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Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
Maybe. Few researchers have found an association between the consumption of Vitamin B12 with lower cholesterol. In addition to this, it also provides various cardiovascular benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of atherosclerosis. Research published in Clinical Epigenetics suggests that Vitamin B12 deficiency is an important metabolic risk factor. It can influence the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway in human adipocytes (specialized cells that store fat, acting as an energy bank). Please note that one must not consume Vitamin B12 supplements unless prescribed by a doctor.
Which medicines are used to reduce cholesterol?
Few people have a genetic predisposition to get high cholesterol levels. In cases where diet and physical activity alone might not help, and a person may need medication along with it. Several types of medication used to reduce cholesterol include statins, PCSK inhibitors, fibrates or fibric acid derivatives, and bile acid resins or bile acid sequestrants.
The statins decrease cholesterol levels by blocking an enzyme called HMG CoA reductase. The liver uses this enzyme to produce cholesterol.
The PCSK9 (Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors lower the LDL cholesterol (Low density lipoprotein by attaching to the liver surface protein.
Fibrates reduce the level of triglycerides and can also increase the HDL (High density lipoprotein) or the good cholesterol. However, kidney or liver disease patients should not consume fibrates.
The bile acid resins is a type of medication that attaches to the bile (which is a green coloured fluid that is reduced by the liver in order to aid in digestion). These bile acid sequestrants decrease the LDL and slightly increases the HDL. Another type of cholesterol reducing medication is ‘Selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors (such as Ezetimbe)’ that inhibits the body from cholesterol and dietary absorption from the small intestine. They also reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and also increase HDL cholesterol.
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