Reducing cholesterol using dietary supplements: myth or reality?

Reducing cholesterol using dietary supplements: myth or reality?

Understanding of cholesterol and its effect on health

Cholesterol, fat -like substance is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is a component of cell membranes, participates in the synthesis of hormones and vitamin D, and also plays a role in digestion. However, a high level of blood cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, primarily to the development of atherosclerosis – the formation of plaques on the walls of arteries.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• Lipoproteins of low density (LDL) – “bad” cholesterol: The high level of LDL contributes to the formation of plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
• High density lipoproteins (HDL) – “good” cholesterol: LDP help remove “bad” cholesterol from arteries and return it to the liver for processing, having a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

The general level of cholesterol is the total indicator of LDL, HDL and triglycerides (other type of fat in the blood). It is important to maintain a healthy balance between different types of cholesterol. Optimal cholesterol levels vary depending on individual risk factors, such as age, gender, the presence of cardiovascular diseases in history, diabetes and smoking.

High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, often occurs asymptomatic. Therefore, regular blood tests (lipidogram) are important for identifying the problem in the early stages. Factors contributing to an increase in cholesterol levels include malnutrition (high content of saturated fats and cholesterol), inactive lifestyle, overweight, smoking, genetic predisposition and some diseases, such as hypothyroidism and kidney disease.

The main approaches to reduction of cholesterol

A decrease in cholesterol is an important part of the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. There are several main approaches to achieving this goal:

1. Life change change:

   • Diet: Compliance with a low content of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. An increase in the consumption of soluble fiber (oatmeal, fruits, vegetables, legumes) helps to reduce LDL levels. It is recommended to consume products rich in polyunsaturated and mononed -shared fats, such as fish (especially fatty varieties, for example, salmon, tuna, sardines), nuts, seeds and vegetable oils (olive, rapeseed).
   • Physical activity: Regular physical exercises (at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of intense per week) help to increase the level of HDL and reduce LDL level.
   • Weight loss: Excessive weight helps to increase the level of LDL and a decrease in the level of HDL. Weight loss even by several kilograms can positively affect the lipid profile.
   • Refusal of smoking: Smoking reduces the level of HDL and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

2. Drug therapy:

   • Statin: The most common and effective drugs to reduce LDL level. They block the enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver.
   • Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: Preparations that block cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
   • Sequestrants of bile acids: Bile acids in the intestines are binded, which leads to a decrease in cholesterol.
   • Fibrates: Preparations that reduce triglycerides and increase the level of HDL.
   • PCSK9 inhibitors: New drugs that significantly reduce LDL levels, but more expensive than statins.

3. Biologically active additives (dietary supplements):

   • Bades are not drugs and do not pass strict clinical trials as medicines. Their effectiveness and safety can vary. It is important to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you have any diseases or you take other medicines.

Consider the role and effectiveness of various dietary supplements in reducing cholesterol levels:

1. Red yeast rice (Red Yeast Rice):

• The mechanism of action: Red yeast rice is obtained by fermentation of rice using yeast Monascus. It contains Monacolins, in particular Monacolin K, which in its structure is identical to lovastatin, a drug from a group of statins. Monacolin inhibits the enzyme of the GMG-CoA reductase, participating in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, thereby reducing the level of LDL.

• Efficiency: Studies have shown that red yeast rice can effectively reduce the level of LDL and total cholesterol. However, it is important to take into account that the content of Monacolin K in different products may vary, and some additives may contain insufficient or excess doses.

• Side effects: Side effects of red yeast rice are similar to side effects of statins, including myalgia (muscle pain), an increase in the level of liver enzymes and, in rare cases, rabdomyolysis (destruction of muscle tissue). Due to the content of Monacolin K, red yeast rice should not be taken simultaneously with statins or other drugs affecting the liver. It is also important to consider the potential content of citrine, mycotoxin, which can be toxic for kidneys, in some products of red yeast rice. Choose products from trusted manufacturers who conduct quality control for the content of citrine.

• Important comments: Due to the similarity with lovastatin, red yeast rice should be considered as a drug, and not just as a food supplement. Before use, you need to consult a doctor, especially if you have liver diseases or you take other drugs. It is not recommended to use red yeast rice to pregnant and nursing women.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil):

• The mechanism of action: Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular eicophantamentenic acid (EPK) and daily oxaenoic acid (DHG) contained in fish oil, have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. They reduce the level of triglycerides, have an anti -inflammatory effect, improve the function of the endothelium (the inner shell of blood vessels) and reduce the risk of blood clots.

• Efficiency: Omega-3 fatty acids are most effective for reducing triglycerides. They can slightly reduce LDL levels and increase the level of LDP, but the effect is usually not as pronounced as when using statins.

• Side effects: In high doses, fish oil can cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, belching with a fish taste and increased bleeding. It is recommended to start with small doses and gradually increase to avoid side effects. Fish oil can interact with anticoagulants, so you need to consult a doctor if you take these drugs.

• Important comments: When choosing fish oil, pay attention to the content of EPK and DGK. The recommended daily dose of EPK and DGC to reduce triglycerides is usually 2-4 grams. It is important to choose products from trusted manufacturers that guarantee the absence of heavy metals (for example, mercury) and other pollutants.

3. Plant sterols (phytosterols):

• The mechanism of action: Plant sterols are structurally similar to cholesterol and compete with it for absorption in the intestines. They block the absorption of cholesterol from food, thereby reducing the level of LDL in the blood.

