What Vitamins Can a Woman Take for High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol puts a person at risk for diabetes, stroke and heart disease. Too much cholesterol sticks to the walls of the arteries and may obstruct blood flow. There are many ways to lower cholesterol, including taking vitamin supplements.

Significance

• The signs, symptoms and dangers of high cholesterol may take years to manifest and become noticeable. A simple blood test on a regular basis is recommended to check cholesterol levels.

Considerations

• Lifestyle changes have a dramatic impact on lowering cholesterol. This includes: eating healthy, low-fat foods; exercising; maintaining a healthy weight; not smoking; and taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Vitamin supplements may also help.

Function

• A study conducted at Tufts University showed that the higher the levels of vitamin C in the body, the higher the HDL levels (good cholesterol). Robert A. Jacob, Ph.D., a research chemist from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Human Nutrition Research Center in San Francisco, also suggests vitamin C to reduce cholesterol. Supplements of 250 milligrams daily are recommended.

Features

• Associate Professor Balz Frei, Ph.D., at Boston University School of Medicine, found that vitamin E helps prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. Supplements in the amount of 100 milligrams are suggested.

Insight

• Jane Brody reported in a New York Times article that B vitamins, in particular vitamin B6 and folate, can protect a woman from coronary heart disease and high cholesterol. Quoted in the article was Dr. Eric B. Rimm of the Harvard School of Public Health, head of the study, who said that two to three times the current Recommended Daily Allowance for folate and B-6 is optimal to garner the maximal potential and lower the risks.

Potential

• Omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels. They can help reduce triglyceride levels and prevent hardening of the arteries.