One of the produced monacolins, monacolin K, is an analogue of the FDA-approved medication lovastatin. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglycerides and increases in HDL-C.

There are many OTC preparations containing RYR; it is unknown whether these agents have any cholesterol-lowering effects. To avoid being considered a drug, manufacturers do not disclose the amount of monacolin in their products, if any. Another concern is that there is no standardization across manufacturers.

If the product is fermented incorrectly, citrinin is produced, a toxic byproduct known to be nephrotoxic. Studies have analyzed various RYR products and have demonstrated great variability in monacolin and citrinin contents.

These products should not be recommended until improved oversight by the FDA and standardization of products have been implemented to ensure equivalence of active ingredient contents and limitation of harmful byproducts.

Soluble Fiber: The use of soluble fibers, such as oats, psyllium, pectin, and guar gum, have been associated with lowering total cholesterol and LDL-C. Psyllium husk fiber appears to be one of the most effective soluble fibers with the least adverse effects.

The recommended amount of daily dietary fiber intake is 25 to 38 g per day; most people are only consuming about half that amount. Fiber supplements may be helpful to those patients who are having difficulties in achieving this daily goal. Pharmacists need to ensure that they are recommending fiber supplements containing a soluble viscous, gel-forming fiber psyllium , although there are some data to indicate that inulin may be beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels.

Adverse effects associated with fiber supplements include gastrointestinal upset, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence. Fiber should be increased gradually and taken with plenty of water.

Patients should also be told to separate fiber supplements from other medications by at least 2 hours to avoid potential drug interactions. Pharmacists can play a vital role in this process by educating patients and helping them make informed decisions regarding the use of the various available supplements.

Supplements that are supported by clinical evidence and guidelines include immediate-release niacin, omega-3 fatty acids, and soluble fiber. Pharmacists should keep in mind, however, that these products are not regulated by the FDA and there may be inconsistencies between different manufacturers and batches.

Pharmacists should also avoid recommending garlic, RYR, sustained-release niacin, no-flush niacin, and niacinamide due to lack of efficacy or documented adverse effects. A strong emphasis should be placed on the benefits associated with therapeutic lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol, high-fiber diet, and exercising regularly.

Patients should also be reminded to inform their healthcare providers of any supplements they may be taking. Cholesterol is a substance that your body needs to remain healthy. It comes from two sources: our bodies themselves and the food we eat, such as meat, poultry, and dairy products.

Too much cholesterol can increase your risk for heart disease. This slows down blood flow. If this buildup of plaque breaks off, a clot forms that can completely block the flow of blood, causing a heart attack.

This type carries the bad cholesterol away from the arteries. Everyone aged 20 years and older should have his or her cholesterol levels checked at least once every 5 years. The blood test should be taken after fasting for 9 to 12 hours. For HDL, higher numbers are better. Eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying physically active are all ways to help improve your cholesterol.

Maintaining a healthy diet can help lower your cholesterol. A diet high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats should be avoided. This includes high-sodium foods; sweetened or sugary beverages; red, fatty, or processed meats; full-fat dairy products; baked goods with saturated and trans fats e.

There are a few things you can take to help you lower your cholesterol, but you should speak with a healthcare provider before starting. Supplements that should be avoided include red yeast rice, garlic, sustained-release niacin, no flush niacin, and niacinamide.

These supplements have no data to support their use in lowering cholesterol levels or have been associated with liver damage. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heart disease facts. August 10, Accessed January 8, Mozaffarian D, Benjamin EJ, Go AS, et al.

Heart disease and stroke statistics— update. December 17, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. High blood cholesterol: what you need to know. June Stone NJ, Robinson J, Lichtenstein AH, et al. November 12, Application of new cholesterol guidelines to a population-based sample.

N Engl J Med. Jacobson TA, Ito MK, Maki KC, et al. National lipid association recommendations for patient-centered management of dyslipidemia: part 1—full report. J Clin Lipidol. Mercado C, DeSimone AK, Odom E, et al.

