Vitamins that lower cholesterol
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Vitamins That Lower Cholesterol: A Comprehensive Review
Vitamin C and Cholesterol Reduction
Vitamin C's Impact on LDL and Triglycerides
Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to significantly reduce serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials revealed that taking at least 500 mg of vitamin C daily for a minimum of four weeks resulted in a decrease in LDL cholesterol by 7.9 mg/dL and triglycerides by 20.1 mg/dL 1. This suggests that vitamin C can be an effective supplement for lowering harmful cholesterol levels and triglycerides in individuals with hypercholesterolemia.
Vitamin C and Total Cholesterol
Further supporting these findings, a review of 51 experimental trials indicated a strong inverse relationship between plasma vitamin C concentration and total serum cholesterol. The study found that higher baseline cholesterol levels were associated with more significant reductions in cholesterol following vitamin C supplementation 3. This reinforces the potential of vitamin C to lower total cholesterol, particularly in individuals with initially high cholesterol levels.
Cardiovascular Benefits in Diabetic Patients
Vitamin C intake has also been linked to improved cardiovascular outcomes in diabetic patients. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials highlighted that vitamin C not only lowers total cholesterol but also reduces markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, which are critical in managing cardiovascular disease risk in diabetic patients 6.
Vitamin E and Cholesterol Metabolism
Vitamin E's Role in Cholesterol Management
Vitamin E, another potent antioxidant, has been studied for its effects on cholesterol metabolism. Research indicates that vitamin E supplementation, especially when combined with caloric restriction, can influence cholesterol metabolism genes and increase LDL cholesterol levels 9. However, the overall impact on cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk requires further investigation.
Pantethine (Vitamin B5 Derivative) and LDL Cholesterol
Pantethine's Efficacy in Cholesterol Reduction
Pantethine, a derivative of vitamin B5, has shown promise in lowering LDL cholesterol. A study involving North American subjects at low to moderate cardiovascular risk demonstrated that pantethine supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels over a 16-week period 7. This suggests that pantethine could be a beneficial supplement for managing cholesterol levels in individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease.
Plant Sterols and Cholesterol Lowering
Plant Sterols' Effectiveness
Plant sterols, often incorporated into dietary supplements, have been proven to lower LDL cholesterol effectively. Studies have shown that daily consumption of plant sterol-enriched spreads can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 10.6%, regardless of baseline cholesterol levels 810. This makes plant sterols a viable option for individuals seeking to manage their cholesterol through dietary means.
Conclusion
In summary, vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and derivatives of vitamin B5, along with plant sterols, have demonstrated significant potential in lowering cholesterol levels. Vitamin C is particularly effective in reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while pantethine and plant sterols also show promising results in managing cholesterol levels. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating these vitamins and supplements into the diet for individuals looking to lower their cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials.
Vitamin C supplementation for at least 4 weeks can significantly decrease LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but not HDL cholesterol, in patients with hypercholesterolemia.
Meta-Analysis
Highly CitedMRC/BHF Heart Protection Study of cholesterol-lowering therapy and of antioxidant vitamin supplementation in a wide range of patients at increased risk of coronary heart disease death: early safety and efficacy experience.
Cholesterol-lowering therapy and antioxidant vitamin supplementation show potential in reducing coronary heart disease mortality and major morbidity in high-risk patients.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedThe efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on reducing total serum cholesterol in human subjects: a review and analysis of 51 experimental trials.
Vitamin C supplementation may help lower cholesterol by elevating plasma vitamin C levels in patients with lower than normal levels.
Systematic ReviewLDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of a dietary supplement with plant extracts in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia
Daily consumption of a dietary supplement with red yeast rice, sugar cane-derived policosanols, and artichoke leaf extracts effectively reduced LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol in subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
RCTVitamin C and cardiovascular risk factors.
Ascorbic acid supplementation may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in healthy individuals, but its effects on heart disease risk factors remain unclear.
RCTHighly CitedVitamin C intake potentially lowers total cholesterol to improve endothelial function in diabetic patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Vitamin C intake may lower total cholesterol levels and improve endothelial function in diabetic patients at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Systematic ReviewPantethine, a derivative of vitamin B(5) used as a nutritional supplement, favorably alters low-density lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism in low- to moderate-cardiovascular risk North American subjects: a triple-blinded placebo and diet-controlled investigation.
Pantethine supplementation for 16 weeks is safe and significantly lowers total cholesterol and LDL-C in low- to moderate-risk North Americans, potentially reducing future cardiovascular disease risk.
RCTSpreads enriched with three different levels of vegetable oil sterols and the degree of cholesterol lowering in normocholesterolaemic and mildly hypercholesterolaemic subjects
Consuming about 1.6 g of plant sterols per day significantly lowers cholesterol levels without significantly affecting lipid-soluble (pro)vitamins.
RCTHighly CitedVitamin E and caloric restriction promote hepatic homeostasis through expression of connexin 26, N-cad, E-cad and cholesterol metabolism genes.
Vitamin E and caloric restriction promote liver homeostasis by regulating connexin 26 expression and cholesterol metabolism in rats.
RCT
Animal StudyA spread enriched with plant sterol-esters lowers blood cholesterol and lipoproteins without affecting vitamins A and E in normal and hypercholesterolemic Japanese men and women.
A spread enriched with plant sterol-esters effectively lowers blood cholesterol and lipoproteins in both normal and hypercholesterolemic Japanese individuals, regardless of baseline cholesterol levels.
RCT