Fighting Imbalanced Blood Lipids

Dietary Supplements

The Role of Pantethine and Other Dietary Supplements in Heart Health

There are many very effective prescription drugs on the market that can treat elevated cholesterol levels and may help to prevent coronary heart disease. A category of drugs known as statin drugs, is one of the most effective categories for managing dangerously high total and LDL cholesterol levels. However, the use of prescription drugs is not for everyone. More and more data is supporting the use of dietary supplements for providing a variety of benefits in maintaining cardiovascular wellness. In addition to the benefits associated with pantethine, some of the more prevalent categories include, B vitamins, niacin, antioxidants, and phytosterols.

Pantethine is a double molecule of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), connected with a sulfide bond. Pantethine is created in small amounts by the body, during the metabolism of pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid, whether from food sources or from supplements, is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for energy metabolism within all living cells of the body. However, due to the water-soluble nature of pantothenic acid, the body processes the needed amount and flushes the excess out of the body via urinary excretion. Pantethine, on the other hand, stays in the bloodstream for up to 16 hours. The fact that pantethine stays in the blood for an extended period of time maximizes its effects in supporting energy and lipid metabolism. Pantethine is used in the liver, where it has been shown to support lipid metabolism. Enhanced lipid metabolism results in higher levels of HDL-C, and lower levels of LDL-C and triglycerides. Pantethine is safe and has no known negative drug interactions. The only known side effect of high-dose pantethine supplementation is increased bowel activity and diarrhea in certain individuals.

Researchers are learning a great deal more about the benefits of B complex vitamins. One of the most prevalent discoveries relating to heart health is the role that B vitamins play in maintaining the levels of homocysteine in the blood. The medical community is supporting the idea that elevated homocysteine levels are as large of a risk factor for coronary heart disease as elevated cholesterol levels. Vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid are said to be three of the most effective of the B-complex vitamins for maintaining homocysteine levels.

Niacin has a long history of use for its benefits related to balancing healthy cholesterol levels. Niacin is also known as vitamin B3. Niacin has been shown to decrease LDL-C, decrease triglycerides and increase HDL-C.

Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene have been studied extensively by both public and private research organizations. The bulk of the research supports the fact that antioxidants prevent the damage done to arteries from oxidized forms of LDL-C.

Phytosterols are also gaining popularity for their role in reducing cholesterol levels. Many researchers tout the ability of phytosterols to block the absorption of cholesterol by the body, therefore preventing cholesterol levels from building up.

The role that dietary supplements play in overall heart health continues to grow, as more of their benefits are uncovered. Each individual’s needs are different so it is important to discuss how supplementation can work for you with your doctor.

Diet

As part of a heart healthy diet, your doctor might ask you to monitor the amount of fats you eat daily. A low fat diet is usually termed essential for lowering your cholesterol level. A little fat is necessary for transporting fat-soluble vitamins throughout your body. However, most Americans eat far more fat than the small amount needed by our bodies. By modifying fat intake, great headway can be made in your fight against high cholesterol and heart disease.

Not all Fats are Created Equal: "Good Fat" vs. "Bad Fat"

Saturated fat, trans fatty acids and dietary cholesterol raise blood cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats don't. Some studies indicate they might even help lower LDL cholesterol slightly when eaten as part of a low-saturated-fat diet.

The American Heart Association suggests restricting saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. An emphasis on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, and dietary fiber is recommended.

For more information on making wise dietary choices to protect your heart, see the Related Links page to find the AHA’s diet recommendations, the FDA’s guide to reading food labels, and to visit other related websites.

Exercise

Exercise is a key component in fighting heart disease. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the American Heart Association (AHA) identify a sedentary lifestyle as a major contributor to heart disease. They report that studies now show that "heart disease is almost twice as likely to develop in inactive people as in those who are more active."

In addition to helping you to feel and look better, regular exercise can help to:

double the rate at which your body lowers LDL (bad cholesterol)
increase the levels of HDL (good cholesterol)
lower your blood pressure
control obesity
control diabetes

There is no requirement to go to a gym to reap the benefits of exercise. Any regular activity creates benefit. A routine as simple as vigorous walking three to four days per week will help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Consult your doctor before starting or drastically changing your exercise regime.

To take the American Heart Association’s 10-question "Heart Healthy Workout Quiz" and for more information about the benefits of exercise for your heart, see the Related Links page.