Should People Raise Their Cholesterol?

Q. How can you raise cholesterol? Mine has been low for many years and now I have cancer. My son was just tested and his is only 117. His ratios are OK but I’d rather see him closer to 180 or 200. He eats a very healthy diet.
A. The association between low cholesterol levels and cancer has been controversial for decades. This is one of those chicken or egg questions. In other words, doctors aren’t sure whether undiagnosed cancer lowers cholesterol or whether low cholesterol contributes to the development of cancer.
Low LDL cholesterol has also been linked to a higher risk of bleeding stroke and Parkinson’s disease (Circulation, Apr. 28, 2009; Movement Disorders, May 15, 2008).
It is unclear whether raising cholesterol would be beneficial, and it might be harder than you think. Eating lots of red meat and eggs doesn’t necessarily make cholesterol climb (Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Nov. 2003).