels below 160mg/dl were associated with depression and anxiety . The NHS advises people to keep their cholesterol below 193mg/dl, so it’s easy to become deficient. Another study linked low cholesterol levels to postnatal depression .

Some research suggests that abnormal cholesterol levels may be connected to Alzheimer’s disease, as it seems to play a role in clearing amyloid plaques—misfolded proteins that accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. There’s also evidence that low cholesterol might be linked to autism .

Cholesterol and Vitamin D

Low vitamin D, often caused by a shortage of cholesterol, can lead to weak bones, cognitive issues, poor immunity, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the UK, particularly during winter, and can cause ongoing inflammation, which is believed to be at the root of many chronic illnesses.

Other studies suggest that low cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation.

The relationship between cholesterol and health is complex. Cholesterol exists in different forms and only becomes problematic when it’s oxidised, meaning it's damaged. Some researchers propose that cholesterol acts more like a marker for artery damage rather than the cause, functioning almost like a bandage for blood vessels. Therefore, reducing cholesterol levels doesn’t tackle the underlying cause and may lead to additional health problems.

Functional Medicine and Healthy Cholesterol

Functional testing can determine the different types of cholesterol your body is producing and assess other important blood fats. With the right dietary, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations, cholesterol imbalances can be corrected, preventing oxidation and reducing inflammation.

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