Cholesterol, Low 

Model of cholesterol molecule.

What Is Low Cholesterol?

Low cholesterol found in blood indicates an abnormal blood level of this essential lipid (fat) that is characterized by decreased production of steroid hormones and bile.

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and is an essential structural component in all body cells. It is required for membrane fluidity and permeability of cells. Within the cell membrane, cholesterol also functions in intracellular transport, cell signaling and nerve conduction.

Cholesterol is required for these essential body processes:

1. Cholesterol is converted to bile by the liver and stored in the gallbladder until needed for digestion of fats in the small intestine.  
2. Cholesterol is used by the adrenal glands to produce the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone.
3. Cholesterol is used by the sex glands to make progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone and their derivatives.
4. Cholesterol is needed for the production of vitamin D.

Q: What makes cholesterol bad for you?

A: There are different forms of cholesterol that can be bad or good depending on the level. In blood vessels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or ‘bad’) cholesterol can abnormally join with fats and other substances to build up in the inner walls of arteries. The arteries can become clogged and narrow, and blood flow is reduced. This is atherosclerosis which can lead to stroke, heart attack and thrombosis.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL or ‘good’) carries harmful cholesterol away from the arteries and helps protect from heart attack and stroke.1

What Is Low Cholesterol In Celiac Disease and/or Gluten Sensitivity?

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1. http://watchlearnlive.heart.org/CVML_Player.php?moduleSelect=hdlldl [↩]