A new study found a combination of a low dose Omega-3 plus Plant Sterols were effective in reducing triglyceride levels and cholesterol level in people with high cholesterol. This study also allayed fears that Omega-3 could negate the beneficial effects of Plant Sterols.
Over 300 women and men who had high cholesterol were randomly assigned to receive 2.5 grams of sterols and different levels of Omega-3 daily or a placebo. The study lasted 4 weeks.
Reductions in triglyceride levels ranged from 9.3 to 16.2% depending on the dosage of Omega-3 the participants received when compared with the control group. LDL cholesterol levels dropped between 11.5 to 14.7% when compared with the control group. Researchers concluded that the combination of Omega-3’s and Plant Sterols were an effective first line treatment for both high triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels.
40% of the adults’ worldwide experience elevated triglyceride levels. Additionally, 30% of adults in the United States alone have higher than desirable triglyceride levels. It is believed that these numbers will increase in the future as increases in obesity and type 2 diabetes also increase.
Lowering an individual’s exposure to risk factors, like high LDL cholesterol levels, seem to be associated with increased reductions in coronary heart disease risks and are more effective than adding drug treatments with a Statin drug later in life.
Further studies are called for.
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