Can Cholesterol Be Too Low?
Two types of cholesterol are found in the human body: LDL, or bad cholesterol, and HDL, or good cholesterol. It is well known that high cholesterol can cause heart disease, but can low cholesterol also cause problems? The answer is yes. Unfortunately, the medical profession has not yet established exactly how low is too low. Most people should aim for a total cholesterol level below 200mg/dL. LDL (bad) cholesterol levels should not exceed 100mg/dL, and HDL (good) cholesterol levels should be 60mg/dL or above.
Other People Are Reading
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Cancer
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Cholesterol levels that are too low may increase the risk of developing some cancers. Menopausal women with very low LDL (bad) cholesterol levels may be more prone to breast cancer.
Pregnancy
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According to the Mayo Cinic, pregnant women with low cholesterol levels are more likely to go into labor early and deliver a premature baby.
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Serotonin
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Low cholesterol levels have been linked to decreased serotonin production in the brain. This can lead to depression or anxiety and may increase the risk of suicide.
Heart Disease
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High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Unfortunately, so can low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
How Low Is Too Low?
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The possibility that cholesterol levels could be too low was not given much thought until researchers testing cholesterol lowering drugs in the 1980s noticed an increase in aggressive behavior as cholesterol levels dropped. Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic reports that "although the upper limits for total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol have been clearly established, the lower limits depend on the individual."
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