Average cholestrol reduction (percent) Average LDL reduction (percent) Average HDL increase (percent) Average triglyceride reduction (percent) Best for Potential side effects Drugs Bile acid sequestrants Up to 15 15-30 5 Variable;may raise level Lowering LDL Gastrointestinal complaints Fibrates Up to 20 variable to 15-20 decrease 5-20 20-50 Lowering triglycerides and raising HDL Gastrointestinal complaints,increased risk of gallstones Nicotinic acid Up to 20 20-30 15-35 20-50 All lipid abnormalities Flushing, liver damage (in sustained-release form), gout, gastrointestinal complaints Statins Up to 40 20-60 5-15 10-40 Lowering LDL;Zocor (sim-vastatin) is also approved for raising HDL Liver damage,muscle weakness loss of libibo Supplements Chromium Not significant Not significant Not significant 17 Lowering trgiyoerides None Fish oil 12 17 Not significant 36 Preventing LDL oxidation and improving heart function Has blood-thinning properties; use with care if you’retaking other...
Fish-oil supplements are an easy way to add more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. The translucent, gelatin capsules are odorless, tasteless, and easy to swallow, even though they are large. And they’re also relatively inexpensive— you can get 100 1,000-milligram softgels for under $3. (As a reminder, 1,000 milligrams equal 1 gram.) Just be sure to look for a brand with the USP label (see page 125) verifying that the supplement contains the level of ingredients the label claims. When ConsumerLab.com, an independent company that evaluates dietary supplements, tested fish-oil supplements, it found that one-third of the 20 brands tested did not contain the levels of EPA and OHA advertised. Two of the products that failed even stated on their labels that they had been tested or verified for potency. Among the brands that passed the test: Nutrilite Omega 3 Complex Dietary Supplement and Puritan’s Pride Inspired By Nature Salmon Oil. >...
