Expert: Carol Schlitt - 4/14/2008

Question
Michael Pollan in his new book, In Defense of Food, says that powdered milk has
high levels of "oxygenated" cholesterol (not sure if that's the correct term, but
it's close).  The implication is that dry milk would not be good for someone
trying to  reduce blood cholesterol.  I had never heard of this before, and
wondered what you might know about this claim.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,


Yes, powdered milk and eggs do contain oxidized cholesterol.   It is theorized that oxidized cholesterol contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries.  

And that's just it....it is a theory --not a proven fact.

Laboratory animal studies have shown there could be a link between oxidized cholesterol and plaque buildup in the arteries, but no one knows what effects they have in people. The body produces oxidized cholesterol, and there is even some research that shows some beneficial properties of oxidized cholesterol. So you see, the jury is still out on this subject.

FYI -- powdered milk actually has very low levels of oxidized cholesterol.

Research will continue on this controversial topic. Meanwhile, there is no reason to avoid powdered milk if you like it. It is a good source of protein and calcium and hardly any fat or cholesterol -- oxidized or unoxidized.

Carol