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Medicines and supplements
Alternative cholesterol busters
Study tests alternative approach to cutting cholesterol
A study by US scientists has found that people who regularly took fish oil and red yeast supplements, and were encouraged to make healthy lifestyle choices, lowered their levels of ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol more than a comparable group taking statin drugs, according to a report in the journal, Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania took 74 people with high blood cholesterol and randomly assigned them either the alternative or statin treatment. The patients in the alternative treatment group were given daily supplements of fish oil and red yeast rice and were enrolled in a 12-week lifestyle programme involving educational sessions promoting heart health, good diet, exercise and relaxation techniques.
The statin group received 40mg of the drug simvastatin every day as well as leaflets on healthy diet and exercise programmes. Statins are cholesterol-lowering drugs that help prevent cardiovascular disease.
After the three-month trial period the volunteers had their blood cholesterol levels tested.
The researchers found that there was a reduction in LDL cholesterol in both groups. However patients on the alternative treatment programme showed a 42.4 percent reduction compared to a 39.6 percent reduction in the statin group. The team also found that the alternative group lost more weight and had lower levels of triglycerides – another form of fat found in the blood.
‘Our study was designed to test a comprehensive and holistic approach to lipid lowering,’ said the study's lead author, David Becker. ‘These results are intriguing and show a potential benefit of an alternative, or naturopathic, approach to a common medical condition.’
Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice and naturally contains a chemical called lovastatin which has been shown to reduce cholesterol production in the body. In many Asian countries red yeast rice is a dietary staple (it is responsible for the red colour of Peking duck). It is now readily available in supplement form from health food retailers.
Fish oils contain omega 3 fatty acids which have been shown to help lower levels of LDL cholesterol.
The team acknowledge that larger trials with longer follow-ups are needed to determine if this alternative approach can provide a long-term solution for some patients. Dr Becker points out that previous studies involving diet and exercise programmes have found that many people are unwilling or unable to make the necessary life-style changes.
Commenting on the research, Alasdair Little, cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said: 'People should not bin their statins as a result of this study. Statins are a safe and effective way of reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke by lowering cholesterol. However, this study does show the importance of eating healthily and having a physically active lifestyle as well. This can reduce the risk of heart disease, but it’s important to recognise that for some people medication is vital.'
More about the supplements
The alternative treatment group were given three fish oil capsules twice a day. The brand used in the study was Res-Q 1250 by N3 Oceanic. Each capsule is 1250mg and contains 351mg of EPA and 280mg of DHA – the two types of omega-3 oils that are the active ingredients in the capsules. Six capsules is the maximum daily dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
The red yeast rice supplement used was also by N3 Oceanic (Res-Q LDL-X 600mg). In the study, two strengths of red yeast rice were used depending on the participants’ initial LDL cholesterol reading. For those with LDL reading higher than 160mg/dL, a total dose of 3.6g was given in two divided doses. For those with an LDL cholesterol reading below 160, a total dose of 2.4g was given in two divided doses.
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
