The role of nutraceutical supplements in the treatment of dyslipidemia

Abstract

The combination of a lipid-lowering diet and scientifically proven nutraceutical supplements has the ability to significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increase LDL particle size, decrease LDL particle number, lower trigylcerides and very LDL levels, and increase total and high-density lipoprotein 2b cholesterol. In addition, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune responses are decreased. In several prospective clinical trials, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease have been reduced with many nutraceutical supplements. This nutritional and nutraceutical supplement treatment is a valid alternative for patients who are intolerant to statins, cannot take other drugs for the treatment of dyslipidemia, or prefer alternative treatments. This new approach to lipid management to decrease vascular disease utilizes a functional medicine approach with a broader treatment program that will address the multitude of steps involved in lipid-induced vascular damage.

Figure 1

The various steps in the uptake of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, modification, macrophage ingestion with scavenger receptors, foam cell formation, oxidative stress, inflammation, autoimmune cytokines, and chemokine production. PAI‐1 indicates plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1; MCP‐1, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1.

Figure 2

Proposed mechanisms of actions of nutraceuticals and statins in the cholesterol pathway.