Cholesterol synthesis–absorption index
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About Sterol Balance Score
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About Sterol Balance Score
Overview and History
Sterol Balance Score is a biochemical index derived from measured plasma levels of non‑cholesterol sterols—commonly synthesis markers (e.g., lathosterol, desmosterol) and plant sterols (e.g., campesterol, sitosterol). These sterol species serve as proxy measures: some rise when the body makes more cholesterol, others rise when the gut absorbs more dietary sterols.
Laboratory and clinical research over recent decades has used these sterol ratios to distinguish patterns of cholesterol handling. The score classifies an individual’s tendency toward endogenous synthesis versus intestinal absorption, which is a functional trait of lipid metabolism rather than a diagnostic label.
Interpreting Highs and Lows
A higher Sterol Balance Score (shift toward absorption markers) may indicate relatively greater intestinal uptake of sterols and plant sterols, which is often seen alongside particular lipid patterns and can influence how lipid fractions appear on testing. A lower score (shift toward synthesis markers) suggests relatively higher endogenous cholesterol production by the liver. Interpretation should always be made alongside the full Cardio Zoomer panel—lipoprotein particle counts, ApoB, Lp(a), metabolic markers, and inflammatory indicators—to understand overall cardiovascular biology and risk patterns.
Featured Test
Cardio Zoomer includes the Sterol Balance Score to reveal how cholesterol is procured and processed—by synthesis versus absorption. This information complements lipoprotein and inflammatory data, helping clinicians detect dominant metabolic pathways that shape an individual’s lipid profile and informing personalized interpretation of results.
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Mary Beth Augustine
DCN, RDN, FAND- Lead Clinical Educator
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MSc- MHNE- Clinical Educator
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MS, RDN, LDN- Clinical Educator
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DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jason Barker
ND- Clinical Educator
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ND- Clinical Educator
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DCN, CNS, LDN- Clinical Educator
Jessy Dhanjal
ND- Clinical Educator
Nour Amri
MS, LDN, CNS, CKNS- Clinical Educator
