The influence of dietary supplements on the level of “bad” and “good” cholesterol

The influence of biologically active additives (dietary supplements) on the level of “bad” and “good” cholesterol: deep analysis

Section 1: Cholesterol – Fundamentals and Health value

1. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is lipid (fat) necessary for the normal functioning of the body. It is an important component of cell membranes, is involved in the synthesis of hormones (for example, testosterone, estrogen, cortisol) and vitamin D, as well as in the digestive process (bile acid synthesis). Cholesterol is transported by blood in lipoproteins.

2. Types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. There are several types of lipoproteins, but the two most important in terms of health of the cardiovascular system are low density lipoproteins (LDL) and high density lipoproteins (LDP).

   • LDL (low density lipoproteins): Often called “poor” cholesterol, since the high level of LDL helps the accumulation of cholesterol on the walls of arteries, forming atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques narrow the lumen of blood vessels, limiting blood flow and increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
   • HDL (high density lipoproteins): They call “good” cholesterol, since HDL help remove cholesterol from arteries and transport it back to the liver for disposal. A high level of HDL is considered a protective factor against cardiovascular diseases.

3. The role of triglycerides. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. A high level of triglycerides, especially in combination with a high level of LDL and a low level of HDL, also increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

4. Target levels of cholesterol. Recommended cholesterol levels can vary depending on individual risk factors, such as age, gender, presence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, smoking and heredity. However, the general recommendations are as follows:

   • General cholesterol: < 200 мг/дл (5,18 ммоль/л)
   • LDL cholesterol: < 100 мг/дл (2,59 ммоль/л) (оптимально, особенно для людей с высоким риском)
   • LDL cholesterol: > 40 mg/dl (1.04 mmol/l) for men,> 50 mg/dl (1.29 mmol/l) for women
   • Triglycerides: < 150 мг/дл (1,7 ммоль/л)

5. Factors affecting cholesterol. The cholesterol level depends on many factors, including:

   • Nutrition: A diet rich in rich and trans fats, cholesterol, can increase the level of LDL cholesterol.
   • Weight: Excess weight and obesity are associated with an increase in the level of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as with a decrease in cholesterol HDL.
   • Physical activity: Regular physical exercises can increase cholesterol HDL and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.
   • Age and Paul: With age, cholesterol usually increases. In women, the level of HDL cholesterol is usually higher than in men, before menopause.
   • Genetics: Heredity plays a significant role in determining the level of cholesterol. Some people are genetically predisposed to a high level of cholesterol, regardless of lifestyle.
   • Diseases: Some diseases, such as hypothyroidism, kidney and liver diseases, can affect cholesterol.
   • Medicines: Some drugs, such as corticosteroids, can increase cholesterol.

Section 2: Bades and cholesterol: General review

1. Definition of dietary supplements. Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) are concentrates of natural or identical to natural biologically active substances, designed for direct intake or introduction into food products in order to enrich the ration with individual food or biologically active substances and their complexes. Bades are not medicines and are not intended for the treatment of diseases.

2. Bad regulation. The regulation of dietary supplements varies depending on the country. In some countries, such as the United States, dietary supplements are regulated as food, and not as medicines, which means that they do not undergo strict clinical trials necessary for drugs. In other countries, for example, in the European Union and Russia, the regulation of dietary supplements is more strict, but still not the same as for drugs.

3. The popularity of dietary supplements to reduce cholesterol. Many people turn to dietary supplements in the hope of reducing cholesterol, especially when they do not want or cannot take medicines such as statins. However, it is important to remember that the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements can vary, and not all dietary supplements have sufficient scientific evidence confirming their effectiveness.

4. The mechanisms of action of dietary supplements affecting cholesterol. Some dietary supplements can affect cholesterol levels in various ways:

   • Reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines: Some dietary supplements, such as plant Stanolas and stero, can block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, thereby reducing the level of cholesterol LDL.
   • Increase in bile acid excretion: Some dietary supplements, such as fiber, can connect bile acids in the intestines, which leads to their elimination from the body. To compensate for the loss of bile acids, the liver uses cholesterol for their production, which can reduce blood cholesterol.
   • Reducing the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver: Some dietary supplements, such as red yeast rice, contain Monacoline K, which is an inhibitor of the GMG-CoA Reductase enzyme, a key enzyme in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. This mechanism of action is similar to the mechanism of action of statins.
   • Increase in the level of HPVP cholesterol: Some dietary supplements, such as niacin (vitamin B3), can increase the level of HDL cholesterol.
   • Reducing the level of triglycerides: Some dietary supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce the level of triglycerides.

