High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a significant health risk as it increases the risk of heart disease or stroke. There are two types of cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, also known as HDL, is "good" cholesterol, while low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is "bad" cholesterol. If your doctor diagnoses hypercholesterolemia, it means you have high LDL levels. You can reduce your cholesterol levels by cutting your intake of fatty foods and doing more exercise. Some dietary supplements may also help lower cholesterol, but they should not be used in place of dietary and lifestyle changes. Get medical advice before taking any new supplements.
Example
Several dietary supplements may help lower cholesterol. One example is policosanol, a waxy substance derived from sugar cane. However, most policosanol supplements available in the United States are derived from beeswax or wheat germ, which may have different effects. It has been approved in parts of Latin America as a treatment for high cholesterol. It may even be as effective as some cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Administration
Policosanol is supplied in capsules. The UMMC website suggests taking 5mg to 10mg twice daily to help lower your cholesterol levels. However, RxList states that an appropriate dose of policosanol may depend on numerous factors including age and general health. Get advice from your doctor or pharmacist on how much policosanol you should take.
Effectiveness
UMMC states that a number of studies have shown that policosanol is an effective cholesterol-lowering treatment, but adds that the majority of these studies have been carried out by a single research group in Cuba whose work was funded by a policosanol manufacturer. In addition, the results of an independent study published in the May 2009 issue of "Lipids" show that policosanol does not lower LDL levels. In contrast, clinical research findings published in the November 2010 issue of "Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases" found that policosanol lowered cholesterol levels. However, policosanol was combined with berberine and red yeast rice so it is hard to say whether policosanol would have the same effect if used alone.
Safety Considerations
RxList states that taking up to 80mg of policosanol daily for up to two years is likely safe for most people. However, it may cause side effects, which could include rash, migraines, drowsiness, and upset stomach, weight loss and nose bleeds. Don't take policosanol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also avoid policosanol if you are taking anticoagulant drugs as it may heighten their effect.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypercholesterolemia
- Baptist Health Systems: Policosanol
- RxList: Policosanol
- "Lipids"; Sugar Cane Policosanols Do Not Reduce LDL Oxidation in Hypercholesterolemic Individuals; A.N. Kassis, et al.; May 2009
- "Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases"; Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination (Berberine, Red Yeast Rice and Policosanols) on Lipid Levels and Endothelial Function Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study; A. Affuso, et al.; November 2010
