Hypocholesterolemia

Hypocholesterolemia
Other names	Low cholesterol
Formula structure of cholesterol
Causes	Statins, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, malabsorption, malnutrition, etc.

Hypocholesterolemia is the presence of abnormally low (hypo-) levels of cholesterol in the blood (-emia). A defect in the body's production of cholesterol can lead to adverse consequences as well. Cholesterol is an essential component of mammalian cell membranes and is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. It is not clear if a lower than average cholesterol level is directly harmful; however, it is often encountered in particular illnesses.