fish oil, 1 gram, 3x/day
garlic, 1 gram, 3x/day
policosanol, 10 mg, 2x/day
no-flush niacin, 1 gram, 3x/day
a little something on policosanol...
Policosanol is a natural supplement derived from sugar cane. The main ingredient is octacosanol. Octacosanol is an alcohol found in the waxy film that plants have over their leaves and fruit. The leaves and rinds of citrus fruits contain octacosanol, and so does wheat germ oil.
Policosanol has been shown to normalize cholesterol as well or better than cholesterol-lowering drugs, without side effects such as liver dysfunction and muscle atrophy.1 Efficacy and safety have been proven in numerous clinical trials, and it has been used by millions of people in other countries. Policosanol lowers harmful LDL-cholesterol and raises protective HDL-cholesterol. HDL-cholesterol removes plaque from arterial walls.
Policosanol helps stop the formation of artery lesions,2 an effect similar to that of statin drugs. This was proven in studies on rabbits fed a diet designed to create high cholesterol. According to researchers “in most policosanol-treated animals, atherosclerotic lesions were not present, and in others, thickness of fatty streaks had less foam cell layers than in controls.,3
Policosanol also inhibits the oxidation of dangerous LDL-cholesterol4 which promotes the destruction of blood vessels by creating a chronic inflammatory response. Oxidized LDL can also provoke metalloproteinase enzymes.5 These enzymes promote blood vessel destruction, partly by interfering with HDL’s protective effect. Studies show that rats treated with policosanol have fewer foam cells, reflecting less inflammatory response causing less blood vessel destruction.6,7
Healthy arteries are lined with a smooth layer of cells so that blood can race through with no resistance. One of the features of diseased arteries is that this layer becomes thick and overgrown with cells. As the artery narrows, blood flow slows down or is blocked completely. Policosanol can stop the proliferation of these cells in much the same was as lipid-lowering drugs.8,9
Policosanol also inhibits the formation of clots, and may work synergistically with aspirin in this respect. In a comparison of aspirin and policosanol, aspirin was better at reducing one type of platelet aggregation (clumping together of blood cells). But policosanol was better at inhibiting another type. Together, policosanol and aspirin worked better than either alone.10,11
Thromboxane is a blood vessel-constricting agent that contributes to abnormal platelet aggregation that can cause a heart attack or stroke. Significant reductions in the level of thromboxane occur in humans after two weeks of policosanol.12
People with elevated LDL-cholesterol (over 100) or low HDL-cholesterol (under 50) should seek to protect themselves from the potentially fatal effects of cardiovascular disease. Some people can achieve optimal cholesterol levels via dietary modification, while others require intervention with dietary supplements like policosanol or prescription drugs.
Some people will not achieve adequate results with policosanol or FDA-approved cholesterol-lowering drugs. That is why it is so important to have your blood tested when using policosanol (or FDA-approved drugs). Some people will only require 5 mg to 10 mg a day of policosanol, while others may need 20 mg/day. The same dosage variation may be true of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
A standard blood chemistry profile measures total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and numerous other parameters such as liver and kidney function. By taking this blood test two months after beginning policosanol, you can adjust the dose to meet your individual need. This standard blood chemistry test can be done at your doctor's office or you can order it directly by going here. If you are unable to achieve desired cholesterol levels with diet, policosanol and/or FDA-approved drugs, there are other approaches. For assistance in this area, Life Extension members can call
1-800-226-2370. (References may be found at:
www.lifeextension.com/references.)
Supplement Facts:
Serving size one tablet
Caution:
Policosanol should only be taken by people who have high serum cholesterol levels. The optimal range of total serum cholesterol is between 180 and 200 mg/dL. Cholesterol levels below 180 cause an increased risk of mortality and levels below 150 may be very dangerous. It may be particularly risky for people over age 70 to have cholesterol levels below 150-180. DO NOT TAKE policosanol if it causes serum cholesterol to drop below 150-180 mg/dL. Anyone supplementing with policosanol should check their total, LDL- and HDL-cholesterol levels within 8 weeks of beginning treatment to make sure they are taking the proper amount to modify cholesterol to the optimal safe ranges. If you are currently taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, you should notify your doctor if you plan to use policosanol instead of, or in addition to these drugs. Some people who do not adequately suppress cholesterol with drug therapy may choose to add policosanol to achieve better cholesterol control. Pregnant or nursing women should not take this product without consulting with a healthcare professional. When using nutritional supplements, please inform your healthcare professional if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition. Note: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Policosanol is a dietary supplement and not a drug approved by the FDA.
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