Anemia and hypocholesterolemia

The authors reviewed the available data on the relationship between hypocholesterolemia and anemia with various etiologies. The data were collected from sources identified by a MEDLINE search of English-language literature published between 1966 and 2001 and bibliographies of relevant articles. The study selection included primary research articles, metaanalyses, and abstracts concerning the relation between hypocholesterolemia and anemia. Textbooks, meeting proceedings, and reference lists were also searched. Despite differences in study design, a relation was found between hematocrit and serum cholesterol levels and between hemoglobin and cholesterol levels. Further studies are required to determine the exact etiology and clinical significance of these findings.