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Cholesterol-Busters!

There is a new high-profile advertisement that has been on the radio quite frequently. It tries to make you believe that if you run out and buy this product, you can cure your high cholesterol problem. First of all, you know there is no magic bullet. If there were I would have been sure to tell you! Secondly, the principle behind this product is not unique to this product. Therefore, any benefit this product produces can be achieved in a number of ways.

The product referred to above is called Cholox. It is touted to reduce cholesterol levels. Of course, you may not hear in the ad that this MAY occur if you take this along with eating a diet low in saturated fat.

So what is the truth? Is this product worth the money? Does it do what it promises? The claim that it makes is based on research on the ingredient called plant-based sterols and stanols. Based on much research, these components have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of Coronary Heart Disease by lowering cholesterol. But you don't just find them in this supplement (or other such supplements like Cholestoff or Beta Sitosterol.) The same benefit can be derived from products such as margarine-like spreads such as Benecol, Take Control, Smart Balance and even some products like orange juice that are fortified with plant sterols.

Of course, it is not quite that easy or straightforward. Here is the information that you need to know:

• Plant sterols may lower the bad cholesterol (LDL) by 10%.
• They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol from the intestinal tract.
• Plant sterols (also called phytosterols) are found in foods like soybeans, nuts, grains and oils.
• The research on phytosterols has shown a strong association between consumption of the phytosterols and a decrease in LDL cholesterol. However, it has also been determined that you need at least 800 mg per day of this substance (FDA recommendation) and perhaps up to 2,000 mg. per day (National Cholesterol Education Program) EVERY DAY as a way to lower LDL if changes in the diet aren't working.
• It appears that if your cholesterol is high, plant sterols on their own may not do much to help. But if you take them along with statin drugs, they can help lower your cholesterol even more.

So whether it is Cholox, Cholestoff, a margarine-like spread, a fortified orange juice or any other product that contains phytosterols, there may be some benefit derived from the product. That benefit may be substantially increased if you take statin drugs (like Lipitor or Crestor) along with it. And remember, there are other ways to lower cholesterol. Decreasing the intake of saturated fat and increasing exercise are examples of interventions you can make.

For a packet of information on heart-health supplements and dietary/lifestyle interventions you can make, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org