• Efficiency: Plant sterols effectively reduce the level of LDL, on average by 5-15%. They are often added to food, such as margarine, yogurt and juices.

• Side effects: Plant sterols are usually well tolerated. In rare cases, minor gastrointestinal disorders may occur.

• Important comments: To achieve the maximum effect, it is recommended to consume plant stero during meals. The effect of plant sterols can be more pronounced in people with a high level of cholesterol in the blood.

4. Garlic:

• The mechanism of action: Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur -containing compound, which is believed to have various useful properties, including a decrease in cholesterol.

• Efficiency: The results of research on the effectiveness of garlic in reducing the level of cholesterol are ambiguous. Some studies have shown a slight decrease in the level of total cholesterol and LDL, while others did not reveal a significant effect.

• Side effects: Garlic can cause side effects, such as unpleasant odor from the mouth and from the body, heartburn, nausea and bloating. In large doses, garlic can increase the risk of bleeding, so it should be used with caution before operations or when taking anticoagulants.

• Important comments: The effectiveness of garlic can depend on the form of administration (fresh, dried, extract) and dose. Additional studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in reducing the level of cholesterol.

5. Niacin (Vitamin B3):

• The mechanism of action: Niacin (nicotinic acid) reduces the level of LDL, triglycerides and increases the level of HDL. It affects the metabolism of lipids in the liver and reduces the production of LDL and triglycerides.

• Efficiency: Niacin effectively increases the level of HDL and reduces the level of triglycerides. It can also reduce the level of LDL, but the effect is usually not as pronounced as when using statins.

• Side effects: Niacin often causes side effects, such as redness of the skin of the face and upper body (especially when taking high doses), itching, nausea, headache and dizziness. In rare cases, niacin can cause more serious side effects, such as liver damage and increasing blood sugar.

• Important comments: Niacin should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor due to the risk of side effects. There are forms of niacin with slow release, which can cause less side effects, but they can also be more toxic for the liver.

6. Soluble fiber (psillium, oat bran, pectin):

• The mechanism of action: Soluble fiber binds cholesterol in the intestines and prevents its absorption, thereby reducing the level of LDL.

• Efficiency: Soluble fiber can slightly reduce the level of LDL, on average by 5-10%. It also helps to improve digestion and control the blood sugar.

• Side effects: Soluble fiber can cause side effects, such as bloating, gas formation and constipation. To avoid these side effects, it is necessary to start with small doses and gradually increase the consumption of fiber, as well as drink a sufficient amount of water.

• Important comments: Soluble fiber is contained in oatmeal, fruits (apples, citrus fruits), vegetables (carrots, broccoli), legumes (beans, peas) and seeds (linen, chia). Adding these products to the diet can help reduce cholesterol.

7. Artichoke:

• The mechanism of action: The artichoke contains compounds, such as zinarin, which is supposed to stimulate the production of bile and improve the liver function, which can help reduce cholesterol.

• Efficiency: Some studies have shown that artichoke extract can slightly reduce the level of total cholesterol and LDL. However, additional studies are needed to confirm these results.

• Side effects: The artichoke is usually well tolerated. In rare cases, side effects can occur, such as bloating, gas formation and allergic reactions.

• Important comments: The artichoke can be eaten fresh or in the form of an extract.

8. Other dietary supplements:

There are other dietary supplements that are advertised as means for reducing cholesterol, but their effectiveness and safety are often not proven. These include:

• Vilikosanol: Sugar reed extract, which is supposed to reduce the level of LDL and increases the level of HDL. However, research results are contradictory.
• Gamma-orinol: Rice bran extract, which is supposed to reduce cholesterol. However, evidence of its effectiveness is limited.
• COQ10 (Coanzim Q10): An antioxidant that can be useful for people taking statins, as statins can reduce the COQ10 level in the body. COQ10 does not reduce cholesterol levels directly.

Criteria for choosing dietary supplements to reduce cholesterol

When choosing dietary supplements to reduce cholesterol, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Scientific evidence: Choose dietary supplements whose effectiveness is confirmed by clinical research.
• Product quality: Choose products from trusted manufacturers that conduct quality control for the content of active substances, heavy metals and other pollutants.
• Dosage: Follow the recommended dosage indicated on the packaging.
• Side effects: Consider possible side effects and contraindications.
• Interaction with other drugs: Consult a doctor to make sure that the dietary supplement does not interact with other medicines that you are taking.
• Individual features: Consider your individual characteristics, such as age, gender, presence of diseases and allergies.

The importance of consulting a doctor

Before you start taking any dietary supplements to reduce cholesterol, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor can evaluate your lipid profile, determine the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and develop an individual treatment plan that may include a change in lifestyle, drug therapy and, if necessary, intake of dietary supplements. Self -medication can be dangerous and lead to undesirable consequences.

The doctor can help you choose the right dietary supplement, determine the optimal dosage and control side effects. It can also evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and, if necessary, make adjustments.

Conclusion

Bades can be a useful addition to a healthy lifestyle and drug therapy to reduce cholesterol. However, it is important to understand that they are not a replacement for traditional methods of treatment. The effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements can vary, and it is necessary to carefully choose products from trusted manufacturers and consult a doctor before the start of the appointment. The main thing is an integrated approach, including a change in lifestyle, compliance with a diet and, if necessary, drug therapy, under the supervision of a doctor. Bades can play an auxiliary role, but should not be considered as the main treatment for hypercholesterolemia.