What is "hypobetalipoproteinemia"

n. (context pathology English) A low level of betalipoprotein (low-density lipoprotein) in the bloodstream

n. a hereditary disorder characterized by low levels of beta-lipoproteins and lipids and cholesterol

Hypobetalipoproteinemia is a disorder consisting of low levels of LDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein B, below the 5th percentile. The patient can have hypobetalipoproteinemia and simultaneously have high levels of HDL cholesterol.

Notably, in people who do not have the genetic disorder hypobetalipoproteinemia, a low cholesterol level may be a marker for poor nutrition, wasting disease, cancer, hyperthyroidism, and liver disease.