High cholesterol usually gets most of the press and notoriety, however, low cholesterol levels can be equally problematic. Here is some noteworthy information:
- Did you know that too low cholesterol (below 160 mg/dl), according to a meta-analysis from the National Institute of Health, equals a 10 to 20% increased death rate in older individuals? Also, levels below 160 mg/dl (and more specifically below 140 mg/dl) seem to be associated with depression, bipolar disorder, Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, behavior problems, and other health disorders.
- Cholesterol is vitally important for health. Cholesterol is the precursor to sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, along with other hormones that maintain optimal health. Cholesterol makes up 70% of our brains myelin. Myelin is the protective coating around our nerve cells, and without myelin the brain and nervous system do not function properly. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease condition where myelin is greatly disturbed. Cholesterol is vitally important to our body cell function.
- In autism-spectrum disorders, as well as the general population and people suffering with mental health disorders (depression, eating disorders, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.) cholesterol is often deficient, sometimes greatly so. Low cholesterol can be associated with a wide variety of health and behavioral problems, including, but not limited to:
- Increased cancer risk
- Increased risk for depression, bipolar disorder
- Increased risk for suicide
- Increased risk for anxiety
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Increased eye problems such as cataracts
- Increased death rate in older individuals
- Increased violent and aggressive behavior