Physiology
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The major plasma lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides, do not circulate freely in solution in plasma, but
are bound to proteins and transported as macromolecular complexes called lipoproteins. The body
manufactures 1 to 2 gm/day of cholesterol, even if there is none in the diet. Cholesterol is transported in the
blood. Cholesterol and fat levels in the blood stream are controlled by several organ systems: thyroid, kidney,
adrenals, pituitary and pancreas, and by micelles, which emulsify fat into droplets. Generally, cholesterol is
increased in the blood with endocrine organ hypofunction and decreased with organ hyperfunction. It is also
increased with a diet high in refined carbohydrates, starches, etc. Stress will also cause an increase. Diet can
have a minor effect in altering cholesterol levels, however, cholesterol level is affected more by addressing
organ function such as liver/biliary and other endocrine function, and by altering lifestyle, i.e. exercise, smoking,
Laboratory Range
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120 - 240 mg/dL (European values: 3.6 - 6.0 mmol/l)
(Values may vary according to the specific lab measurements and reagents used; International values do not
necessarily reflect the same methods or reagents as US values.)
Optimal Range
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150 - 180 mg/dL
Increased in
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Hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, pancreatic disease, pregnancy, nephrosis, endocrine dysfunction
(ovarian, thyroid, adrenal, pituitary), arteriosclerosis, liver/biliary dysfunction, hyperlipoproteinemias
Decreased in
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Liver disease, acute infections, malignancies, hyperthyroidism, myeloproliferative diseases, chronic anemia
(pernicious anemia, hypochromic anemia, hemolytic anemia)
Possible Indications of Specific
Values
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1 ) Increased Cholesterol = Poor utilization of fats
2 ) Increased Cholesterol + decreased T3, T4, T7 = Thyroid dysfunction
3 ) Increased Cholesterol + increased glucose = Possibly indicates diabetes
4 ) Increased Cholesterol, glucose, SGOT, SGPT, GGT + decreased Calcium, Potassium, Albumin = Possibly
indicates pancreatitis
5 ) Increased Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Creatinine, Uric acid + decreased HDL = Possibly indicates
arteriosclerosis
6 ) Decreased Cholesterol = Possible indicator of chronic liver disease or chronic endurance exercise
7 ) Decreased Cholesterol, SGPT, GGT = Indicator of fatty congested liver
Drugs Affecting
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Anabolic steroids, androgens, sulfonamides, corticosteroids, birth control pills; tetracyclines, erythromycin, oral
estrogens, nitrates, nitrites
Related Tests
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Triglycerides,
thyroid, liver panel, total protein, glucose, HDL, LDL, VLDL, uric acid, RBC,
HGB/HCT
Nutrient Combination
Suggestions
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1 ) Increased Cholesterol = Liver/Gallbladder Support, HCl/Enzyme Support, Inflammation Support, Fish
Oil/Black Currant Seed Oil, Guggul
2 ) Increased Cholesterol, decreased T3, T4, T7 = Thyroid Support, Liver/Gallbladder Support
3 ) Increased Cholesterol, Glucose = Glucose Balance Support, Pancreas Support
4 ) Increased Cholesterol, Glucose, Liver enzymes, Decreased Calcium, Potassium, Albumin = Pancreas
Support, Liver/Gallbladder Support, HCl/Enzyme Support
5 ) Increased Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Creatinine, Uric acid + decreased HDL = Heart Support, HCl/Enzyme
Support, Inflammation Support, Fish Oil/Black Currant Seed Oil
6 ) Decreased Cholesterol, SGPT, GGT = Liver/Gallbladder Support
Notes
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When thyroxin levels are low in combination with an elevated cholesterol level, pituitary gland dysfunction must
be ruled out. When the pituitary gland is not secreting enough TSH, the thyroid will not be able to produce
enough T-4 or T-3, nor will T-4 or T-3 be released from the thyroid gland to the blood where they can be activated
by estrogen, testosterone or nutrients. When the micelles are not in balance, there is improper fat absorption
into the blood causing cholesterol and other fats to be high or low.
REMEMBER: 80%
of body cholesterol is produced by the liver.
The statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA. The nutritional suggestions and research provided are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease and should not be used as a substitute for sound medical advice. Please see your health care professional in all matters pertaining to your physical health. The Professional Description, Professional Notes, Patient Instructions, and items marked with an astrisk (*) are provided by the practitioner and are the sole responsibility of the practitioner.Copyright © 1998-2002 Standard in Natural Solutions, LLC.