Dietary supplement to lower cholesterol
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Dietary Supplements to Lower Cholesterol
Plant Sterols and Cholesterol Reduction
Effectiveness of Plant Sterols
Plant sterols are natural compounds known for their lipid-lowering properties. The DESCO study demonstrated that a daily supplement containing 2.5 g of phytosterols significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) by 11.8 mg/dL and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 7.8 mg/dL in individuals with polygenic hypercholesterolemia. This effect was more pronounced in participants adhering to a Mediterranean diet, suggesting that dietary quality can enhance the cholesterol-lowering benefits of plant sterols.
Unesterified Plant Sterols and Stanols
Another study found that unesterified plant sterols and stanols, when added to the diet, significantly reduced LDL-C by 11.3% to 16.0% compared to a control group. This reduction was achieved by decreasing cholesterol absorption efficiency, highlighting the efficacy of plant sterols and stanols in their free form.
Red Yeast Rice as a Cholesterol-Lowering Agent
Clinical Evidence for Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice (RYR) has been shown to significantly lower cholesterol levels. In a study involving 83 hyperlipidemic subjects, a daily dose of 2.4 g of RYR resulted in a substantial reduction in total cholesterol from 254 mg/dL to 208 mg/dL over 8 weeks. LDL cholesterol and total triacylglycerol levels were also reduced, making RYR a potent dietary supplement for cholesterol management.
Flaxseed and Cholesterol Management
Impact of Flaxseed on Cholesterol
Dietary flaxseed has been found to lower cholesterol levels in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A study showed that consuming 30 g of milled flaxseed daily led to a 15% reduction in LDL cholesterol within one month. This effect was sustained over six months, although it diminished by the 12-month mark. Flaxseed also provided additional LDL-C-lowering benefits when used alongside cholesterol-lowering medications.
Capsaicinoids and Cholesterol Levels
Meta-Analysis of Capsaicinoids
Capsaicinoids, the active compounds in chili peppers, have been studied for their cholesterol-lowering effects. A meta-analysis of controlled human trials concluded that capsaicinoid supplementation significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. This suggests that capsaicinoids can be an effective dietary intervention for managing cholesterol.
Combination Supplements for Enhanced Effects
Oat β-Glucan and Phytosterols
Combining high molecular weight oat β-glucan (OBG) with phytosterols (PS) has shown additive effects in lowering cholesterol. A study found that a supplement containing both OBG and PS significantly reduced total cholesterol by 11.5% and LDL-C by 13.9% compared to a placebo. This combination approach optimizes the lipid-lowering potential of both components.
Red Yeast Rice, Policosanols, and Artichoke Leaf Extracts
A dietary supplement combining red yeast rice, sugar cane-derived policosanols, and artichoke leaf extracts was found to reduce LDL-C by 21.4% and total cholesterol by 14.1% over 16 weeks in individuals with moderate hypercholesterolemia. This multi-component supplement offers a convenient and effective option for managing cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Dietary supplements such as plant sterols, red yeast rice, flaxseed, capsaicinoids, and combinations of these with other bioactive compounds have shown significant potential in lowering cholesterol levels. These supplements provide alternative or complementary options to traditional cholesterol-lowering medications, particularly for individuals seeking non-prescription solutions. The effectiveness of these supplements can be enhanced by combining them with a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, to achieve optimal cholesterol management.
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