We know that generally, the higher your cholesterol is, the higher your risk of coronary heart disease. Blood cholesterol is one of the blood markers for risk assessment for cardiovascular disease. Other blood markers include:

• total cholesterol
• triglycerides
• HDL (high density lipoprotein)
• LDL (low density lipoprotein)
• high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)
• homocysteine
• fibrinogen
• very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL)
• lipoprotein a [Lp(a)]

Alteration of these blood markers towards increased cardiovascular disease risk is called dyslipidemia.

Numerous research studies and clinical trials show that niacin, pantethine, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids are effective in positively influencing dyslipidemia. In many cases, the effects are comparable to or better than the effects of cholesterol lowering drugs. Below is a list of these nutrition supplements that lower cholesterol and triglycerides with their therapeutic dosages from research studies and clinical trials. The list is for information only, and it does not cover the potential drug or nutrient interactions or disease related contraindications. Thus, it is not meant for self prescription. Consult a health professional trained in functional medicine or nutrition for therapeutic benefit.

Niacin (Vitamin B3 or Nicotinic Acid)

Niacin’s effects on dyslipidemia were first published in 1955. Since then numerous clinical trials, peer-reviewed published research, and clinical practice have shown its efficacy for dyslipidemia.

Clinical study results of taking 1500 to 2000 mg/day of niacin:

• lowers total cholesterol by between 13.3 and 18.4%
• lowers LDL by 19 to 26%
• lowers triglycerides by 20 to 50%
• lowers Lp(a) by 15 to 25%
• raises the beneficial HDL by 15 to 35%

The conclusions from the ADMIT study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2000 state: “Our study suggests that lipid-modifying dosages of niacin can safely be used in patients with diabetes and that niacin therapy may be considered as an alternative to statin drugs or fibrates for patients with diabetes in whom these agents are not well tolerated or fail to sufficiently correct hypertriglyceridemia or low HDL-C levels.” In other words, they recommended using niacin instead of statin drugs if the statins don’t work in lowering triglycerides or raising HDL.

When starting to use niacin at therapeutic dose, many people experience flushing and tingling in their face, shoulders and chest. Some also experience a little itching within 30 minutes of taking niacin. This is the result of niacin opening up the small blood vessels with increased blood flow. This is not a bad thing. However, sometimes people find this sensation uncomfortable. You can avoid the flush by taking smaller doses more frequently. Typically, after a couple of weeks of using niacin, this sensation decreases. Some people start to enjoy this sensation and look forward to it once they know what causes it.

Niacinamide, another form of niacin, does not work as well for lowering cholesterol levels as niacin.

Pantethine (Vitamin B5)

Pantethine is the precursor to the B-vitamin pantothenic acid. The majority of studies show that between 600 to 1200 mg/day results in the following effects on dyslipidemia within 2 to 4 weeks:

• total cholesterol reduced by 10 to 25%
• LDL decreased by 10 to 39%
• triglycerides reduced by 15 to 31%
• slight increases in HDL

Tocopherols (Vitamin E)

Tocopherol is the technical name for vitamin E which includes the alpha, beta, gamma and delta tocopherols. Tocopherols have an effect on decreasing the oxidation of LDL, thereby having a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia. When LDL is oxidized, LDL particles become even more damaging to the arteries.

In the Cambridge Heart Antioxidant Study, over 2000 patients with coronary disease received between 266 to 533 mg alpha-tocopherol/day. This range is equivalent to 400-800 IU. After one year those given vitamin E had about half the risk of death from heart attack as those who did not.

Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Numerous research studies show that between 2 to 6 grams of fish oil per day have the following effects on dyslipidemia:

• triglycerides reduced by about 25%

For additional articles on other nutraceuticals effects on dyslipidemia, see my 3-part article titled “Fitting Into Your Genes” published in 2005.

Dr Husbands is a Chiropractor, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, an Anti-Aging Healthcare Practitioner and a Functional Medicine Doctor. For more information, visit http://www.drhusbands.com.

Copyright © 2009; Douglas Husbands, DC, CCN, ABAAHP. All rights reserved