Beyond Bad Cholesterol---Low Good Cholesterol May Be Greater Issue

As scientific knowledge advances, we gain a better understanding of the cholesterol challenge. Total cholesterol is no longer the focus. A primary focus on the absolute levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol is evolving to heightened interest in the LDL/HDL ratios, the total levels of HDLs (good cholesterol),the composition of the LDL cholesterol itself and the levels of inflammation. Here at Kardea, we continue to provide you information on the evolving science. The report below suggest that low HDL is a critical factor ---- perhaps more important than elevated levels of LDLs. From a treatment perspective,however, we simply have more tools --- both nutritional and pharmacological---to address elevated LDLs than to raise low HDL levels.

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Taking a statin to lower LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol is of limited use in warding off the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease unless low levels of HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol are also addressed, researchers from Tufts Medical Center in Boston, US have found.

The research team led by Dr Richard Karas, professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, examined the relationship between HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients taking statins. While statin therapy does reduce CVD risk, the incidence of CVD events in statin-treated patients remains unacceptably high, they observed.

Karas' team identified 20 eligible randomised controlled trials of statins, with 543,210 person-years of follow-up and a total of 7,838 myocardial infarctions. The analysis revealed a significant inverse association between HDL-C and the risk of myocardial infarction. Every 10mg/dL reduction in HDL-C was associated with 7.6 and 7.8 more MIs per 1,000 person-years respectively in patients taking statins and in non-statin controls.

At the same time, statin treatment cut the risk of MIs by a median of 4.4 per 1,000 person-years.“While statins overall prevent four heart attacks per 1,000 patient-years, these new findings demonstrate that a 10-point higher HDL-C level could save an additional eight heart attacks per 1,000 patient-years, which indicates that, even if patients are on a statin, if they have low HDL-C, they may need more than just statins to significantly reduce their risks,” Karas commented.

“We believe most clinicians will be surprised to see the magnitude of the effect of low HDL-C on heart attack risk and how little statins impact the risk associated with low HDL-C,” he said.

The analysis also explored the association between HDL-C and cardiovascular disease, as well as coronary heart disease death, CVD death and all-cause death. In all these cases, the findings indicated that risk increased as the levels of HDL-C fell, and there were minimal differences between patients who were or were not taking statins.

Data from the Tufts Medical Center study were released at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009 in Orlando, Florida.

Shellfish, Mediterranean Diet & Cholesterol

Open any book on the heart-healthy mediterranean diet and you are likely to see recipes celebrating all sorts of shellfish.

While all shellfish, particularly shrimp, are a source of dietary cholesterol, many also deliver significant levels of Omega-3s. Mussels, for instance, deliver more of these heart-healthy fatty acids than many fin fish, and deliver an amount equivalent to a swordfish or albacore tuna. Oysters provide even higher levels.

Shellfish also are low in fat–only 10% in shrimp, about 20% in mussels and oysters. Enjoy grilled shrimp, mussels marinara, clams with linguine, or sauted scall0ps as exciting alternatives to red meats typically higher in the unhealthy saturated fats. Scallops and shrimp also freeze well. Store a few pounds of each in the freezer for a quick and delicious meal. Canned clams can awake a mid-week pasta dish and deliver an significant level of Omega-3s. Even fresh mussels, clams or oysters can be stored in your refrigerator for a few days—but remember, do not store in an air-tight bag. These mollusks need to breath until cooked.

Overall, the benefits of shellfish consumption — particularly to the extent that they enable you to dramatically reduce the consumption of higher saturated fats in red meats and dairy products and increase the weekly intake of Omega-3s from marine sources—outweighs the cholesterol. Remember: most of the cholesterol in our bodies is produced by our bodies. It does not come from the food we eat. Further, look to pair your shellfish with foods high in plant sterols and selected soluble fibers to block cholesterol absorption into the blood stream.

Report to Doctors: Dietary Interventions for Cholesterol Lowering Effective but Underutilized

Dietary intervention to lower serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is effective, yet underutilzsed in general family practice, reports a June 2009 article published in the Australian Family Physicians journal.

A year long trial showed an average LDL cholesterol lowering of 13%, with about one-third of subjects achieving a reduction greater than 20%. An important difference in the results related to the individual's adherence to dietary advice. The most effective dietary strategies are replacing saturated and trans fatty acids with poly- and monounsaturated fats and increasing intake of plant sterols. Losing weight and increasing soluble fibre and soy protein intake can also lower serum cholesterol and may be considered when recommending a nutritionally balanced, cholesterol lowering diet.

