Cholesterol and Vitamin D
Cholesterol is no evil; it is only the excess cholesterol that is harmful. In fact, each and every cell of the body has cholesterol in its membrane. Total absence of cholesterol that is obtained by consuming edible oils can lead to extreme weakness and fatigue.
Cholesterol is vital for synthesis of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is produced when sunlight converts cholesterol on the skin into calciol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D3 is then converted into calcidiol (25-hydroxyvitamin D3) in the liver. The kidneys then convert calcidiol into the active form of vitamin D, called calcitriol (1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3).
The liver and kidneys have to be functioning optimally to be able to have sufficient levels of vitamin D, else it has to be supplemented.
What about statins and other medications or supplements that are prescribed to reduce blood cholesterol levels. Yes, they can impair the synthesis of vitamin D.