5. Important warnings before admitting dietary supplements. Before taking any dietary supplement to reduce cholesterol, it is important:

   • Consult a doctor: Discuss with the doctor the possibility of taking dietary supplements, especially if you have any diseases or you take other medicines. Bades can interact with other drugs and cause side effects.
   • Choose quality products: Bad dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers who adhere to quality standards and provide information about the composition and dosage of the product. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates from independent organizations.
   • Follow the instructions for use: Do not exceed the recommended dosage of dietary supplements.
   • Track cholesterol level: Spended cholesterol regularly to assess the effectiveness of the dietary supplement and make sure that it does not have a negative effect on health.
   • Do not replace medicines with dietary supplements without consulting a doctor: Bades should not replace the medicines prescribed by the doctor. If you consider the possibility of replacing the medicine for a dietary supplement, be sure to consult a doctor.
   • Be aware of possible side effects: Bades can cause side effects, such as stomach disorder, allergic reactions and interaction with other drugs.

Section 3: specific dietary supplements and their effect on cholesterol level

1. Red yeast rice (Red Yeast Rice).

   • The mechanism of action: Contains Monacoline K, which inhibits the GMG-Koa reductase, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver, like statins.
   • Research: Numerous studies have shown that red yeast rice can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.
   • Efficiency: The effectiveness of red yeast rice can vary depending on the content of Monacolin K in the product. It is important to choose products standardized by the content of Monacolin K.
   • Side effects: Side effects of red yeast rice can be similar to side effects of statins, including muscle pain, weakness, and increasing the level of liver enzymes. Red yeast rice is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women, as well as people with liver diseases.
   • Interactions: Red yeast rice can interact with other drugs such as statins, fibrates and anticoagulants.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids).

   • The mechanism of action: Reduce the level of triglycerides, can slightly reduce cholesterol LDL and increase cholesterol LDL.
   • Research: Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in reducing the level of triglycerides.
   • Efficiency: The effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids can depend on the dosage and ratio of EPC (eicopascentenoic acid) and DGC (non-achexaenic acid).
   • Side effects: The side effects of omega-3 fatty acids are usually lung and may include stomach disorder, nausea, diarrhea. High doses of omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding.
   • Interactions: Omega-3 fatty acids can interact with anticoagulants.

3. Plant Stanols and stero (Phytosterols/Phytostanols).

   • The mechanism of action: Block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, thereby reducing the level of LDL cholesterol.
   • Research: Numerous studies have shown that plant Stanolas and sterola effectively reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
   • Efficiency: The efficiency of plant stanov and sterols can depend on the dosage and method of use (for example, as part of enriched products or in the form of additives).
   • Side effects: Side effects of plant Stanols and sterols are usually absent.
   • Interactions: Plant Stanolas and sterols can reduce the absorption of beta-carotene and other fat-soluble vitamins.

4. Fiber (Fiber).

   • The mechanism of action: Binds bile acids in the intestines, increasing their excretion from the body. To compensate for the loss of bile acids, the liver uses cholesterol for their production, which can reduce blood cholesterol. Soluble fiber can also slow down the absorption of cholesterol from food.
   • Research: Studies have shown that the use of a sufficient amount of fiber, especially soluble, can reduce cholesterol LDL.
   • Efficiency: The effectiveness of the fiber can depend on the type of fiber (soluble or insoluble) and dosage.
   • Side effects: Side effects of fiber may include bloating, gases, constipation.
   • Interactions: Fiber can slow down the absorption of some drugs.

5. Niacin (Vitamin B3).

   • The mechanism of action: Increases cholesterol HDL, reduces triglycerides and can slightly reduce cholesterol LDL.
   • Research: Studies have shown that niacin is effective in increasing the level of LDL cholesterol and reduce the level of triglycerides.
   • Efficiency: Niacin’s effectiveness may depend on the dosage and form of niacin (for example, nicotinic acid or nicotinamide).
   • Side effects: Side effects of niacin may include redness of the skin, itching, stomach disorder, an increase in the level of liver enzymes.
   • Interactions: Niacin can interact with other drugs such as statins, fibrates and drugs to reduce blood pressure.

