What Produces LDL Cholesterol?

LDL cholesterol is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, the former of which affected more than 26 million Americans in 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In order to make sure you stay at healthy cholesterol levels, you need to know where it comes from.

The Facts

• LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, is produced by the liver. The only other source of cholesterol is food that comes from animals (meat and dairy).

Function

• Our bodies need cholesterol for cell wall functioning and for the production of hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone.

Considerations

• Diet is usually the cause of excessive LDL cholesterol, although there are some people who have the misfortune of being genetically predisposed to excess cholesterol production.

Prevention/Solution

• While we need a certain amount of cholesterol, our bodies produce enough to maintain healthy body functions. By moderating animal-based foods in your diet, you can usually maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

History

• In 1903, German chemist Adolf Windaus worked on finding the molecular composition of cholesterol. His partially erroneous findings were later corrected by other scientists, including longtime colleague Heinrich Wieland.