Prevalence of cholesterol treatment eligibility and medication use among adults—United States, MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. Vicki F, Sinclair F, Wang H, et al. Perm J. Chee YJ, Chan HH, Tan NC. A literature review.

Singapore Med J. Clarke TC, Black LI, Stussman BJ, et al. Trends in the use of complementary health approaches among adults: United States, — Natl Health Stat Rep. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH. The use of complementary and alternative medicine in the United States.

December 22, Ried K, Toben C, Fakler P. Effect of garlic on serum lipids: an updated meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. Zeng T, Guo FF, Zhang CL, et al. A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for the effects of garlic on serum lipid profiles.

J Sci Food Agric. Stevinson C, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Garlic for treating hypercholesterolemia. A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Ann Intern Med. Reinhart KM, Talati R, White CM, Coleman CI. The impact of garlic on lipid parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Res Rev. Mulrow C, Lawrence V, Ackermann R, et al.

Garlic: effects on cardiovascular risks and disease, protective effects against cancer, and clinical adverse effects. Evid Rep Technol Assess Summ. Ackermann RT, Mulrow CD, Ramirez G, et al.

Garlic shows promise for improving some cardio-vascular risk factors. Arch Intern Med. Chapman MJ, Redfern JS, McGovern ME, Giral P. Niacin and fibrates in atherogenic dyslipidemia: pharmacotherapy to reduce cardiovascular risk. Pharmacol Ther. Houston M. The role of nutraceutical supplements in the treatment of dyslipidemia.

J Clin Hypertens. Houston MC, Fazio S, Chilton FH, et al. Nonpharmacologic treatment of dyslipidemia. Prog Cardiovasc Dis.

Cholesterol also comes from foods; and having too much of it can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and lead to heart attack and stroke, the American Heart Association explains. Nearly 94 million Americans ages 20 and older have high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.

Cutting back on saturated fats commonly found in animal products like beef, pork, butter and cheese , as well as trans fats frequently found in processed cakes, cookies and pizzas can lower cholesterol levels; so can increasing physical activity and losing weight.

Privacy Policy. A big reason patients are passing on the pill, experts say, is misinformation. Target Optical. For this recent study, participants between the ages of 40 and 75 were randomized to take one of eight pills for 28 days: the low-dose statin medication rosuvastatin 5 mg daily , a placebo, fish oil, cinnamon, garlic , turmeric, plant sterols or red yeast rice.

Those who took the statin saw a nearly 40 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol and a 24 percent decrease in total cholesterol. Blood triglycerides a type of fat found in the blood were also reduced. Participants taking the supplements or placebo, however, saw no significant benefit. The authors note a few limitations to the study.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, the leading trade association representing the dietary supplement industry, released a statement Nov. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, nearly three-quarters of adults 60 and older take supplements.

However many experts warn against relying on vitamins, minerals and plant extracts to treat or prevent heart disease due to scant evidence and possible safety issues stemming from overuse, side effects , medication interactions and lax regulation.

Dietary supplements are not held to the same rigorous standards as over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs. In fact, some products even contain hidden drugs and are falsely marketed, the Food and Drug Administration says.

Should You Take Beta-Carotene Supplements? The Truth Behind IV Therapy. Are You Taking Too Many Drugs? Rachel Nania is an award-winning health editor and writer at AARP. org, who covers a range of topics including diseases and treatments.

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People who are pregnant, chestfeeding , or taking statins should avoid red yeast rice. People should also check with a doctor before consuming supplements if they are currently taking medication. Beta-glucans are fibers within certain plants, such as mushrooms , oats , and barley. Research demonstrates that beta-glucans can decrease total and LDL blood cholesterol levels, according to a review.

