Orthomolecular Therapy & Treatment for High Cholesterol

Orthomolecular therapy, also known as megavitamin therapy, is based on the theory that if you take large doses of natural nutrients (typically much higher than considered medically necessary), such as vitamins and other supplemental nutritional molecules, tailored to your personal biochemistry, it will result in the successful prevention and treatment of health problems, including high cholesterol.

Background

• The term "orthomolecular" was coined by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling in 1968, and his initial concept was to use natural substances, such as amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and trace elements, to correct a person's deficiencies and imbalances, according to the International Society of Orthomolecular Medicine (ISOM). Pauling theorized that genetics are a key factor in a person's overall health, and because everyone's genetic makeup is different, each person needs to individually make up for his deficiencies and imbalances through the intake of these natural substances. Othomolecular medicine is somewhat controversial, because individualized dosages of vitamins can sometimes exceed levels listed in the Dietary Reference Intake nutritional recommendation system established by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.

Niacin

• In 2005, the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service issued a press release stating that niacin (vitamin B3) safely lowers levels of cholesterol in the blood without reducing them too dangerously. The release recommended taking 50 milligrams of niacin and 1,000 mg of vitamin C together three times per day after a meal for three or four days, and then increasing the niacin dosage by 50 mg every few days until reaching the level of 1,000 mg of niacin and 1,000 mg of vitamin C three times per day. The Mayo Clinic also indicates that niacin has been shown to lower levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs, the "bad cholesterol") and increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs, the "good cholesterol"), but that dosage levels should be discussed with your doctor before beginning a treatment program.

Plant Sterols

• In 2000, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the results of a study that showed that plant sterols, such as those found in soybeans, in conjunction with a low-fat diet, reduced levels of LDLs by 18 percent, while HDLs remained the same. In addition to soybeans, plant sterols can be found in raw vegetable oils, salad dressing, margarine, and in pill form sold over-the-counter.

Other Foods and Supplements

• The Mayo Clinic indicates numerous other natural foods and supplements that have been shown to lower cholesterol. Among these foods and supplements are artichoke extract, barley, blond psyllium (which is in seed husk and also found in Metamucil), fish oil, ground flaxseed, garlic extract, oat bran (whole oats and oatmeal), and beta-sitosterol and sitostanol (found in some margarines). The Mayo Clinic also stresses that exercise has been shown to lower LDL levels and increase HDL levels and should be done in conjunction with supplemental intake.