Cholesterol: An Overview of the Basics, Influencing Factors, and Nutrients

Note: The following information is for general guidance and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about your personal cholesterol level, please consult a doctor.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body needs for various basic functions. It forms part of cell walls, is needed to make certain hormones, and is the starting material for bile acid production. The liver produces the majority of the cholesterol in the body, while a smaller amount is absorbed through food.

LDL and HDL: two modes of transport

Cholesterol is carried around the blood in different forms (lipoproteins):

• LDL cholesterol transports cholesterol from the liver to the body's cells.
• HDL cholesterol transports excess cholesterol back to the liver.

In medicine, the ratio of these two values is used as a factor in assessing cardiovascular risk.

What factors influence cholesterol levels?

Several factors influence cholesterol metabolism, including:

• genetic predisposition
• Dietary habits
• Body weight and exercise
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• existing underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus)
• certain medications (e.g., hormonal contraceptives)

A distinction is made between primary lipid metabolism disorders, which are usually genetic, and secondary disorders, which can result from other conditions or a long-term lifestyle.

How is high cholesterol detected?

High cholesterol levels usually don't cause any noticeable symptoms for a long time and are often discovered by chance during a routine blood test. Typically, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides are measured, which can then be used to calculate the LDL level.

If a lipid metabolism disorder is suspected, further tests and a family history can be used to clarify the situation.

Medical treatment

A doctor will determine the treatment for high cholesterol, which depends on the individual's levels and risk factors. It may involve changes to diet and lifestyle, and – depending on the doctor's assessment – prescription medication. You can get information about different classes of active ingredients and how they work from your doctor or your pharmacist.

Diet and lifestyle

Generally accepted recommendations to support a balanced lifestyle include:

• a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and fibre
• a reduced intake of saturated fats
• regular physical exercise
• not smoking
• a healthy body weight

These factors are discussed in general nutrition science in relation to fat metabolism.

Nutrients that are frequently mentioned in this context

In the fields of nutrition and dietary supplements, the following nutrients and plant compounds, among others, are discussed in the context of lipid metabolism:

• Vitamin C
• Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., from fish oil or krill oil)
• Plant extracts such as garlic, turmeric/curcumin, or artichoke
• Antioxidants like OPC or pycnogenol

These nutrients are part of a balanced diet. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet and are not intended to treat illnesses.

Our range includes products containing omega-3, vitamin C, and plant extracts that are frequently sought after for cardiovascular health.