Cholesterol and HD

An investigation into how HD affects cholesterol homeostasis

Where does cholesterol come from?

There are two major ways for our bodies to get cholesterol; it can be synthesized in the body, or obtained from the diet. Normally, our bodies take advantage of both methods of getting cholesterol. On average, a 150 pound person will synthesize about 1 gram of cholesterol per day and intake 200-300 milligrams through their diet.

The highest rate of cholesterol synthesis by the body occurs in the liver, although cholesterol is also made in the intestines, adrenal glands, CNS, and reproductive organs. Other cells can produce cholesterol, but typically in much lower amounts.

Cholesterol is found in all animal foods including meat, poultry, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Cholesterol is not found in plants, so foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds do not raise cholesterol levels. It is partly because we synthesize so much of our own cholesterol that excess dietary cholesterol is not necessary and can be harmful in a variety of ways.

In this chapter, our goal is to first provide a general review on cholesterol and its activity in the human body, and then look at its relationship to Huntington's disease.

Last Modified: 07/07/2007

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