Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood that plays an extremely important role in maintaining human life activities. It is not only a component of cell membranes but also a raw material for the production of hormones, vitamin D and bile acids that help digest fat. In fact, cholesterol is not completely bad as many people mistakenly believe; it only becomes harmful when there is an abnormal excess or deficiency.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol). The balance between the two is a key factor in protecting cardiovascular health and the body’s entire biological system.
Low cholesterol occurs when blood cholesterol levels fall below normal levels, usually below 160 mg/dL for total cholesterol. Although this may sound like a good sign, in reality, when cholesterol levels drop too low, many biological processes in the body will be seriously affected. Essential hormones, nerve function, and even mood can be disrupted by a lack of cholesterol.
What causes low Cholesterol?
Low cholesterol is not a random occurrence. It often stems from specific causes related to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or poor lifestyle choices.
1. Heredity and family history of low Cholesterol
For some people, low cholesterol is not the result of dietary habits or medical conditions, but simply genetics. They are born with genes that reduce the body’s ability to synthesize and transport cholesterol. People with a family history of low cholesterol often have difficulty maintaining biological functions related to hormones and nerves. Although rare, this condition can last a lifetime if not detected and corrected early. It is particularly noteworthy that although these people may not have cardiovascular problems, they are at high risk of developing endocrine and neurological disorders if their cholesterol levels drop too low.
2. Effects of medications on cholesterol levels
Many medications can inadvertently lower blood cholesterol levels without the user knowing. Lipid-lowering drugs such as statins are commonly prescribed to reduce high cholesterol, but if used incorrectly or in excess, they can push cholesterol below the necessary level. In addition, some psychiatric drugs, cancer chemotherapy drugs or corticosteroids also affect the body’s lipid synthesis and metabolism. Many patients, after a long period of using the drug, find themselves starting to have signs of fatigue and weakness that are unrelated to their cholesterol being lowered. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to monitor your health regularly and notify your doctor when unusual symptoms appear.
3. Chronic infections
Patients with chronic infections such as tuberculosis, HIV or long-term viral hepatitis often have low cholesterol. When the immune system has to continuously work to deal with pathogens, the body will prioritize energy resources to fight bacteria and viruses instead of maintaining normal functions such as cholesterol production. In addition, some inflammatory reactions due to chronic infections also reduce nutrient absorption and hinder lipid synthesis in the liver. This not only reduces cholesterol but also weakens the body, making it vulnerable and recovering poorly from illness.
4. Prolonged inflammation reduces cholesterol
Chronic inflammation is one of the silent factors that reduce cholesterol that few people expect. When the body is in a state of continuous inflammation (whether arthritis, enteritis or connective tissue inflammation), the body’s metabolism will be disrupted. The inflammatory response over-activates the immune system, causing cholesterol to be used or broken down faster, leading to a deficiency. At the same time, prolonged inflammation also damages tissues and hinders the ability to absorb fat, thereby creating a vicious cycle that causes cholesterol to decrease further. People with chronic inflammation often find themselves feeling tired, weak and having difficulty recovering from illness.
5. Some cancers can reduce cholesterol
Cancers, especially liver cancer, lung cancer, leukemia or colorectal cancer, can all affect cholesterol levels in the body. During the development process, cancer cells often consume a lot of energy and nutrients from the body, including fat and cholesterol. At the same time, organs damaged by cancer (especially the liver) are no longer able to produce cholesterol as usual. Therefore, many cancer patients, even though they have not yet recognized obvious clinical symptoms, have abnormally low cholesterol levels. This is also the reason why low cholesterol is sometimes considered an early warning sign for some types of potential cancer.
6. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, has a direct impact on blood cholesterol levels. When the thyroid produces too much hormone, metabolism speeds up, causing the body to break down and use cholesterol faster than normal. People with hyperthyroidism not only experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and hand tremors, but are also at risk for persistent low cholesterol. This is one of the most common causes of low cholesterol related to endocrine disorders. Proper treatment of hyperthyroidism often helps return cholesterol levels to normal.
7. Malabsorption and malnutrition
A body that does not absorb enough nutrients, whether due to intestinal conditions such as celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or a poor diet over time, is at high risk for low cholesterol. When the body does not receive enough calories, fats, and essential vitamins, the liver cannot produce enough cholesterol to maintain basic life functions. This condition is common in people who diet excessively, the elderly with anorexia, cancer patients, or people with chronic digestive disorders. As a result, they become weak, tired, have hormone deficiencies, and are susceptible to nerve damage, significantly reducing their quality of life.
