Evaluation of the Antihyperlipidemic Properties of Dietary Supplements
This article examines several natural substances and their ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. The authors conclude that the effects of the substances do not exceed a 25% reduction in levels and therefore only have a modest effect. Personally, I would prefer an herb with modest effect and no dangerous or even lethal side effects than a prescription with marked reduction and potentially serious side effects. I can always use the modest natural substance in conjuction with exercise and dietary modification to achieve greater responses.
Pharmacotherapy 21(4):481-487, 2001. We reviewed the published literature regarding the antihyperlipidemic effects of dietary supplements. A search of MEDLINE database, EMBASE Drugs and Pharmacology database, and the Internet was performed, and pertinent studies were identified and evaluated. References from published articles and tertiary references were used to gather additional data. Published trials indicate that red yeast rice, tocotrienols, gugulipid, garlic, and soy protein all have antihypercholesterolemic effects. These supplements, as well as -3 fatty acids, also have antihypertriglyceridemic effects. In clinical trials none of the agents led to a reduction in low-density lipoproteins greater than 25%, suggesting modest efficacy. When recommending these supplements, clinicians should keep in mind that their long-term safety is not established and patients should be monitored closely.