Discussion on the controversial claim: "High cholesterol is healthy."
Argument presented: Higher cholesterol is said to correlate with lower mortality based on some observational studies.
Key Arguments Presented
Influencer Claims: Many influencers suggest that high cholesterol is beneficial and lowering it is detrimental.
This is often linked to a wider conspiracy theory involving doctors and pharmaceutical companies.
Scientific Studies and Patterns
The argument is based on a misinterpretation of data:
Cholesterol and Death Patterns: Observational studies show low cholesterol correlates with higher mortality, but only under specific conditions like chronic disease and malnutrition.
Similar Observations in Other Metrics: Similar patterns seen with BMI, blood pressure, and A1c, where lower levels in the elderly or sick are wrongly associated with higher mortality.
Why These Patterns Occur
Age and Chronic Disease Effects:
Older age and chronic diseases often lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and reduced physiological metrics due to frailty, not due to the metrics themselves causing higher death rates.
When studies correct for malnutrition and chronic diseases, the pattern of low cholesterol correlating with high mortality disappears.
Actual Impact of Low Cholesterol
Randomized Trials and Genetic Studies:
Lower cholesterol through medication or naturally does not increase mortality.
Evidence consistently shows lower cholesterol linked to reduced mortality risk.
Misunderstandings and Misrepresentations:
The argument that low cholesterol causes death is unfounded and not supported by serious scientific inquiry.
Physiological Role of Cholesterol
Cholesterol Functionality:
Important for physiological functions, but excess levels in blood can be harmful, similar to glucose and other vital substances.
The brain synthesizes its own cholesterol, independent of blood levels.
Social Media Misinformation
Risks of Simplistic Claims:
Influencers often spread misinformation with "gotcha" points that lack scientific backing.
The importance of maintaining a healthy skepticism towards oversimplified health claims.
Conclusion
Critical evaluation of health-related information is crucial.
Importance of demanding higher quality and scientifically accurate health information.
Further Information
Mention of additional resources and videos on related topics such as different LDLs, damaged LDL, etc.