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Feeding cholestanol to infants causes atherosclerosis
Insights
Dietary cholesterol, particularly cholestanol, can lead to atherosclerosis by forming insoluble crystals in infant aortas. Avoiding cholestanol-rich foods in early life may prevent adult cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Atheromas in adult aortas contain cholesterol-cholestanol-water adducts (C-C-2W).
- Dietary cholesterol naturally contains cholestanol (3-10%).
- Infant membranes are vulnerable to C-C-2W precipitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of dietary cholestanol in the development of atherosclerosis.
- To identify early-life dietary factors contributing to cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of atheroma composition.
- Assessment of C-C-2W solubility product.
- Evaluation of infant dietary intake risks.
Main Results:
- Cholestanol in infant diets can precipitate as C-C-2W, impairing cell function.
- This precipitation leads to incipient atherosclerosis, manifesting in adulthood.
- Dietary cholestanol readily exceeds the C-C-2W solubility product.
Conclusions:
- Early exposure to cholestanol is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- Dietary interventions in infancy and childhood can prevent atherosclerosis.
- Cholestanolosis and hypercholesterolemia are critical considerations for cardiovascular health.
Abstract:
The atheromas of adult aortas have been found to be composed mostly of tabular crystals of a highly insoluble cholesterol-cholestanol-water adduct designated C-C-2W. Early feeding of cholestanol risks precipitation of C-C-2W on the incomplete membranes of infants. Resultant impairment of cell permeability and reactivity can give rise to incipient atherosclerosis. The pathological condition becomes patent only with adulthood, when the aorta intima-media will be stacked with the adduct and fatty streaks will occur. Cholesterol, as provided by the usual dietary sources, contains from 3 to 10% of cholestanol, quantities more than sufficient to reach the solubility product of C-C-2W: 10(-7) mg/ml. It follows that much atherosclerosis could be avoided if cholestanol-containing foods, specifically dietary cholesterol, were not fed to infants or children. Cholestanolosis and hypercholestanolemia are new concepts to be considered in dietary approaches to control of atherosclerosis.