Cholesterol, frequently discussed in relation to atherosclerosis, is a substance that:
A. May be controlled by eliminating food sources.
B. Is found in many foods, both plant and animal sources.
C. All persons would be better off without because it causes the disease process.
D. Circulates in the blood, the level of which usually decreases when unsaturated fats are substituted for saturated fats.
Correct Answer: D. Circulates in the blood, the level of which usually decreases when unsaturated fats are substituted for saturated fats.
Cholesterol is a sterol found in tissue; it is attributed in part to diets high in saturated fats. Cholesterol is a lipophilic molecule that is essential for human life. It has many roles that contribute to normally functioning cells. For example, cholesterol is an important component of the cell membrane. It contributes to the structural makeup of the membrane as well as modulates its fluidity.
Option A: Particular care is necessary to educate patients about the harmful effects of high cholesterol and how to reduce their serum cholesterol levels. Patient lifestyle changes like diet (reduction in saturated fat and trans fat with an increase in fiber and total calories if obese and supplementation with plant stanols), smoking cessation, and exercise are often a favorable approach to cholesterol reduction.
Option B: Cholesterol can be introduced into the blood through the digestion of dietary fat via chylomicrons. However, since cholesterol has an important role in cellular function, it can also be directly synthesized by each cell in the body.
Option C: Cholesterol functions as a precursor molecule in the synthesis of vitamin D, steroid hormones (e.g., cortisol and aldosterone and adrenal androgens), and sex hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogens, and progesterone). Cholesterol is also a constituent of bile salt used in digestion to facilitate absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
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