Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in animal tissue which is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. While minimum levels of cholesterol are essential for life, excess levels in the circulation are associated with atherosclerosis. This disease may cause myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

A higher intake from food leads to a net decrease in endogenous production, while lower intake from food has the opposite effect.

Anti-cholesterol drugs