Vitamin B5: Natural Treatment of High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a soft wax like fat present in the blood and the cells of our body. Despite all that we hear about cholesterol being "bad",it is actually required by our body to perform a number of functions such as it insulate nerves, strengthen cell membranes, produce hormones, and digest fats. However, when the quantity of cholesterol increases in our body, a condition called hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) arises. In this condition the excessive cholesterol in the blood is deposited as plaque on the wall of arteries. These deposits constrict the flow of blood to the heart, which can lead to stroke, heart attack, and blood clots. Suddenly, something that is essential for our body's optimum health becomes a source of potentially fatal diseases: a classic case of "too much of a good thing".High cholesterol symptoms and treatment
In the initial stages, hypercholesterolemia is difficult to detect without a specific test carried out from your physician because high cholesterol symptoms are not usually present. However, the advanced stages of hypercholesterolemia symptoms can include:
- Fat deposits called xanthomas in the skin.
- Enlargement of liver and spleen.
- Severe abdomen pain due to pancreatitis caused due to increased levels of triglyceride.
- Severe chest pain (angina) due to high cholesterol built up on the walls of arteries.
High cholesterol treatment usually begins with a change in diet. Foods rich in saturated fats and especially the dreaded trans-fat should be avoided in the treatment of high cholesterol as they can add to the fatty deposits on artery walls. This means that most processed and fried foods are off the menu. Besides reducing the intake of fattier, and often tastier, foods, there are also a number of natural remedies to control high cholesterol available. When we say the words "natural remedy" we do, of course, mean naturally occurring vitamins and minerals rather than any miracle cures or snake-oil charms.
One vitamin that has been shown to help in the treatment of high cholesterol is vitamin B5, or more specifically pantothenic acid. So what is it, and how can it be used in a natural remedy for high cholesterol?
Properties of Pantothenic Acid (Pantethine)
Pantothenic acid is a form of vitamin B5, which is required by the body to form essential fatty acids, breakdown carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, and for the synthesis of coenzyme A-an important enzyme in the body's metabolism. Pantothenic acid plays an important role in the treatment of high cholesterol in one of its chemical derivatives called pantethine.
Pantethine makes an excellent natural remedy for high cholesterol, because it:
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Produces of "fat-eating" enzymes that break down lipids present in the blood and accelerate the production clot-busting omega-3 fatty acids in the arteries. This inhibits the formation of clots and helps in the treatment of high cholesterol.
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Increases the production of coenzyme A, Apo A-1, and Apo A-2, all of which energize the heart and increase muscle metabolism. This in turn helps to strengthen the heart muscles and slows the heartbeat, bringing down blood pressure.
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Increases HDL ("good cholesterol") and lowers LDL ("bad cholesterol") by blocking the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis. It also improves vitamin E's action against cholesterol build up and to ease angina pains. Therefore, a natural remedy for high cholesterol treatment should include vitamin B and E together.
Bottom Line
A number of studies have been conducted in Europe and Japan to determine the effect of pantethine in the treatment of high cholesterol. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, study suggested that pantethine can lower total cholesterol levels by 16%, LDL levels by 13.5%, and triglyceride levels by up to 30%. It was also found to increase HDL "good" cholesterol levels by 10%.
Pantethine is considered safe in normal doses and shows no side effects when taken with other medicines. It can also be safely taken by pregnant and young mothers, children, and patients with diabetes and kidney diseases.
Taking vitamin B5 on it's own will not suddenly cure anyone of high cholesterol. However, as part of a low-fat, balanced, diet with regular exercise pantethine has been shown to offer a fighting chance for those who want high cholesterol treatment.
Prescriptions by Dr. Balch