Plant Sterols & Omega-3s Combine To Boost Heart Health

A combination of fish oil and plant sterols demonstrated over a 22% reduction in overall cardiovascular risk. In the September 2008 publication in Atherosclerosis, the researchers reported that they failed to demonstrate similar result for individuals taking fish oil alone.

The study's authors', Michelle A Micallef, University of Newcastle, and Manohar L, Garg, Hunter Medical Research Institute, write, "to date, this is the first study to investigate the combined cardioprotective effects of these two functional foods" in individuals with high cholesterol but without history of heart disease. The authors' conclude that the combine use of fish oil and plant sterol therapy is "an ideal alternative or adjunct to pharmacological treatments, for maximum cardioprotection ih high risk individuals."

Kardea Nutrition delivers a system of products that enable combination therapy, offering delicious foods and quality supplement. The Kardea system extends beyond fish oils and plant sterols to include cholesterol-lowering fiber and monounsaturated-rich extra-virgin olive oil.

Strategies to Increase Good HDL Cholesterol

When it comes to cholesterol, most people think lower is better. But when we're talking about the cholesterol in our blood, it's a bit more complicated.

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the "bad" cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol. LDL optimally should be less than 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)---above this level, some amount of arterial plaque (the stuff that causes blocks in the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and stroke) is likely to develop. You and your doctor may or may not seek to lower your cholesterol levels if they are higher. This depends on a variety of risk factors. To assess your maximum LDL targets, click to the Kardea LDL Cholesterol Calculator based on the recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program. And if you are at high risk of heart disease, you and your doctor may seek to drive your cholesterol below 70mg/dL.

HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from the blood, which slows the build-up in the arteries and ultimately lowers heart disease risk. Since estrogen increases HDL, women tend to have higher levels than men. Women should strive for an HDL above 50 mg/dL and men above 40 mg/dL. While genetics plays a role in your HDL level, there are some things you can do to modestly boost a sagging HDL:

• Lose weight if you're overweight. Exercising and cutting a few calories can give HDL a little boost, especially if you carry most of your excess weight in your abdomen.
• Quit smoking. Smoking, as well as secondhand smoke, can lower HDL.
• Recognize that different types of fats affect your HDL levels. Healthy fat choices such as omega-3s found in fish and monounsaturated fats found in olive oil and canola oil, nuts, seeds and avocados should be used---replacing the satured and trans fats found in processed foods, certain meats and dairy products.
  • Alcohol can raise HDL. If you can safely fit alcohol into your eating plan, keep it moderate -- no more than one drink a day for women and two drinks for men.

Also, you can consider the use of niacin as nicotinic acid. Available as both a supplement and a prescription medication, this form of niacin can significantly raise your HDLs. For an overview on niacin, read Kardea's discussion paper. And remember, in developing a program that optimizes your heart health and cholesterol profiles, it is best to collaborate with your health care professionals.

Looking Beyond Lowering LDL Cholesterol

The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is typically assessed based on a standard cholesterol test measuring LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels and then factoring advanced age, gender, family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking. Taking these factors into account, LDL lowering targets can then be established, and a program of therapeutic changes in lifestyle and nutrition can be established. If these changes are unable to bring cholesterol levels in line, medications are routinely provided.

However, studies indicate that these risk factors can account for only a portion, perhaps 50%, of the incidence of coronary artery disease. The scientific community has continued its investigations, and is finding that a number of other risk factors can be identified through blood test. On its website, Berkeley Health Lab, a leading medical lab with an integrated program for cardiovascular treatment, identifies many of these important factors including:

Size of LDL Particles: Some LDLs Are Worse Than Others

• Small LDL particles can cause plaque build up to progress much faster because they can enter the artery wall easier than large LDL particles
• Too many small LDL particles can increase your risk for a heart attack beyond any other risk factors you may have, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.
• Certain medications, proper nutrition, and regular exercise can help your body produce fewer small LDL particles

Size of HDL Particles: Some HDLS Are Better Than Others

• HDL helps to protect against progression of plaque build-up in the artery wall
• HDL2b is the workhorse of all of the HDL particle types. It has the ability to pick up and remove cholesterol
• Certain medications, improved nutrition, loss of body fat, stopping tobacco use, and increased physical activity are some ways that HDL-C and HDL2b can be improved

