Lipoproteins

Normally cholesterol levels are tightly controlled by complex biochemical mechanisms. When dietary intake (consumption) of cholesterol is high, biosynthesis is reduced. However, the body's regulatory mechanisms can be overwhelmed when cholesterol biosynthesis or consumption become excessive.

Dietary cholesterol is obtained from foods derived from animal sources that are rich in fat. A healthy adult only needs to consume about 30% of the daily cholesterol requirement (300 mg).. Consuming more cholesterol can lead to increased cholesterol levels and serious health risks such as heart attack and/or stroke.

 

toc | return to top | previous page | next page