What Are the Effects of Low Cholestrol?

While doctors treat us for the dangers of high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, and low total cholesterol levels may be associated with an increased risk of several illnesses and disorders.

Mood Disorders

• Cholesterol is related to the production of serotonin, which is linked to mood and the sense of well being. Low total cholesterol levels reduce the production of serotonin, which may result in depression and anxiety, particularly in women.

Heart Disease

• Cholesterol is vital to the repair of arterial lesions. A low HDL level has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease if the level is insufficient to perform this function effectively.

Dementia

• Low levels of HDL during middle age may be a predictor of dementia in later years.

Pregnancy and Menopause

• Expectant women with low HDL cholesterol levels have an increased probability of giving birth prematurely or delivering a child with low birth weight. For post-menopausal women, the combination of a low HDL level and obesity may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Ideal Cholesterol Levels

• Try to maintain your total cholesterol count below 200 mg, and your bad (LDL) cholesterol below 100 mg. The bad cholesterol level should be at or less than 70 mg if you are at very high risk of heart disease due to lifestyle or genetics. To help prevent heart disease, your good (HDL) level should be at 60 mg or higher.

Raising Your HDL Cholesterol

• Niacin, one of the B vitamins, is effective in increasing high-density lipoprotein levels. Perform aerobic exercise several times each week, stop smoking, manage your weight and reduce your intake of trans fatty acids to increase your HDL level. Switch to canola or olive oil and increase your intake of soluble fiber by increasing your intake of oatmeal, beans, fruits and vegetables.