This review states that beta-glucans may be more effective than statins because they promote the rebalancing of cholesterol levels compared with simply blocking the enzyme that produces cholesterol. However, the authors write that more research is necessary to clarify the best way to use beta-glucans for lowering cholesterol.

In addition, the researchers suggested that flaxseed had additional cholesterol-lowering capabilities when the study participants used it in combination with statins. Another small study involving Japanese men indicated that 10 g of flaxseed oil daily reduced LDL cholesterol by People can take flaxseed as an oil, ground seeds, or in capsule form, but they should check that the substance will not interact with any prescribed medications first.

The NCCIH warns that people should not take flaxseed during pregnancy because it may have hormonal effects. Additionally, the organization advises people to make sure they are well hydrated when taking flaxseed, as it may cause constipation or diarrhea.

A high triglyceride level, also known as hypertriglyceridemia , is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease , especially in combination with low amounts of high-density lipoprotein HDL and elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Learn more about what doctors consider typical triglyceride levels. In addition, the review suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce triglycerides and inflammation. People can consume the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid by eating oily fish or taking supplements.

Supplements include those that manufacturers derive from fish liver or plant-based forms they synthesize from algae. However, fish oil supplements may interact with certain medications, such as warfarin. With this in mind, people should check with a doctor before taking these supplements.

Sources of soluble fiber, such as psyllium , can help clear cholesterol from the blood and eliminate it through the bowels, according to a review. The authors stated that people should introduce fiber supplements gradually to avoid side effects, such as bloating or cramping. They also suggested that individuals should speak with a doctor before taking fiber supplements if they are taking medication or have an existing condition affecting their digestive system.

According to a review of 31 trials, green tea lowered LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in study participants who had moderate weight or were overweight. Green tea contains active compounds called catechins, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, although more research is necessary.

People can purchase green tea extracts as a supplement in tablet form or consume green tea as a drink. However, green tea contains caffeine , so individuals sensitive to the substance should be mindful of how much they consume.

In addition, some products may not have undergone regulation by the FDA. Therefore, people should speak with a doctor or another healthcare professional before taking supplements, especially if they have a health condition or are taking medication.

Additionally, many supplements are unsuitable for use during pregnancy or while chestfeeding. Furthermore, if someone has concerns about their cholesterol levels, they can consult a doctor about diet and lifestyle strategies that could manage cholesterol, improve overall health, and lower their risk of heart disease.

Learn more about lowering cholesterol through diet and exercise. Several supplements, such as red yeast rice, phytosterols, and beta-glucans, may help people lower their cholesterol. A person can get advice from a doctor about whether supplements are suitable for taking either alone or with cholesterol-lowering medication such as statins.

In addition, people can help improve their cholesterol profile by maintaining a moderate weight, eating a nutritious diet, and participating in regular exercise or activity.

Natural ways to lower cholesterol include replacing trans fats and saturated fats, eating more soluble fiber, and exercising regularly. Learn more…. Eating a healthy diet is one way to keep cholesterol levels in check.

Learn which foods to avoid and which to prioritize to maintain healthy…. Learn about lifestyle strategies and drugs that may help. Fish oil does not appear to lower cholesterol. In some cases, it may raise it. Find out more about taking fish oil for cholesterol. People can lower their cholesterol levels by taking medications and making lasting changes to their diet and lifestyle.

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. What are the best supplements for lowering cholesterol? Treatment for high cholesterol includes changes in diet, exercise, smoking cessation and sometimes medications. But, can supplements help?

Barbie Cervoni is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes care and education specialist, and an expert in chronic disease prevention and management. She wholeheartedly understands the barriers, burdens and struggles that come with managing a condition and firmly believes in the power of nutrition for preventing, treating and managing disease.

Many supplements are marketed to help reduce cholesterol levels. But with so many on the market, it can be difficult to know if they really work or are worth the money. Most of the time, if a supplement makes you a promise that seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Making changes to your diet and activity level are much more effective and potentially safer than taking a supplement. Food contains an abundance of nutrients that work synergistically in your body to help improve overall health, including lowering cholesterol.

