Cholesterol is described as a waxy, fat-like substance found in all parts of the body. If an excessive amount of cholesterol builds up in the blood, it can stick to the walls of the arteries as plaque. Plaque can cause narrowing or blockage in the heart arteries. Several vitamin and mineral supplements can aid in reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-3 is called niacin, or nicotinic acid. According to the Mayo Clinic, it has long been used to increase HDL or good cholesterol. HDL helps clean up LDL, or bad cholesterol, in the bloodstream. Niacin is often part of a daily multivitamin, or can be obtained in prescription strength from a physician. One study published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" in 1989 found that patients treated with a higher dose of niacin had a 13 percent reduction in total cholesterol, and a 31 percent increase in HDL.
Vitamin B-5
Vitamin B5 is also called pantothenic acid. As one of the eight B vitamins, it helps the body metabolize fats and proteins. Vitamin B-5 is critical to the manufacture of red blood cells and some hormones. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a derivative of pantothenic acid is being studied to see if it may help lower cholesterol levels in the body. In 1984, "Atherosclerosis" published a study that found evidence that the B-5 derivative pantathine may raise HDL levels and reduce triglycerides.
Calcium
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, calcium supplements can help to prevent or treat osteoporosis, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol. A study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" examined the ability of calcium carbonate to lower blood cholesterol. They found that compared with a placebo, the calcium supplement acheived a 4.4 percent reduction in LDL cholesterol levels, and a 4.1 percent increase in HDL.
Other Vitamins and Minerals
Other vitamin and mineral supplements that may help in lowering cholesterol include vitamins C and E, and the minerals copper and zinc. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that vitamins C and E are the best antioxidants; antioxidants prevent cholesterol from going through the oxidation process, which allows LDL to stick to the artery lining. The "Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly" found in a study that LDL cholesterol was higher in those with lower intakes of copper and zinc in the diet.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin B5
- Mayo Clinic: Niacin
- "American Journal of Cardiology"; Effect of Niacin on Serum Total Cholesterol; Alderman, et al; October 1989
- The American Academy of Family Physicians: Can Vitamins Help With Heart Disease?
- "Journal of Nutrition for the Elderly"; Relationship Between Dietary Minerals and Plasma Lipids; Hermann, et al; 1993
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Cholesterol-lowering Effects of Calcium Carbonate; Bell, et al; December 1992
