What percentage of cholesterol in the bloodstream is derived from the food you eat?

• A. 40% comes from the food you eat
• B. 60% comes from the food you eat
• C. 20% comes from the food you eat
• D. 80% comes from the food you eat

Answer: (C)

Most cholesterol in the bloodstream is produced by the body, especially the liver, rather than coming directly from the food you eat. Dietary cholesterol accounts for a relatively small portion—about one-fifth of circulating cholesterol. The remaining roughly four-fifths is synthesized endogenously to meet the body's needs. Because the body regulates cholesterol tightly, the impact of dietary cholesterol on blood levels can vary and is often less than people expect; factors like saturated fat intake and overall dietary pattern tend to have a bigger influence on blood cholesterol than the cholesterol content of foods. So the percentage derived from the diet is around 20%.