Supplements to Consider For Healthy Cholesterol

Exercise and a healthy diet may help reduce the risk of high cholesterol. If you’ve adopted these healthy
habits and are still concerned about your numbers; you might want to add a supplement to your daily
routine. Research shows some nutrients may support cholesterol reduction. With your doctor’s okay,
you might want to consider these supplements as an addition to prescribed cholesterol-lowering
medications, a low fat diet and exercise.

Omega –3 fatty acids
Studies have shown strong scientific evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may significantly
reduce blood triglyceride levels and also may cause small improvements in increasing (HDL), the “good
cholesterol”.

Suggested Amounts: 500mg-1000mg of Omega-3 fatty acids daily
Available at ShopRite: Natrol® Omega-3 Fish Oil 1000mg, ShopRite Omega –3 Fish Oil Concentrate,
Sundown® Naturals Fish Oil 1000mg

Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries.
It contains substances similar to those in cholesterol lowering drugs. Studies have reported that red yeast may
lower blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides.

Suggested Amounts: 1,200 mg of Red Yeast Rice twice daily
Available at ShopRite: Nature's Bounty® Red Yeast Rice 600mg, Sundown® Red Yeast Rice 1200mg

Phytosterols and Phytostanols
Plant (phyto) sterols and plant (phyto) stanols occur naturally in many fruits, vegetables, plant oils, nuts,
seeds, cereals and legumes. Research shows when plant sterols/stanols are an addition to a heart healthy
eating plan, the risk for heart disease may decrease. Furthermore, phytosterols and phytostanols may have
shown evidence to lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol).

Suggested Amounts: 1000mg of phytosterol or phytostanol twice daily
Available at ShopRite: Bayer® Heart Health Advantage, Sundown® Phytosterol Complex

As always, check with your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet plan.
Taking dietary supplements should be managed under the supervision of a health care professional. If you
are pregnant, nursing or taking medications consult your medical doctor or healthcare practitioner before
taking any dietary supplement products.

References

• Lavie CJ, Milani,RV,Mehra MR,Ventura HO
  Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Diseases
  J Am Coll Cardiol 2009 54: 585-594
  
• National Institute of Health-Office of Dietary Supplements. Available at: http://ods.od.nih.gov/ Accessed: August 2010
  
• High Cholesterol, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Red Yeast Rice, Psyllium, Beta-sisterol.
  Natural Standards. Available at http://www.naturalstandard.com
  Accessed: September 2010.
  
• Goldberg DP, Gitomer A, Abel R. The Best Supplements for Your Health. New York, NY: Kensington Publishing:2002: 164-166, 248, 243, 236-237
  

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