The role of functional food and nutraceuticals in therapy of hypercholesterolemia of hypercholesterolemia of hypercholesterolemia
Abstract
Dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, smoking and type 2 diabetes mellitus are the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The first step in treatment of dyslipidemia is a healthy lifestyle including diet and physical activity, but according to 2016 EAS/ESC Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias, in addition to reduction of saturated and trans-unsaturated fatty acids consumption and increase of fiber consumption, the use of functional foods rich in phytosterols or nutraceuticals containing red yeast rice may be considered.
Plant sterols/stanols, when taken at 2 g/day lower LDL cholesterol levels by between 8-10%, influence to triglycerides level is dependent on the initial level. The ArmoLIPID PLUS, containing red yeast rice extract, berberin and policosanol, has proved to be able to achieve significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol (15-31,7 %) levels and decrease glycemia, it has been able to change the size and density of LDL particles in patients with familial combined hyperlipoproteinemia.
Clear modata from long-term prospective trials confirming a positive impact to cardiovascular risk are still lacking, however due to the positive influence to the main risk factor of CVD, it is to be expected. The use of phytosterols and the ArmoLIPID supplement is tolerated very well and may be considered in individuals with high LDL cholesterol level at intermediate or low CV risk who do not qualify for pharmacotherapy and as adjunct to treatment in high and very high risk patients who fail to achieve LDL cholesterol targets on other available (and tolerated) lipid lowering therapy.