6. Garlic (Garlic).

   • The mechanism of action: It is assumed that garlic can reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver and reduce cholesterol LDL oxidation.
   • Research: The results of studies on the effect of garlic on cholesterol are contradictory. Some studies have shown that garlic can slightly reduce the level of LDL cholesterol, while other studies have not revealed a significant effect.
   • Efficiency: The effectiveness of garlic can depend on the shape of the garlic (for example, fresh garlic, garlic powder, garlic extract) and dosage.
   • Side effects: Side of garlic can include unpleasant odor from the mouth, stomach disorder, heartburn.
   • Interactions: Garlic can interact with anticoagulants.

7. Arthokek (Artichoke).

   • The mechanism of action: It is assumed that the artichoke can stimulate the production of bile, which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.
   • Research: Some studies have shown that artichoke extract can slightly reduce the level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
   • Efficiency: The effectiveness of artichoke may depend on the dosage and quality of the extract.
   • Side effects: Side effects of artichoke may include a disorder of the stomach and gases.
   • Interactions: Information about the interactions of artichoke with other drugs is limited.

8. Soy protein (soy Protein).

   • The mechanism of action: It is believed that soy protein can reduce the level of LDL cholesterol by increasing the excretion of bile acids and a decrease in cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
   • Research: Some studies have shown that the use of soy protein can slightly reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
   • Efficiency: The effectiveness of soy protein may depend on the amount of soy protein consumed and individual characteristics of the body.
   • Side effects: Side effects of soy protein may include a disorder of the stomach and gases.
   • Interactions: Information about the interactions of soy protein with other drugs is limited.

Section 4: Clinical research and meta analyzes

1. The value of clinical studies. Clinical studies are an important tool for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements. Well -planned and conducted clinical studies can provide reliable evidence about the effect of dietary supplement on cholesterol and other health indicators.

2. Meta analysis: synthesis of research results. Met-analyzes combine the results of several clinical studies to obtain a more accurate assessment of the dietary supplement effect. Met-analyzes can help identify trends and patterns that were not obvious in individual studies.

3. Examples of meta-analysis by the influence of dietary supplements on cholesterol.

   • Red yeast rice: The meta-analyzes showed that red yeast rice effectively reduces the level of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. However, it is important to note that the quality of red yeast rice products may vary, and some products may contain unacceptably high levels of Monacolin K.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids: Met-analyzes confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in reducing the level of triglycerides. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the level of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol is less pronounced.
   • Plant Stanols and sterols: The meta-analyzes showed that plant Stanolas and sterola effectively reduce the level of LDL cholesterol.
   • Fiber: The meta analysis confirmed that the use of a sufficient amount of fiber, especially soluble, can reduce cholesterol LDL.
   • Garlic: The meta-analyzes showed conflicting results about the effect of garlic on cholesterol. Some meta-analyzes revealed a slight decrease in cholesterol LDL, while other meta analyzes did not reveal a significant effect.

4. Restrictions on clinical research and meta analyzes. It is important to take into account the restrictions on clinical research and meta-analyzes in assessing the effectiveness of dietary supplements. Some studies can be small, have a short duration or be subject to displacement. Met-analyzes can be limited by the quality of research included in the analysis.

Section 5: Safety and side effects of dietary supplements

1. The importance of assessing the safety of dietary supplements. Before taking any dietary supplement, it is important to evaluate its safety and possible side effects. Bades can cause side effects, especially with high dosages or when interacting with other drugs.

2. General side effects of dietary supplements. The general side effects of dietary supplements may include stomach disorder, nausea, diarrhea, bloating, gases, headache, allergic reactions.

3. Specific side effects of specific dietary supplements.

   • Red yeast rice: Muscle pain, weakness, increasing the level of liver enzymes, risk of rabdomyolysis (destruction of muscle tissue).
   • Omega-3 fatty acids: Disorder of the stomach, nausea, diarrhea, an increase in the risk of bleeding.
   • Niacin: Redness of the skin, itching, stomach disorder, an increase in the level of hepatic enzymes.
   • Garlic: Unpleasant odor from the mouth, disorder of the stomach, heartburn.

