The FDA is adding new warnings to statin drugs about the risk of memory loss. Statins are a widely prescribed group of cholesterol-lowering drugs, particularly like Pfizer Inc.’s Lipitor, AstraZeneca’s Crestor and Merck & Co. Inc.’s Zocor.
New labeling on all such drugs will warn of memory loss and confusion reported among certain patients taking statins. In general, the problems were “not serious” and went away after patients stopped taking the drugs, according to the FDA.
If you are concerned about cholesterol medications, talk to your health care practitioner. Many people can lower cholesterol through diet, exercise and supplements.
Here are some supplements that can help with supporting healthy cholesterol:
Cholesterol Support: Several key vitamins, minerals, herbs, and nutrients have a strong scientific history in supporting healthy cholesterol levels. These nutrients include policosanol, guggulipids, pantethine, chromium and niacin, as well as homocysteine factors (vitamins B-6, B-12, and folic acid). Pathway CHOLESTEROL SUPPORT contains a combination of these nutrients, along with soy bean extract and plant sterols, which have shown promising results in healthy cholesterol management. Pathway CHOLESTEROL SUPPORT contains six proven, patented ingredients: ChromeMate™, Policosanol Plus™, Cholestatin™, SoyLife™, Pantesin™, and ACTIVIN®
CoQ-10: Coenzyme Q10 is an important nutrient involved in manufacturing energy in the body. Studies have shown that CoQ10 has a positive affect on blood pressure levels. As an antioxidant, CoQ10 also supports healthy cholesterol levels and vascular health. Since CoQ10 is a fat-soluble nutrient, absorption can be enhanced by combining it with healthy fats like rice bran oil, as you find in Pathway CoQ10 PLUS. In a recent independent study, the combination of ingredients in this product have been shown to provide considerably higher long-term CoQ10 blood levels than the powdered form of CoQ10.
Garlic: Garlic has a long history of use as both a food and medicine throughout the world. It exhibits many heart-healthy properties and has been the subject of much scientific research. Studies support garlic as an effective agent in lowering blood pressure and improving circulation.
Policosanol: Policosanol, which is derived from rice bran wax, has shown a powerful cholesterol lowering ability. Clinical research has shown that doses of 10 to 20 mg of policosanol can lower total cholesterol by 17% to 21% and LDL (bad) cholesterol by 21% to 29%, and raise HDL (good) cholesterol by 8% to15%. Policosanol is considered to be a safe alternative to cholesterol lowering drugs (statins), and can be used safely with diabetic and elderly patients. In addition to its effects on cholesterol levels, policosanol also has positive effects in atherosclerosis.