Apolipoprotein B: Accurate LDL Particle Number

• ApoB is a direct measurement of the amount of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) particles
• A high apoB number indicates increased risk for heart disease
• Improved eating habits, increased physical activity, and loss of body fat are some lifestyle changes that improve apoB
• Your physician uses apoB to determine if certain medications are needed and to monitor their effectiveness

C-Reactive Protein-hs (CRP)

• High levels of CRP indicate inflammation within the body due to infection or tissue injury; it can also predict heart disease risk levels
  Certain medications may help reduce this risk
  Certain foods have anti-inflammatory benefits

ApoE Genotype

• ApoE is a genetic test that plays a role in helping to identify how people respond to different amounts of dietary fat. Your body's response to dietary fat impacts the formation of small or large LDL particles
• There are 3 types of apoE genotypes: apoE2, apoE3 and apoE4
• People with an apoE4 have a greater risk for heart disease
• ApoE can be used to help guide the right nutrition plan for you

Other risk factors measurable through blood tests also are discussed on this site.

Overall, most of us typically receive the standard test for cholesterol, with these more thorough tests reserved for those individuals at high risk. Yet, for those of us interested in the information needed to optimize our long term health, this more complete assessment can be very useful. Check with you healthcare provider about obtaining these more extensive blood test to better direct your unique course for optimizing your health.

Kardea Gourmet Bars: What Dietitians Are Saying

Here at Kardea Nutrition, we are on a mission to enable cholesterol management through a nutritional, natural approach. For some, this approach allows the individual to avoid the need for prescription medications. For others, it allows for sharply lower doses of these medication to achieve targeted cholesterol levels. For all, it offers an opportunity to optimize our longer term health.

While we are here to provide the products that better enable this lifestyle, the dietitians and nutritionists are in the field working with individuals each day to change lifestyles and create healthful eating habits. We are reaching out to these health profressionals across the country. Here are some responses that we have received:

"Thanks so much for sending the samples of the Kardea bars. The bars are great and the breakdown is just perfect - especially since I've been trying to find more products we can carry here with sterol esters."—Susan, MS, RD, LDN, Urbana, IL.

"They are fantastic! Love the fiber content and that you are using psyllium. … Many thanks." Stacey RD, CPT, Santa Monica, CA

"I love the bars. Thanks."---Jennifer MS, MPH, RD, Massachusetts (Corporate Wellness Manager)

"I received your samples, and tried one myself. It was very good. Will recommend to my patients. Thank you."---Vickie , MS, RD, CDE, Maryland

"I spoke with you earlier about your great product. I work for in the Employee Wellness Department at a major insurance company and we are actively seeking better for you products for our cafeteria. Additionally, we offer cholesterol screenings, health fairs, diabetes classes, etc. I am sure you will find great opportunities for both you and our company." ---Judith RD, LDN, CDE, Texas

"We are selling your bars like hot cakes."--Sarah, RD, LD, Iowa, In-store dietitian.

"Hi-I am a registered dietitian working for a company whose mission is to personalize the treatment of patients threatened with cardiovascular disease. A colleague of mine in NY mentioned she had sampled your product and was recommending it to her patients. I wondered if you might supply me with a sample as well. Thank you."--Stacey, RD, LD, Alabama

"Even as I write this I am preparing a presentation on the ‘role of foods and a sensible diet to manage cholesterol and heart health’ for an elite group of ADA spokespersons. I intend to showcase Kardea bar and oil in my presentation."---Kantha, PhD, Illinois.

Updated Mediterranean Diet Pyramid From Oldways

Despite the fact that calories from fats may account for upwards of 40% of a Mediterranean diet, many studies show reduced incident of cardiovascular diseases in those populations that follow the traditional eating habits of this region.

Certainly, there is no single Mediterrean cuisine. The aromas, flavors and recipes vary widely from Spain and Italy to Greece and Lebanon and then across North Africa. Moreover, not all foods of these regions are necessarily healthful. Oldways, a leading advocate of traditional, healthful eating has released a revised Mediterranean diet pyramid to provide clear direction.

