Can Fish Oil Caplets Lower High Cholesterol?

As we age, doctors care more and more about our cholesterol levels--in particular, high LDL cholesterol or low HDL cholesterol. Studies show these cholesterols correlate to arterial plaque buildp and increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Lowering cholesterol and maintaining low levels is a focus for millions of Americans, especially as they enter middle age. Besides new prescription medications and watching what you eat, there are more options. Fish oil, high in Omega 3s, is one of them.

Benefits

• Human trial studies have shown regular use of fish oils with omega 3s reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as slowing the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques. It also can reduce the risks of heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes--and therefore, ultimately, death.

  Fish oils are high in omega 3 fatty acids. Americans consume 10 times more omega 6 fatty acids than they do omega 3s. Omega 6s are the "bad" fats that contribute to higher cholesterol and arterial plaque deposits.

  The traditional solution to high cholesterol has been to lower omega 6 intake. But because omaga 3s--the "good" fatty acids--compete with the omega 6s to become active metabolites in the body, another solution can be increasing omega 3 levels above omega 6 levels. Of course, lowering omega 6s and increasing omega 3s would be even healthier.

Supplements More Powerful Than Medicine

• A University of Pennsylvania study found that high cholesterol patients on a regimen of fish oil supplements and red yeast rice saw cholesterol decreases equal to and sometimes greater than patients using prescriptive cholesterol lowering medications--known as statins.

  However, patients given the natural supplements were also taught about lifestyle, including lowering fat intake to less than 25 percent of their daily calories and encouraged to exercise for 30 to 45 minutes at least five times a week.

  The supplement patients saw a 42 percent decline in LDL cholesterol levels, compared to a 39 percent decline in the patients taking Zocor, a prescription statin. Triglycerides decreased 29 percent among the patients taking fish oil and red yeast rice, and only 9.3 percent among the Zocor users.

Warnings

• Fish oil supplements aren't without risks. Fish oil may increase bleeding, including brain hemorrhage or strokes. Also, like with most fish products, fish oils are at risk for having mercury--a serious toxin.

  Because fish oil can reduce blood pressure, people with low blood pressure may want to steer clear. However, people with high blood pressure may benefit.

  Lastly, experts caution that the market for natural dietary supplements is largely unregulated. Consumers should shop smartly to ensure they're getting good-quality products consistent with those used in studies.

  And of course, before beginning a fish oil regiment, it's best to consult a physician.