Cholesterol Balance Markers (Sterols)

Specialist

also lathosterol, sitosterol, cholestanol

What it isA panel of plant sterols (absorbed from the diet) and cholesterol precursors (made in the body) that reveal whether a person's cholesterol comes mostly from absorption or from de novo synthesis.

DoesFingerprints the dominant source of circulating cholesterol — gut absorption versus liver production.

GoodA balanced profile suggests neither pathway is dramatically overactive.

BadHigh plant sterol fractions identify "absorbers" who respond better to cholesterol-absorption blockers; high lathosterol identifies "synthesizers" who respond better to statins. Mismatched treatment underperforms.

Standard

Lab-specific; pattern-based interpretation.

Optimal

Pattern-based, not a numeric target (narrow target)

Modifiers

Diet shifts plant sterols; statins suppress synthesis markers.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: —
Diet: Pattern-based — informs whether dietary sterols or saturated fat changes will matter more.
Supplements: Plant sterols help synthesizers more than absorbers; tailored to pattern.
Peptides: —
Drugs: Absorbers respond better to ezetimibe; synthesizers respond better to statins. Many patients need both.

within Cholesterol & Lipids