The major change in this updated Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, writes the staff of Oldways, is that all plant foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, seeds, olives and olive oil) are grouped together to emphasize the health benefits they provide. A new addition to the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid is herbs and spices—for reasons of both health and taste. Increasingly, nutritional science is identifying active micro-nutrients in herbs, spices and other plant compounds that collectively may deliver health benefits well beyond what is provided by the better known vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

The Oldways pyramid also points out the healthfulness of fish and shellfish, and suggest that it is beneficial to eat fish and shellfish at least two times per week.

Other specific recommendations of Oldways include:

• Make olive oil your primary source of dietary fat
• Eat low to moderate amounts of cheese and yogurt daily
• Drink a moderate amount of wine (one to two glasses per day for men, one glass per day for women)
• Snack on almonds instead of fat-free cookies.
• Spread avocado on a sandwich to replace the mayonnaise.

Turning 50 with a Focus on Vitality Not Disease Prevention

I turned 50 this past June. I am told that 50 is not old. I am told that 50 is the new 40, or perhaps 35. I am a believer. I do not think like I am old. I remain eager to learn anew.

Yet, I have acquired a gnawing sense that time is bracketed, not limitless. The weekly mailings from the AARP provide the reminder. The challenges faced by my 85 year old parents sharpen the feelings. Neither is ravaged by a particular disease. Time, slowly but with increasing speed, erodes their vitality.

With an eye not only looking to disease prevention, but also towards extending my years of vitality, I approach a health consciousness. Overall, I believe that maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system is a key to extending vitality.

I exercise, but perhaps not with the intensity to optimize my cardiovascular health. The hip pains and lower back aches serve as a bit of an obstacle.

I watch my weight, but it still falls somewhere above the ideal range, although I am not defined as overweight.

I am perhaps most successful with assuring that I eat the right foods---balanced, high in fruits, vegetables, good fats (monounsaturated fats) and good carbs (whole grains and fibers), and enhanced with certain cholesterol-managing nutrients, notably plant sterols, viscous fibers, omega-3s and selected types of niacin. No doubt, my success here lies with the pleasure I derive from food shopping, gourmet cooking and social eating.

Natural Cholesterol Management: Looking Beyond Heart Disease Prevention

The guidelines of the National Cholesterol Education Program define LDL cholesterol below 100mg/dl as optimal for otherwise healthy people. Yet, as a matter of disease prevention, these same guidelines suggest that substantially higher levels of LDL cholesterol may be acceptable. These standards are used as a baseline for determining the appropriateness of cholesterol-lowering medications.

Many doctors also are well aware that the non-optimal LDL standards are only a baseline. These doctors are apt to prescribe a cholesterol-lowering medication to achieve the more optimal level.

Here at Kardea, we look to natural cholesterol management to achieve the more optimal levels. Yes, medications may be needed by some, but a nutritional approach has proven as potent as many pharmaceutical therapies. And we recognize that cholesterol management extends well beyond simply lowering LDLs. Our prior blog posts and the numerous links and articles found on our resources page explore this more comprehensive approach.

The important point: cholesterol management is consistent with good health, not simply disease prevention. Whatever your currents levels ---- even if you believe that your cholesterol is not at risky levels ---- consider the benefits of pursuing a more integrated and comprehensive approach.

Plant Sterols: What Are They? How Do They Work?

Plants produce plant sterols. Animals produce cholesterol. Structurally similar, both bind to sites in our intestines where the cholesterol produced in our livers and consumed in our foods are absorbed into our blood.

Yet, our bodies have evolved the ability to distinguish between these types of sterols. On average, we absorb about 55% of cholesterol and less than 1% of the plant sterols. Plant sterols work to lower cholesterol by filling the "absorption gateways," thus blocking the cholesterol from entering the blood stream. Blocked cholesterol is execreted along with most of the plant sterols.

In nature, small quantities of plant sterols can be found in a range of foods, particularly vegetable oils (sources of plant sterols). The average plant sterol intake in the U.S. is about 250 milligrams. Vegetarians consume in a range of 400 to 750 milligrams. Plant sterol intake in traditional diets has been estimated to be about 1g (1000mg). Medical studies have concluded that 2-3g (2000-3000mg) effectively lower cholesterol. Fortified foods are typically required to obtain these levels.

The effectiveness of plant sterols will vary from person-to-person. Many people absorb cholesterol more effectively than others. For these individuals, the impact of plant sterols may be more significant.

