The Influence of Dietary Protein and Methionine on Serum Cholesterol Level

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Abstract
Serum cholesterol levels in albino rats correlate closely with the level of dietary protein and the total sulfhydryl content of the liver. Methionine supplementation of the low protein diet increased the serum cholesterol level. Intraperitoneal administration of methionine sulfoximine, an antimetabolite of methionine, to albino rats on adequate protein diet significantly reduced the total sulfhydryl content of the liver as well as the serum cholesterol level. In children aged four to five years there is a close correlation between the serum cholesterol level and the protein nutritional status. The serum cholesterol level and the serum albumin, albumin:globulin ratio and the liver functions are correlated. Supplementation of the diet of children with animal or vegetable protein produced a significant increase in the serum albumin and cholesterol levels.