Can anyone please talk to me about cholesterol?

[Fettuccinecarbonara]

I've recently had a problem with low vitamin D levels.

When full bloods were taken I was found to have low 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol. It was half the minimum recommended level.

My cholesterol ratio's were fine, and my 'good' (HDL) cholesterol levels were fine.

I'm under a consultant for unrelated issues and he advised me to raise my LDL levels.

My GP said she's never heard of this being a problem and not to worry.

Dr Google is unclear but suggests that low cholesterol can be responsible for low vitamin D; so I do really want to raise it.

I exercise regularly, eat whatever I like whenever I like, am certainly not skinny (size 12 with bulges!)

So what can I do to raise it? And would you be concerned?

I am not a health professional, but I have VitD problems. I have never, ever heard of low lhd being a problem, or having anything to do with VitD. When my dh had a 'cardiac event' 2 years ago, the aftercare pushed lowering the ldl.
I take one a day of the Tesco (other brands available) strongest dose of VitD per day. I also take a shedload of other vitamins and minerals for what ails me. VitD is the one the body can synthesise with the aid of sunlight, so do get outside as much as you can.
I would be very concerned at being told to raise it - personally, I'd listen to your GP - maybe even get her to email the consultant for an explanation.
All the best!

Thank you for your advice, it's just so baffling to be told two totally contradictory pieces of advice by 2 health professionals.

My GP said she'd never had to advise on low cholesterol before so didn't know what to say!

Hi fettucinicarbonara

Low LDL cholesterol can reduce your ability to absorb fat, including the fat soluble vitamins found in that fat. Vits D , A and E. Which may or may not cause health problems. Depending upon how severe the lack is.

A cause, (but not the only cause) of of low LDL , is a genetic mutation of the PCSK9 gene. This could result in either too much or too little LDL, depending upon the actual change to the gene. IF you personally have that mutation, it would be a "loss of function" mutation, resulting in too many LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells, thus reducing the amount of LDL in the blood stream.

If you have low LDL and Vit D low, perhaps it would be a good idea to get that PCSK9 checked.

Low vitamin D can result in various disparate health problems,
we are discussing it over here. From autoimmune to bone and joint problems etc. Please have a really good read !

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/general_health/2421492-Vitimin-D-can-it-have-this-effect

 More than likely , your low vitamin D , is not caused by PCSK9, but simply a  lack of sunshine on your skin. You would however be expected to absorb some Vit D from the animal fat that you consume, which may be compromised by PCSK9. 

Here is an article about PCSK9 in Nature magazine.
www.nature.com/news/genetics-a-gene-of-rare-effect-1.12773

hope this is helpful.

BTBH