Hypocholesterolemia is the presence of abnormally low levels of cholesterol in the blood.
The terms hypolipidemia, and hypobetalipoproteinemia are used interchangeably with hypocholesterolemia.
A high blood cholesterol level increases your risk of coronary artery disease. A very low blood cholesterol in low-density lipoprotein(LDL) and/or in total cholesterol has been associated with some health problems.
Cholesterol is an essential component of cells. Therefore a defect in the body’s production of cholesterol can lead to adverse consequences as well.
Primary hypolipidemic disorders are rare, secondary causes are relatively common.
- Chylomicron retention disease
- Infection (acute or chronic)
- Malabsorption and undernutrition
- Chronic inflammation
- Critical illnesses
- Malignant tumors
- Chronic liver disease
- Gaucher disease
- Drug induced: statins
Hypocholesterolemia may raise the risks of certain diseases.
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- Preterm birth and low birth weight if your cholesterol is low while you’re pregnant
In some cases it is not clear if low cholesterol causes the health problem or if it’s the other way around. For example, people with depression may have low cholesterol levels, but it has not been proved that lowering cholesterol with statin therapy causes depression.
LDL would be considered very low if it is less than 40 milligrams per deciliter of blood.
For primary disorders, dl-α-tocopherol, Vitamins A & K supplements are often used.
For secondary disorders, the treatment aims to treat the underlying diseases.
Presently no research has reported herbs or supplements work for hypocholesterolemia. It’s still recommended to take enough nutrition.