ProLipid softgel capsules are dietary supplements that support healthy cholesterol levels and can contribute to the maintenance of cardiovascular health. We have developed this combination of phytosterols, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, and B-vitamins according to the recommendations of the FDA.
Article Contents
How Phytosterol Esters Work
Phytosterol esters inhibit the uptake of cholesterol in the gut. Since the body secretes approximately 1000 mg of cholesterol with bile fluid into the gut in addition to 400 mg cholesterol per day ingested with food, inhibiting the uptake of cholesterol is a very effective way to lower cholesterol. More information on the secretion and absorption of cholesterol in the gut can be found here.
Inhibiting the uptake of cholesterol in the small intestines is a principle also used by certain prescription drugs such as Zetia® manufactured by Merck/Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals. You can view an educational animation about this principle here, although the mechanism employed by phytosterol esters differs from that used by Zetia®.
How Great Is The Effect Of Phytosterol Esters?
- Clinical studies have shown that 1.8 to 2 g of phytosterol esters a day can reduce the uptake of cholesterol in the gut by 42% (approx. 840 mg of the total amount of 2 g is excreted). There are 1.95 g phytosterol esters in the 3 ProLipid softgels recommended as the daily dose.
- Reduced uptake of 42% in the gut translates to approximately 8 to 15% less cholesterol content in the blood
- 8-15% less cholesterol in the blood translates to a reduced risk of approximately 15 to 30% of contracting heart disease (rule of thumb: 1% less cholesterol = a 2% lower risk of heart disease)
These numbers, as well as a general overview of clinical studies concerning the cholesterol-lowering effect of phytosterols can be found in the medical reviews of Moreau and colleagues (2002) and Katan and colleagues (2003).
How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Work
Long chain omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in fish oil positively influence several factors concerning cardiovascular health.
The American Heart Association cites the most important factors:
The ways that omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk are still being studied. However, research has shown that they
- decrease risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death
- decrease triglyceride levels
- decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque
- lower blood pressure (slightly)
In addition, omega-3 fatty acids decrease the risk of blood clotting which is also beneficial in the prevention of strokes. A significant lowering of triglyceride levels and high blood pressure can only be expected with very high doses of omega-3 fatty acids, at least 4 g per day or more. However,
Evidence from prospective secondary prevention studies suggests that taking EPA+DHA ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 grams per day (either as fatty fish or supplements) significantly reduces deaths from heart disease and all causes.(quote from the American Heart Association's website of the ).
Short-chain omega-3 fatty acids are found in walnuts, canola and flaxseed oil, but they do not appear to be as beneficial as the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil.
The following chart indicates the American Heart Association's current recommendation regarding the consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids:
| Target Group | Recommendation |
| People with no documented coronary heart disease (CHD) | Eat a variety of fish (preferably fatty) at least twice a week. |
| Patients with documented CHD | Consume approximately 1 g of EPA + DHA per day, preferably from fatty fish. EPA + DHA in capsule form could be considered in consultation with your physician. |
| Patients who need to lower triglycerides | 2 to 4 grams of EPA + DHA per day provided as capsules under a physician's care. |
The 3 ProLipid softgel capsules recommended as a daily dose contain 0.5 g of EPA + DHA.
How The Vitamins B6, B12 & Folate Work
The beneficial effects of this particular combination of vitamins lies in their combined role in the detoxification of homocysteine, a metabolic waste product suspected to increase the risk of heart disease.
The National Institutes of Health comments:
What is the relationship between vitamin B6, homocysteine, and heart disease? A deficiency of vitamin B6, folic acid, or vitamin B12 may increase your level of homocysteine, an amino acid normally found in your blood. There is evidence that an elevated homocysteine level is an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The evidence suggests that high levels of homocysteine may damage coronary arteries or make it easier for blood clotting cells called platelets to clump together and form a clot .
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) agrees:
High homocysteine levels in the blood can cause cholesterol to change to something called oxidized low-density lipoprotein, which damages the arteries. In addition, high homocysteine levels may make blood clot more easily than it should. This can increase the risk of blood vessel blockages."
"Most people with a high homocysteine level don't get enough folate (also called folic acid), vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 in their diet."
The recommended daily dose of 3 ProLipid softgel capsules contain the FDA's recommended daily intake (RDI) for these vitamins, i.e., 2 mg of vitamin B6, 6 mcg of vitamin B12, and 400 mcg of folate .
Phytosterols and B-vitamins are present at the daily doses recommended by the FDA. Omega-3 fatty acids, for which there are no daily recommendations from the FDA, are present at 0.5 g/day, equivalent to approximately 1.5 g of regular concentrated fish oil. This amount may be insufficient to significantly lower blood pressure or triglycerides. Approximately 4 g of pure omega-3 (8-12 g of fish oil) are believed to be necessary to achieve this goal. However, the additional positive effects of fish oil on cardiovascular health such as a reduced risk of thrombosis (because of blood-thinning properties), anti-inflammatory effects and greater blood vessel flexibility have been demonstrated at these doses.
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