Vitamins for Cholesterol

Adults who eat too many animal products are at risk for elevated cholesterol levels. Reducing cholesterol and saturated fat from the diet in combination with vitamins will help lower chances of stroke or heart disease.

Types

• Three numbers make up the level of cholesterol in the blood. The first number is the total cholesterol in the blood; the second is LDL, or bad cholesterol; and HDL is the third, which is considered to be helpful with liver function.

Considerations

• HDL numbers in men and women should be around 35, while LDL levels should be under 160. These measurements are in milligrams per deciliter. Those with a history of heart disease, diabetes or smoking should have LDL levels under 130.

Lowering LDL cholesterol

• Reduce cholesterol found in food to 300 milligrams or less each day. Avoid eating too many eggs, red meat or liver and keep saturated fat to less than 10 percent of daily calories.

Prevention/Solution

• By eating a diet rich in fresh foods, you will get valuable vitamins for cholesterol. Taking 250 milligrams of vitamin C each day will increase the good cholesterol, or HDL while lowering LDL levels. Vitamin E prevents LDL from clogging arteries, so taking up to 600 IU each day is recommended.

Foods That Contain Vitamins

• Foods that contain vitamin C include: dark green, leafy vegetables, broccoli, citrus fruits and potatoes. Vitamin E is found in oils, nuts, broccoli and spinach.