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Cholesterol-lowering supplements: Another way to reduce cholesterol

You're worried about your cholesterol. You've started exercising and you're eating healthier foods — but you wonder what else you can do. Although few natural products have been proved to reduce cholesterol, some might be helpful. With your doctor's OK, consider these cholesterol-lowering supplements and products.

Product What it does Side effects How much to take
Artichoke extract May reduce total cholesterol and LDL, or "bad" cholesterol May cause gas or an allergic reaction 1,800 to 1,920 milligrams a day, divided into 2 to 3 doses
Barley May reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol None 3 grams barley oil extract or 30 grams barley bran flour a day
Beta-sitosterol (found in oral supplements and some margarines, such as Take Control) May reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol May cause nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea or constipation 800 milligrams to 6 grams a day, divided and taken before meals, or 2 tablespoons Take Control a day
Blond psyllium (found in seed husk and products such as Metamucil) May reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol May cause gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation or nausea 5 grams seed husk twice a day, or 1 serving a day of products such as Metamucil
Fish oil May reduce triglycerides May cause a fishy aftertaste, bad breath, gas, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea 4 grams a day
Garlic extract May reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides May cause bad breath or body odor, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea 600 to 1,200 milligrams a day, divided into 3 doses
Oat bran (found in oatmeal and whole oats) May reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol May cause gas or bloating Up to 150 grams of whole-oat products a day
Sitostanol (found in oral supplements and some margarines, such as Benecol) May reduce total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol May cause diarrhea 800 milligrams to 4 grams a day, or 4 1/2 teaspoons Benecol a day

Policosanol, found in oral supplements and products such as One-A-Day Cholesterol Plus vitamins, is another popular supplement that's been reported to improve cholesterol levels — but a 2006 study reports that policosanol is not effective after all.

Sometimes healthy lifestyle choices, including supplements and other cholesterol-lowering products, aren't enough. If your doctor prescribes medication to reduce your cholesterol, take it as directed while you continue to focus on a healthy lifestyle.

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May 17, 2008