Introduction

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol C₂₇H₄₆O

Cholesterol as it is now known, is a soft, waxy compound belonging to the steroid family of molecules and is found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream as well as in all cells of the body. It is an essential component of several biochemical functions such as:

• Formation and maintenance of cell membranes (helps the cell to resist changes in temperature and protects and insulates nerve fibres)
• Formation of sex hormones (progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, cortisol)
• Production of bile salts, which help to digest food
• Conversion into vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sunlight.

Cholesterol is formed in the liver via a series of complicated biochemical reactions at a rate of approximately 1,000 milligrams a day. To a lesser extent it is created by cells lining the small intestine and by individual cells in the body.  

All the cholesterol required for biological functions is produced endogenously (by the body) and makes up approximately 85 percent of the total blood cholesterol level.