Supplements are expensive and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Taking certain supplements can be dangerous, especially if they interfere with your medications or cause unwanted side effects. Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance that is made by the liver and plays a role in making hormones and vitamins.

Dietary cholesterol is found in food, such as dairy products and meat. Having "high cholesterol" usually means you have too much LDL "bad" cholesterol circulating in your blood and not enough HDL "good" cholesterol, a factor that can increase your risk of heart disease.

Genetic predisposition, a diet high in saturated and trans fat, sedentary lifestyle, age, gender, smoking or having clinical obesity are all risk factors. Treatment for high cholesterol can include changes in diet, physical activity, smoking cessation and, in some instances, medication.

In this article, you will learn about four supplements you should not take if you have high cholesterol. These supplements can interact with medications, or the contents in them vary widely, and it is difficult to determine the effects they can have on your health.

Potassium is an important mineral that plays a role in maintaining fluid balance within cells. Eating foods rich in potassium is often recommended for lowering blood pressure.

That's because potassium helps to remove sodium from your body via urine, which in turn can help to lower blood pressure, especially for people who consume a high-sodium diet.

Having high blood pressure and high cholesterol can often co-exist. That said, if you have been prescribed medicines to help lower your blood pressure, potassium supplements may not be safe.

Taking ACE angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduces urinary excretion of potassium and can lead to hyperkalemia too much potassium in the blood. Sudden hyperkalemia can cause heart palpitations, chest pain, nausea or vomiting. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.

Instead of taking a supplement, focus on getting potassium through nutritious foods, like fruits, vegetables, fish and low-fat dairy products. Red yeast rice is made by fermenting rice with a yeast Monascus purpureus , which enriches the rice with monacolins, including monacolin K.

Monacolin K is structurally identical to a statin that is commonly used to treat high cholesterol, called lovastatin brand names Mevacor, Altoprev.

Red yeast products that have high amounts of monacolin K have been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels, blood glucose and blood pressure. Unfortunately, the contents of these supplements can vary widely, and not all supplements list how much monacolin K is in their products.

Certain products may not contain enough monacolin K to have an effect, while others that have higher amounts may have illegally added lovastatin to their products.

Because these products are not regulated by the FDA, it is hard to know exactly what they contain. Products with high levels of monacolin K are considered to be unapproved new drugs by the FDA and are illegal in the U.

In addition, some products have been shown to be contaminated. In a analysis of 37 red yeast rice products , only one had levels below the maximum level of citrinin, a mycotoxin that can cause kidney damage at high levels. Garlic has numerous health benefits—it is a prebiotic which means it helps feed the good bacteria in our guts and may have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Raw garlic and garlic supplements have been studied for their use in lowering cholesterol. Allicin, a bioactive compound, is thought to induce this effect.

In a meta-analysis , researchers found that garlic helped reduce total and LDL cholesterol. Eating garlic is safe for most people and can have health benefits, but garlic can have mild anticoagulating effects. Therefore, if you take blood thinners, NSAIDs or have a bleeding disorder, you should probably avoid garlic supplements as supplements are more concentrated.

Other side effects include body odor, upset stomach and heartburn. Some supplements on the market contain various ingredient combinations and are marketed to support healthy cholesterol levels. These supplements may contain oil extracts, niacin and magnesium, to name a few.

Keep in mind that these supplements are targeted at consumers who already have healthy cholesterol levels. Supplements like these are not intended to be used by people with established elevated cholesterol levels and are not meant to be a substitute for medication.

If you have high cholesterol, eating a diet that is rich in fiber and lower in saturated fat can yield positive results. Soluble fiber acts like a sponge and can help usher cholesterol and fat out of the body. Foods that contain soluble fiber include vegetables, fruits, legumes, oats and whole grains.

Fiber has a filling effect, too.