Managing cholesterol over 40
21st December 2021|Blogs

Managing cholesterol over 40 with CholBiome®

Each year cardiovascular disease (‘CVD’) causes an estimated 19 million deaths worldwide1, and more than a third of these occur in middle-aged adults2. In England, heart disease is the world’s biggest killer and accounts for around a quarter of deaths annually – 140,000 people3. Figures suggest that, for deaths caused by CVD, a quarter can be attributed to high levels of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol4.

High cholesterol can be caused by genetics or underlying health conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia (‘FH’) or liver disease, and can be significantly reduced through diet, exercise, and reducing or abstaining from tobacco and/or alcohol. However, despite increasing awareness around the dangers of high cholesterol, it remains a worldwide issue.

A survey commissioned by OptiBiotix5 indicates that this is because the battle to reduce cholesterol is hindered by a lack of understanding. Out of those polled, only 21% of those were aware it can lead to heart disease, only 18% reported getting their heart checked regularly, and only 8% knew how to check their cholesterol levels.

Long-term impact

In the UK, five-yearly cholesterol checks are encouraged from the age of 40 as part of free NHS health checks. In the US, The American Heart Association recommends beginning monitoring from as young as 206. Reports have shown that raised LDL in young adulthood is linked to greater risk of heart disease in later life, and that even slightly high cholesterol levels between the ages of 35 and 55 can have a long-term impact7. One report revealed that people who have high cholesterol for 11 years or more have twice the risk of those with increased levels for 10 years or less8.

It is therefore essential to monitor levels and advise diet, exercise and weight loss as first lines of treatment to increase the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and decrease the ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. If damage has been done, it is possible to regress or prevent progression and, if medication is advised, statins prescribed by health professionals can reduce total cholesterol. A new drug, Inclisiran, will also soon be available to NHS patients, although, as with any medication, these may cause side effects.

As a result, there is growing demand to help people over 40 manage their cholesterol with natural remedies. Pharmaceutical manufacturers and brands are now looking specifically at scientific research to source ingredients from the nutraceuticals industry.

LPLDL® – a proven probiotic

A prime example of one such ingredient is our probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum – LPLDL®, which has been scientifically proven to reduce cholesterol.

This award-winning, patented probiotic harnesses the gut-liver axis to improve heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Several studies conducted with UK universities have illustrated its efficacy and impact on cardiovascular health. For example, in our 12-week human study, which was double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled, participants taking LPLDL® daily found that multiple CVD biomarkers were improved, including a reduction in total cholesterol by up to 36.7% and an increase in HDL cholesterol by up to 4.5%.

Our latest scientific evidence, which was carried out by the University of Pavia, highlighted that CholBiomeBP – of which LPLDL is a key ingredient – could significantly improve multiple CVD risk biomarkers. For instance, when CholBiomeBP was taken daily by 40 adults with a systolic blood pressure between 130-139mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 85-89mmHg, the ingredients in the tri-layered tablet were shown to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 3% and 3.4%, respectively.

Beyond the science

Our CholBiome range now extends beyond its cholesterol-reducing capabilities. While CholBiome is purely focused on maintaining cholesterol levels, CholBiomeX3, CholBiomeBP and CholBiomeVH all offer different functions, backed by science.

CholBiomeX3 features three ingredients – Monacolin K from red yeast rice, Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and LPLDL – that work in synergy to offer a multi-targeted mechanism of action and support effective cholesterol reduction. CholBiomeBP contains four synergistic ingredients that help to reduce blood pressure, while CholBiomeVH uses three ingredients to reduce vascular calcification and plaque formation in the arteries.

Feedback from consumers continues to be positive. Previous surveys conducted have demonstrated that 96% of all respondents considered CholBiomeX3 to be an effective approach to cholesterol reduction, while 92% of those would also recommend it to others to support a healthier lifestyle.

Evidence like this shows that a natural supplement formulated with the right ingredients can make a huge difference to heart health, and that preventative measures can help to decrease cardiovascular risk, especially to those over 40. It is therefore imperative that health professionals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and brands work together to create solutions that achieve the best outcome for consumers.

If you are interested in exploring the effects of LPLDL in your food, dietary supplement or pharmaceutical application, or would like to combine your ingredient research efforts with our team, please contact us here.

References:

  1. British Heart Foundation, July 2021
  2. Health Knowledge, Coronary Heart Disease, 2020 https://www.healthknowledge.org.uk/public-health-textbook/disease-causation-diagnostic/2b-epidemiology-diseases-phs/chronic-diseases/coronary-heart-disease
  3. NHS England, NHS cholesterol-busting jab to save thousands of lives, September 2021 https://www.england.nhs.uk/2021/09/nhs-cholesterol-busting-jab-to-save-thousands-of-lives/
  4. https://benecol.co.uk/healthy-tips/about-cholesterol/#2232056b
  5. OptiBiotix – National Cholesterol Month survey, September 2021 (Conducted by Vital on a sample of 2,001 UK adults)
  6. Murrays Pharmacy, High blood pressure and cholesterol in young adults linked to heart disease in later life, July 2019. https://www.murrays.co.uk/blog/post/high-blood-pressure-and-cholesterol-young-adults-linked-heart-disease-later-life
  7. Ann Marie Navar-Boggan, Eric D. Peterson, Ralph B. D’agostino, Benjamin Neely, Allan D. Sniderman, and Michael J. Pencina. Hyperlipidemia in Early Adulthood Increases Long-Term Risk of Coronary Heart Disease. Circulation, January 2015 DOI: 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.114.012477
  8. Web MD, High cholesterol: what’s the risk?, March 2016. https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/high-cholesterol-long-term-risks