Overall, plant sterols are an important component of a nutritional system designed to promote healthier cholesterol and blood lipid levels. Achieving maximum benefits from natural cholesterol management may require other nutrients---including the soluble fibers found in oats, beans, fruit and psyllium, certain types of niacin, Omega-3s, monounsaturated fats in place of saturated fats----all in the context of balanced nutrition, calorie-mindfulness and physcial activity.

Trans Fatty Acids: Recommendations of the National Cholesterol Education Program

NCEP Evidence Statement: Trans fatty acids raise serum LDL cholesterol levels (Strength of Evidence: A2). Through this mechanism, higher intakes of trans fatty acids should increase risk for CHD (coronary heart diseases). Prospective studies support an association between higher intakes of trans fatty acids and CHD incidence (C2). However, trans fatty acids are not classified as saturated fatty acids, nor are they included in the quantititative recommendation for saturated fatty acid intake of less than 7 percent of calories in the TLC (therapeutic lifestyle changes) Diet.

NCEP Recommendation: Intakes of trans fatty acids should be kept low. The use of liquid vegetable oil, soft margarine, and trans fatty acid-free margarine are encouraged instead of butter, stick margarine and shortening.

NCEP Discussion: Substantial evidence from randomized clinical trials indicates that trans fatty acids raise LDL cholesterol levels, compared with unsaturated fatty acids. These stuides also show that when trans fatty acids are substituted for saturated fatty acids, HDL (good) cholesterol levels are lower.

Click recommendations on unsaturated fats, both monounsaturated and polyunsatured.

Viscous Soluble Fiber: Recommendations from the National Cholesterol Education Program

NCEP Discussion (excerpt): Because of the favorable effects of viscous fiber (soluble fiber from oats, fruit pectins, guar, beans and psyllium) on LDL cholesterol levels, the NCEP recommends that the therapeutic diet be enriched by foods that provide at least 5-10 grams of viscous fiber daily (Source of Soluble Fiber Chart). Even higher intakes of 10-25 grams per day can be beneficial.

NCEP Evidence Statement: 5-10 grams of viscous fiber per day reduces LDL cholesterol levels by approximately 5 percent (Strength of Evidence: A2, B1).

NCEP Recommendation: The use of dietary sources of viscous fiber (soluble fiber from certain sources) is a therapeutic option to enhance LDL lowering.

NBC News Reports: Plant Sterols-A Natural, Safe & Easy Way to Lower Cholesterol

Wednesday, April 8, 2008
Reported by: Joe Vignolo, Denise Nakano, NBC News

A natural, safe and easy way to lower cholesterol. It's been around forever, but chances are, it's one alternative medicine you have never heard of.

"Nowadays, it is no longer good enough to know your total cholesterol level. You really need to know your breakdown - the breakdown between the good and the bad," said cardiologist Dr. Daniel Rader. This is the bad stuff: too much LDL, or bad cholesterol, circulating in the blood. It builds up in the arteries, slowly narrowing them or forming clots. And that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

Medicine can help, "but, there are an awful lot of people who have cholesterol levels that are higher than they should be, but not so high that they really need medication," said Dr. Rader.

Diet and exercise work. And, Dr. Rader says, so can eating phyto or plant sterols, naturally found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, added to other foods like spreads and snack bars, or taken as a supplement.

"There's no question that phytosterols, or plant sterols, are one of the best proven - if you will - 'alternative' methods of lowering cholesterol, short of drug therapy," said Dr. Rader.

Dr. Rader is a specialist in preventive cardiac medicine. He is a strong believer in plant sterols for people with high cholesterol who don't yet show signs of heart disease. He says they have almost no side effects and are safe for children and teens.

Research finds they can reduce bad cholesterol by 10 to 15 percent. And you can use them in combination with cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs. "I've never had really serious cholesterol trouble, but each time I went to the doctor, she was warning me that it was inching up," said David Hollenberg, who tried plant sterols. Hollenberg says he has never been shy about alternative medicine and decided to give a plant sterols supplement a try. He doesn't know yet what impact they have had on his cholesterol, but he thinks it is worth a try.

"Plant sterols are one of the rare things in the alternative medicine world that actually have been studied, have been proven to work, and are actually endorsed by people like me: card-carrying, regular doctors who actually think that this really makes sense to do," said Dr. Rader.
If you decide to try plant sterols to lower your cholesterol, dose really matters. To be effective, you must take it every day and be sure you're getting enough. For example, one or two tablespoons of sterol-containing spread a day has what you need.

