A patient is on a strict cholesterol-lowering medication that drastically reduces circulating cholesterol. From a physiological standpoint, which consequence is most plausible if cholesterol becomes too low for prolonged periods?

• A. Complete elimination of all adipose tissue in the body because cholesterol is necessary to store triglycerides within adipocytes.
• B. Immediate cessation of membrane formation because cholesterol is the sole structural lipid required for building cell membranes and cannot be replaced by phospholipids.
• C. Reduced substrate availability for synthesis of steroid hormones and bile acids and potentially lower conversion to vitamin D precursors, which could affect hormone balance and fat digestion over time.
• D. Rapid hyperabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins due to increased bile acid synthesis compensating for low cholesterol levels.

Answer: (C)