Hi morleyevans,
Thank you for your question.
Please keep in mind that this answer is for information purposes only,
and is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace sound medical advice
from your physician or health care provider.
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Physiological function of cholesterol:
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Some cholesterol is vital to human life...
We need cholesterol to build and maintain cell membranes, for
production of sex hormones, to aid in the manufacture of bile (which
helps digest fats), and to convert sunshine to vitamin D. Cholesterol
is also important for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins,
including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
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How Stuff Works - Cholesterol
http://www.howstuffworks.com/cholesterol.htm
"Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like compound that belongs to a class of
molecules called steroids. It's found in many foods, in your
bloodstream and in all your body's cells.
Cholesterol is essential for:
- Formation and maintenance of cell membranes (helps the cell to
resist changes in temperature and protects and insulates nerve fibers)
- Formation of sex hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, cortisol)
- Production of bile salts, which help to digest food
- Conversion into vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sunlight"
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Cholesterol is necessary for the body to function properly
http://www.uihealthcare.com/reports/cardiovascular/011203cholesterol.html
"...did you know there are some good aspects of cholesterol? Helmut
Schrott, M.D., a professor of epidemiology in the University of Iowa
College of Public Health and director of the UI Lipid Research Clinic,
said that the body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function
properly.
"Cholesterol is needed for cell wall functioning and for the
production of hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone," said
Schrott. "However, the body naturally makes cholesterol in every cell,
so there is no absolute dietary need for it."
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the liver and located in cell
walls. Lipoproteins, a combination of lipids (fats) and proteins, are
made in the liver and carries cholesterol, fats and fat-soluble
vitamins, among many other substances, to different parts of the body
that need it for energy and repairs."
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Cholesterol and Triglycerides
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/cholesterol/a/choltri.htm
What is Cholesterol? What are triglycerides?
"Cholesterol and triglycerides are two forms of lipid, or fat. Both
cholesterol and triglycerides are necessary for life itself.
Cholesterol is necessary, among other things, for building cell
membranes and for making several essential hormones. Triglycerides,
which are chains of high-energy fatty acids, provide much of the
energy needed for cells to function.
Where do cholesterol and triglycerides come from?
There are two sources for these lipids: dietary sources, and
endogenous sources (i.e., manufactured within the body).
Dietary cholesterol and triglycerides mainly come from eating animal
products and saturated fat. These dietary lipids are absorbed through
the gut,and then are delivered through the bloodstream to the liver,
where they are processed.
One of the main jobs of the liver is to make sure all the tissues of
the body receive the cholesterol and triglycerides they need to
function. Whenever possible (i.e., for about 8 hours after a meal),
the liver takes up dietary cholesterol and triglycerides from
bloodstream. During times when dietary lipids are not available, the
liver produces cholesterol and triglycerides itself.
The liver then packages the cholesterol and triglycerides, along with
special proteins, into tiny spheres called lipoproteins. The
lipoproteins are released into the circulation, and are delivered to
the cells of the body. The cells remove the needed cholesterol and
triglycerides from the lipoproteins, as they are needed."
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Cholesterol Deficiency
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Health - Suicide link to cholesterol
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/435305.stm
"People with low cholesterol levels are more prone to suicide and
depression, according to a large Finnish study.
The results show that cholesterol tests could be used to back up a
diagnosis of depression, say the researchers.
They believe depression may lower blood cholesterol levels, leading to
a chemical reaction which allows aggressive instincts free rein.
A recent US study of women showed similar links between low
cholesterol levels and depression
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People with low cholesterol levels are more prone to suicide and
depression, according to a large Finnish study.
The results show that cholesterol tests could be used to back up a
diagnosis of depression, say the researchers.
They believe depression may lower blood cholesterol levels, leading to
a chemical reaction which allows aggressive instincts free rein.
A recent US study of women showed similar links between low
cholesterol levels and depression."
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Can Your Blood Cholesterol Be Too Low? -By Larry W. Axmaker EdD, PhD
http://vanderbiltowc.wellsource.com/dh/content.asp?ID=389
"The research that has been done on low cholesterol has indicated
there may be some health problems when your cholesterol gets too low.
Both men and women with low cholesterol (total cholesterol below 160)
have been shown to be at increased risk for anxiety and depression.
People with low cholesterol also have an overall death rate higher
than those with normal cholesterol levels (between 180 and 200).
It's Not As Simple As It Sounds
Those with low cholesterol are not at increased risk for
cardiovascular diseases, but their overall risk for depression,
cancer, hemorrhagic stroke, respiratory diseases, and suicide
increases. Why? There is no definitive medical answer at this time.
There is some evidence that having low cholesterol alters the way
brain cells function, affecting mood stabilizing brain chemicals. That
may explain the increase in anxiety and depression. Much more study is
needed to better understand the role of cholesterol in the overall
functioning of the body."
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Low Cholesterol: Overlooked Health Risks
http://www.ctds.info/low_cholesterol.html
"According to a web page on cholesterol testing from the the Discovery
Health Channel, abnormally low levels of cholesterol may indicate:
hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
liver disease
malabsorption
inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines
malnutrition
Manganese deficiency has also been linked to low cholesterol levels
(hypocholesterolemia).
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Low Cholesterol Linked to Stroke Risk
http://www.mercola.com/1999/archive/low_cholesterol.htm
Too little cholesterol may also be risky
http://heartdisease.about.com/library/news/blnws01009.htm
Low cholesterol may up suicide risk with anorexia
http://www.dental.am/comments.php?id=2185_0_1_0_C38
Low Cholesterol and Suicide Risk
http://www.mercola.com/2001/aug/8/suicide.htm
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Best regards,
tlspiegel |