4. Interactions of dietary supplements with medicines. Bades can interact with other drugs and change their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform the doctor about all the dietary supplements in order to avoid undesirable interactions.

5. Dietary supplements and special population groups. Pregnant and nursing women, children, elderly people and people with liver or kidney diseases should be especially careful when taking dietary supplements and be sure to consult a doctor.

Section 6: Recommendations for the use of dietary supplements to reduce cholesterol

1. Consultation with a doctor: the first step. Before taking any dietary supplements, to reduce cholesterol, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor can evaluate your individual risk factors, cholesterol levels and choose the most suitable treatment option.

2. Change in lifestyle: the basis of a decrease in cholesterol. A change in lifestyle, including healthy nutrition, regular physical exercises and rejection of smoking, is the basis for reducing cholesterol. Bades can be used as an addition to a change in lifestyle, but should not replace it.

3. The choice of high -quality dietary supplements. When choosing dietary supplements, it is important to give preference to products from reliable manufacturers who adhere to quality standards and provide information about the composition and dosage of the product. Pay attention to the availability of quality certificates from independent organizations.

4. Compliance with the dosage. Follow the instructions for the use of dietary supplements and do not exceed the recommended dosage. High doses of dietary supplements can increase the risk of side effects.

5. Regular monitoring of cholesterol. Spended cholesterol regularly to assess the effectiveness of the dietary supplement and make sure that it does not have a negative effect on health.

6. Message about side effects. If you notice any side effects after the start of taking Bad, inform your doctor about it.

7. Individual approach. The selection of dietary supplements should be individual and take into account your characteristics of the body and risk factors. It is not recommended to independently prescribe dietary supplements without consulting a doctor.

Section 7: Alternative approaches to a decrease in cholesterol

1. Diet that reduces cholesterol.

   • Reducing the consumption of saturated and trans fats: Saturated fats are found in red meat, fatty dairy products and some vegetable oils (for example, coconut and palm). Trans-fats are found in fried foods, baking and Margarine.
   • Increased consumption of soluble fiber: Soluble fiber is contained in oatmeal, apples, citrus, legumes.
   • The use of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish (for example, salmon, tuna, mackerel), linen seeds, walnuts.
   • Inclusion in the diet of plant Stanols and sterols: Plant Stanolas and stero are found in some vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and enriched products.

2. Physical activity. Regular physical exercises can increase cholesterol HDL and reduce cholesterol and triglycerides. At least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity of aerobic exercises per week are recommended.

3. Weight loss. Excess weight and obesity are associated with an increase in the level of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as with a decrease in cholesterol HDL. Weight reduction can improve a lipid profile.

4. Refusal of smoking. Smoking reduces the level of HDL cholesterol and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Refusal of smoking can increase the level of HDL cholesterol.

5. Medicines for reducing cholesterol. If a change in lifestyle is not enough to reduce cholesterol, the doctor may prescribe drugs such as statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, fibrates or PCSK9 inhibitors.

Section 8: Prospects for research in the field of dietary supplements and cholesterol

1. The need for additional research. Additional studies are needed for a more accurate assessment of the effectiveness and safety of various dietary supplements to reduce cholesterol.

2. Focus for standardized products. It is important to conduct research using standardized products to ensure comparability of the results.

3. Studies on the interaction of dietary supplements and drugs. It is necessary to conduct research on the interaction of dietary supplements and medicines in order to identify possible risks and warnings.

4. An individual approach to the study of dietary supplements. Future studies should take into account the individual characteristics of the body and risk factors in assessing the effectiveness of dietary supplements.

5. Development of new dietary supplements. Studies are ongoing to develop new dietary supplements with a potential effect of cholesterol.

Section 9: Final considerations

1. Bades are not a replacement for medicines. Bades should not be considered as a replacement for medicines prescribed by a doctor.
2. A critical attitude to information about dietary supplements. It is necessary to critically relate to information about dietary supplements, especially advertising statements.
3. Lifestyle is the key to the healthy level of cholesterol. A healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, physical activity and rejection of bad habits, is the key to maintaining a healthy level of cholesterol.
4. Interaction with medical workers. It is important to maintain constant interaction with medical workers to control the level of cholesterol and make reasonable decisions on treatment.