How is Cholesterol Processed?
Cholesterol processing involves a complex interplay between dietary intake and endogenous production. Your body primarily manufactures cholesterol, with your liver being the main production site.
- Your liver produces approximately 80% of the cholesterol your body needs. Harvard Health, Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine all concur on this substantial liver contribution.
- The remaining 20% comes from dietary sources. Harvard Health This percentage can vary depending on dietary habits. However, a source, Mass General Brigham, contradicts this stating 100% of cholesterol comes from building blocks in your diet, 80% being from sugar and fats and 20% being from cholesterol itself. The discrepancies across sources highlight the complexity of measuring the exact contributions.
- The synthesis of cholesterol is a tightly regulated process involving various enzymes and feedback mechanisms. StatPearls details the intricate biochemical pathways involved.
Cholesterol Transport and Removal:
- Lipoproteins are crucial for transporting cholesterol throughout the body.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL), often called "good" cholesterol, collect excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for breakdown and excretion. [Reference not cited explicitly but consistent across most sources].
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), often called "bad" cholesterol, can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries if levels are too high.
Cholesterol Metabolism:
Cholesterol metabolism is a complex process involving synthesis, transport, and excretion. ScienceDirect summarizes this complexity. The balance between cholesterol synthesis and absorption is vital for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. NCBI. High cholesterol is linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease. Johns Hopkins Medicine, Wikipedia. Cholesterol also plays a role in cancer development. PMC.
