Cholesterol - Dietary

Introduction

Cholesterol can be either manufactured by endogenous means or introduced into the body from dietary sources.  This section outlines the Cholesterol content of various foods and lists compounds, foods and herbs that influence dietary Cholesterol.

 Cholesterol absorbed from the diet is utilized within the body in the same way as endogenous Cholesterol.

 Although dietary consumption of Cholesterol is not necessarily detrimental, it is not considered essential that humans consume Cholesterol since it can be produced within the body.

 Increases in dietary Cholesterol only very rarely influence total serum Cholesterol levels:

 The body's regulatory feedback system ensures (for about 70% of the world's population) that the only effect of increased dietary Cholesterol is a corresponding reduction in production of Cholesterol within the body.

 The other 30% of the population whose body's do not have an adequate regulatory feedback system are advised to limit their dietary Cholesterol consumption.

 Approximately 30% of the body's Cholesterol content is derived from dietary sources.

 The FDA in the USA recommends a maximum daily intake of 300 mg of dietary Cholesterol for persons of average weight.

Approximately 30% of the body's Cholesterol content is derived from dietary sources.

 50% of dietary Cholesterol is absorbed by the body - the remainder passes through the body unused and is excreted (via the Bile).