Cholesterol Reducing Supplements

Individuals with high cholesterol may be successful in reducing their total cholesterol by taking alternative or natural health supplements versus prescription medicine. Most cholesterol-reducing supplements have fewer side effects than prescription medicine and, for some, provide comparable results. Additionally, extreme levels of elevated cholesterol may respond favorably to a combined effort of prescription medicine and cholesterol-reducing supplements.

Fish Oil

• Fish oil is a healthy oil high in omega-3 fatty acids and has proven to be effective in reducing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
  Recommended: 2 to 4 g per day (adults only)
  Available: Liquid, flavored liquid and capsule
  Side effects: Unpleasant aftertaste (store capsules in the freezer to eliminate aftertaste)
  Caution: Excessive amounts of fish oil could cause other serious health issues in certain individuals.

Red Yeast Rice

• Red yeast rice is made from the fermenting of red yeast, then adding the fermented yeast to rice. It contains a naturally occurring substance known as lovastatin, which is also the primary ingredient in active pharmaceutical-grade prescription drugs for the treatment of high cholesterol.
  Recommended: 600 mg twice a day (adults only)
  Available: Capsule
  Side effects: Headache, indigestion, bloating, dizziness, heartburn, muscle pain, joint pain, liver inflammation
  Caution: Persons with bleeding disorders or taking medicines that increase the risk of bleeding should not take red yeast rice. Additionally, women who are pregnant or nursing are advised not to take red yeast rice.
  Note: When the Food and Drug Administration discovered red yeast rice contained the same ingredient as the prescription brand, red yeast rice manufacturers were ordered to remove the lovastatin from the product. Therefore, it is unclear whether red yeast rice purchased today actually contains lovastatin.

Garlic

• Concentrated forms of garlic have shown positive results in reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
  Recommended: 600 mg 2 to- 3 times a day (adults only)
  Available: Liquid, oil, capsules
  Side effects: Garlic taste, garlic smell from skin
  Caution: Diabetics, pregnant women and nursing women should not take garlic supplements.

Niacin

• Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, reduces LDL (bad)cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
  Recommended: 50 to 100 mg three times a day (adults only)
  Available: Tablet, capsule
  Side effects: Flushing, nausea, indigestion, gas, stomach upset, gout, liver inflammation, high blood sugar
  Caution: Although niacin is available over-the-counter, persons taking prescription medications should consult their doctor before taking niacin supplements due to the possibility of potentially severe, life-threatening reactions.

Beta-sitosterol

• Beta-sitosterol is another name for phytosterol or plant alcohol that is found in plants, including the vegetables we eat, and is proven effective in lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.
  Recommended: 300 to 600 mg daily (adults only)
  Available: Capsule
  Side effects: Nausea, heartburn, diarrhea
  Caution: Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult a doctor before taking beta-sitosterol.

Psyllium

• Psyllium, also known as blond psyllium and psyllium husks, is a form of soluble fiber that reduces total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
  Recommended: 500 mg 2 two 3 times a day (adults only)
  Available: Capsule, powder
  Side effects: Bloating, stomach pain, gas, diarrhea, constipation, nausea
  Caution: Drink plenty of liquid when taking psyllium. Not drinking enough liquid may cause psyllium to swell and block the throat, esophagus, or air passage and cause choking.

Warning

• Individuals taking prescription medicines should consult a doctor before taking nutritional supplements. Persons who are prone to allergic reactions should read labels carefully or consult a physician before taking nutritional supplements.