Top 3 Supplements For High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood that comes from either your liver or foods you consume. Not all cholesterol is bad; your body requires it to make cells, hormones, vitamin D, and enzymes but it is possible to have too much.

When you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, certain foods and supplements can help lower cholesterol levels. Keeping your cholesterol at healthy levels is important to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Which supplements are used to manage cholesterol?

1. Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice, which is produced when yeast is cultured on rice that naturally possesses HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, has effects that are comparable to those of low-dose statins.

Monacolin K, a molecule found in certain red yeast rice, is structurally similar to the main component of the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin (Altoprev). However, the quantity of monacolin K may vary product to product due to manufacturer-specific quality variations.

Supplements with monacolin K properties may cause adverse effects identical to lovastatin, such as liver, kidney, and muscle damage.

According to studies, some red yeast rice products with statins can considerably decrease levels of both total cholesterol and LDL.

One study also found that 2.4 grams per day decreased LDL levels by 22% and total cholesterol by 16% over the course of 12 weeks. In another trial, taking 1.2 grams a day for only 8 weeks reduced LDL levels by 26%.

Although products with significant amount of monacolin K are not approved by FDA and illegal to sell, they are still available. The FDA also advises against using red yeast rice since it might cause serious muscle issues that can affect your kidneys.

Furthermore, it’s challenging to make definitive claims regarding the efficacy and/or safety of red yeast rice extract due to the possibility that the contents of different brands may differ greatly.

2. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Coenzyme Q10 functions is an antioxidant, preventing cellular damage and being a crucial component of metabolism. Our body produces CoQ10 naturally, and we also consume it in foods such as meat, fatty fish, soybeans, and vegetables.

Numerous medical conditions have been treated using CoQ10 in the past. Studies suggests that taking CoQ10 supplements may help reduce your blood pressure. When taken with conventional drugs, CoQ10 may assist in alleviating certain symptoms and reducing future cardiac risks.

Although it's still being studied, some preliminary research indicates that CoQ10 may assist in preventing or treating the side effects caused by statin-type cholesterol medications, such as muscular pain, swelling, and liver issues.

The optimal CoQ10 dosage has not yet been determined. However, adult CoQ10 doses in various studies have ranged from 50 mg to 1,200 mg, and they have occasionally been divided into multiple doses spread throughout the day. 100 mg to 200 mg per day is the usual dose.

Take counsel from your physician or a dietitian, or follow the directions on the bottle. It's important to remember that different supplement brands may have varying ingredients and strengths.

3. OTC fish oils (omega-3 fatty acid)

When checking cholesterol levels, doctors frequently evaluate your triglyceride levels. The most prevalent form of fat in your body, triglycerides are used to store extra energy that your body does not need. High triglycerides may contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries which increases the risk of heart disease.

Omega-3 fatty acid has been shown to reduce triglycerides, inflammation, and overall cardiovascular risk.

Other supplements that how been found to be beneficial in decreasing cholesterol include the following:

• Garlic
  —Possibly lowers cholesterol a little, however research on this is inconsistent.
• Niacin (vitamin B)
  —Can reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, may raise HDL, or "good" cholesterol
• Flaxseed
  —May lower your LDL cholesterol levels.

You may also require prescription drugs to lower your cholesterol levels, even though dietary supplements might be helpful as well.

Since some dietary supplements can conflict with medications you might be taking, it's important to let your doctor know if you take any kind of supplement(s).