There are many commercially available daily-use vitamin packets marketed for individuals who have elevated serum cholesterol levels. These packets contain vitamins and other nutritional supplements proven to help lower total cholesterol, as well as individual components of your total lipid profile. Understanding these supplements and how they work will help you choose the vitamin packets that are right for you.
Niacin
Health care professionals prescribe niacin -- also known as vitamin B-3 -- to lower cholesterol and to correct disproportionate ratios of good-to-bad serum cholesterol levels. Niacin lowers bad, or LDL, cholesterol and raises good, or HDL, cholesterol. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that niacin raises your good cholesterol more effectively than do prescription medications to lower cholesterol. Niacin also lowers triglyceride levels, which are another critical component of your lipid profile. This effect, in combination with niacin's potential to lower bad cholesterol, is protective against the development of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about an appropriate niacin dosage for you.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Certain fish, such as tuna and salmon, contain high levels of an essential fatty acid known as omega-3. This nutrient is important, as it can lower high cholesterol and decrease high blood pressure, which are both major contributors to the development of heart disease. Eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids increases your good cholesterol and decreases your triglycerides. If you do not prefer to eat fish or if you do not eat enough of these types of fish to be of therapeutic value, you can supplement your diet with a daily vitamin packet containing fish-oil capsules. Recommended doses of omega-3 fatty acids differ depending on personal variables, such as other medications you take, so talk to your doctor about the correct dosage before deciding on the right vitamin packet for you.
Minerals
The minerals magnesium, chromium, copper and calcium play key roles in healthy cholesterol levels. Many people lack magnesium, a mineral that lowers bad cholesterol. Two hundred micrograms of chromium daily has the potential to raise HDL and lower LDL. A copper supplement reduces your risk of a copper deficiency, which is associated with elevated LDL and decreased HDL cholesterol levels. While also essential to good bone health, calcium can also lower your cholesterol. In addition to vitamins, look for vitamin packets that contain these important minerals.
Other Cholesterol-lowering Supplements
The spice curcumin has the potential to lower cholesterol levels quickly, and it is available in supplement form. In addition to the healthy and protective antioxidants it offers, green tea lowers both triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels; it too is available as a supplement. Artichoke extract supplements can significantly reduce triglyceride and overall cholesterol levels. Liquid kyolic garlic extract is also a powerful cholesterol reducer. Ask your doctor if any of these other types of supplements are beneficial in your case, Look for vitamin packets containing these, and any other cholesterol-lowering supplements your doctor recommends.
