Dietary Proteins, Cholesterol and Thyroxine: A Proposed Mechanism

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-1990

Department

Nutrition and Food Systems

Abstract

The effects of dietary protein sources on plasma cholesterol concentrations are well-documented: animal proteins are hypercholesterolemic relative to plant proteins. While this effect of dietary proteins has been shown in many species, the mechanism is not known. This review will explore the relation between dietary proteins and plasma thyroxine concentrations. Data will be presented showing that feeding dietary animal proteins consistently depresses thyroxine levels. Furthermore, the effects of thyroxine on cholesterol metabolism is consistent with the effects of dietary proteins on cholesterol metabolism. Although evidence is not conclusive, data support the hypothesis that dietary proteins may effect plasma cholesterol levels through changes in plasma thyroxine concentrations. To elucidate the mechanism by which this happens will be the basis for future research.

Publication Title

Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology

Volume

36

First Page

S101

Last Page

S104

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