Hypercholesterolemia is a health condition associated with high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol. LDL, also known as the "bad" cholesterol, is associated with atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Healthy diet and regular exercise are important in treating hypercholesterolemia. Vitamin C may also be beneficial in treating hypercholesterolemia, according to a study published in "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine." Always consult your doctor before taking vitamin C or any other supplements.
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder that runs in families but it can also be cause by obesity, certain medications, certain diseases, excessive alcohol use, smoking and lack of exercise. Diets that contain high amounts of saturated fats, red meat, egg yolks and high-fat dairy products can increase your risk of hypercholesterolemia. PubMed Health states that fatty skin deposits over elbows, knees, buttocks and eyelids may be symptoms of hypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia can lead to stroke and coronary artery disease.
Treatment Options
General treatment of hypercholesterolemia includes changing your lifestyle to include a healthy, low-fat diet and regular exercise. Medications may also be prescribed if lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your LDL cholesterol levels. Medications can help to lower LDL cholesterol or raise high-density lipoprotein, or HDL levels. HDL is the "good" cholesterol that naturally helps to lower your LDL levels. Vitamin B-3, also known as nicotinic acid or niacin, helps to increase your blood HDL levels, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from free radicals, promotes wound healing and supports healthy skin and bones. Scientific studies have also found evidence that taking vitamin C supplementation may help reduce blood LDL and triglyserde levels. A study in "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine" showed that 500 mg of vitamin C, taken daily for a minimum of four weeks, reduced blood LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly. Another study published in "Annals of Epidemiology" showed that 1,000 mg of vitamin C per day may increase blood HDL levels.
Considerations
The daily recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. The effectiveness of vitamin C in treating hypercholesterolemia was seen with doses higher than 500 mg per day. High doses of vitamin C may cause over-consumption symptoms including nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach cramps, headache and kidney stones. Although some research suggests that vitamin C may help reduce blood LDL, more studies are needed to verify these findings.
References
- "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine"; Vitamin C supplementation lowers serum low-density lipoprotein..; M.P. McRae; June 2008
- PubMed Health: Familiar Hypercholesterolemia; May 2010
- PubMed Health: High Blood Cholesterol and Triglyserides; May 2010
- "Annals of Epidemiology"; Effect of vitamin C supplementation on..; P.F. Jacques, et al.; January 1995
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin C(Ascorbic Acid); March 2011
- "Mayo Clinic"; Niacin to Boost Your HDL, "Good" Cholesterol; June 2006
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