Cholesterol Readings

http://www.heartmonitron.com/hm_meddigest_journals_on_nutrition-_heart_and_diabetes-_cholesterol_and_healthy_weight_052.htm There are hundreds of dietary or natural supplements available on the market today. This a market that is very poorly supervised. There are many claims as to their benefits. Unfortunately, many of the claims made by distributors of natural or dietary supplements cannot be substantiated by any serious epidemiological studies. The FDA recognizes only a few of those products as having been proven to work. Among those supplements proven to work, are Niacin, also know as vitamin B3. Useful in improving cholesterol and lipid profiles. Certain types of fish oils rich in n-3 fatty acids or marine origin omega-3 known as EPA, are seen as beneficial to one's heart health. Finally, there are the phytosterols or plant sterols and stanols, known to curb the absorption of the bad LDL cholesterol. As for the efficiency of niacin, the evidence is well documented and overwhelming. In one of the many studies, such as the Compell study, niacin was used in conjunction with statin drugs like Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor. The combination reduced the amount of LDL or bad cholesterol by as much as 54% , mostly the effect of the statin drugs. However, while the statin drugs are not known to raise HDL or the good cholesterol, when combined to niacin, the desirable HDL was increased by 22 and 24% for Lipitor and Crestor. The lipid profile was also greatly improved when it comes to triglycerides. For Lipitor and Crestor, niacin helped reduce triglycerides by 40 and 48% respectively. Another study worth looking at is the Seacoast study where niacin was used with simvastatin.. It was found that adding 2 grams of niacin helped reduce NON-HDL Cholesterol by up to 22.5%, The undesirable LDL cholesterol also decreased, by 14.2%. For the desirable HDL, and this is where niacin is known to be the most useful, the hdl was increased by 24.9%. Triglycerides levels were greatly improved, they were curbed by 38%. One of the sub-classes of ldl-cholesterol is known as Lp(a), it can be very harmful, it decreased by 25% with the combination of simvastatin and niacin. Note that flushing is a side effect of niacin. For example, a person taking a 500mg TwinLab immediate release niacin capsule will experience a mild warmth sensation. Flushing may last a few minutes. What now about omega-3 supplements? And what about the fish oil hype then? Those omega-3 or n-3 fatty acids that have been proven to be beneficial to your heart generally come from marine sources, from some fatty fish such as wild Alaska or Norwegian salmon and mackerel. The Jelis Study (Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study) looked at the effect of EPA on the incidence of major coronary events. A control group was studied for a period of close to five years and data was obtained. Similarly a marine omega-3 or EPA consuming group was also studied for the period and data was obtained. It was found that the group that consumed 1.8 g. of EPA per day had 19% less major coronary events than the control group. Note that people who take anti-coagulants should speak with their doctor before taking fish oil to improve their lipid profile, given that fish oil is also a mild anti-coagulant. It was mentioned earlier that plant sterols or phytosterols had been demonstrated to work. They help in preventing some of the harmful ldl cholesterol from being reabsorbed in the bowel and force its elimination. A major study, published by The American College of Nutrition, found that 1.6 g of phytosterols per day would reduce total cholesterol by 7.4% and ldl by 10.2%. It does not interfere with the good HDL-cholesterol. Increasing the doses to 2.8 g per day would further reduce the ldl. It decreased by 15%. But this is probably as far as it will go. Phytosterols are generally well tolerated, we always ingest a very small amount when we eat fruits and vegetables or plant-based foods. To sum up, there are only a few dietary or natural supplements that have been demonstrated to work significantly. Among these are niacin, omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish and plant sterols or phytosterols. Remember that supplements can have possible side effects or interact with your medication. They cannot replace your prescribed medication. Always ask your physician for advice regarding dietary natural supplements.