Kardea Nutrition foods with plant sterols.

Red Yeast Rice Supplements-Can They Still Be Effective?

FDA Consistent in Restricting Sale of Lovastatin-Natural or Synthetic

Summary: Certain types of red yeast rice naturally contain lovastatin, the same active ingredient in Merck’s prescription statin medication Mevacor. Whether natural or synthetic, the FDA has consistently maintained that lovastatin has serious potential side effects and should remain a controlled (prescription) medication. As such, the FDA denied Merck’s multiple petitions to sell low-dose Mevacor on an over-the-counter basis. The FDA also has placed restrictions on red yeast rice supplements with verified levels of the naturally-occurring statin. For those interested in natural alternatives, certain nutrients, notably plant sterols, soluble fiber from oats, barley, beans, psyllium and fruit, Omega-3’s from marine sources, niacin, and monounsaturated fats replacing saturated fats, should be considered as an effective alternative approach.

Red Yeast Rice: A Particular Type is a Natural Statin

Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice. As a food, red yeast rice can be found as a paste, whole dried grains, or as a ground powder. In these forms, it has been a common food in certain Asian diets. In its traditional forms, red yeast rice contains no more than trace amounts of the active cholesterol-lowering agent. In fact, some types of red yeast rice contain no actives.

As a supplement, a particular type of enhanced red yeast rice was shown to significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol. The active ingredient has been identified as lovastatin, the same as found in the popular statin drug, Mevacor and its generic equivalents.

Lovastatin, in turn, is a controlled prescription medication.

Can red yeast rice supplements offer benefit in comparison with prescribed statin medications?

For those preferring naturally-derived solutions, red yeast rice sources of statins could be preferred. This conceptually would be equivalent to a naturally-derived vitamin E as opposed to a synthetic. As we have further come to understand, the active agents in a natural product may be more bioavailable or more effective due to other compounds that accompany whole food. Yet, the FDA consistently views statins--natural or synthetic-- as powerful medication with potential side-effects and potential drug interactions. As such the FDA restricts the sale lovastatin, regardless of its source.

Most recently, the FDA rejected the petition of pharmaceutical giant Merck to offer Mevacor without a prescription. Merck has made three tries to have this statin sold over the counter. In rejecting Merck’s latest petition, the FDA indicated that too many of the wrong people would use the drug if it no longer required a prescription.

Last summer, the FDA issued warnings to consumers not to buy or eat certain red yeast rice products. FDA testing revealed the products contained lovastatin.

The FDA stated that “these red yeast rice products are a threat to health because lovastatin can cause severe muscle problems leading to kidney impairment. This risk is greater in patients who take higher doses of lovastatin or who take lovastatin and other medicines that increase the risk of muscle adverse reactions. These medicines include the antidepressant nefazodone, certain antibiotics, drugs used to treat fungal infections and HIV infections, and other cholesterol-lowering medications.”


What’s in Red Yeast Rice Supplements Today?

Back in 1999, when the clinical studies on the efficacy of red yeast rice were first released, supplements with identified and controlled levels of the active compounds could be purchased. Today, however, such supplements cannot be produced. In fact, red yeast rice supplements may be made from the varieties of red yeast rice that does not the cholesterol-lowering compound. We simply do not know.

Natural Cholesterol Management Alternatives

The coupling of target levels of plant sterols (2-3g/day) and soluble fiber (10-25g/day) with a calorie-mindful diet replacing saturated and trans fats with monounsaturated fats can achieve results similar to many cholesterol-lowering medications. Niacin and omega-3s from fish oil also can play a role. Check with your health care professional about a complete program. Click Here to Learn More.

Kardea Gourmet Nutrition Bars---Now Available!

Just returned from the first full production run of our gourmet nutrition bars for cholesterol management. A great experience! As many of your know, we took great care in the formulation of these bars. The criteria was to create great taste, use only all-natural ingredient, deliver effective levels of key cholesterol-managing ingredients (plant sterols, soluble fiber, soy protein), maintan a low fat, particularly low saturated fat, standards, and create a lower glycemic profile. Thanks to everyone who has been involved in this process. As we all agree, we have created a breakthrough product.

The bars will be available through our online store starting on February 25, and a limited supply of variety packs also are available (first come, first served). Single-flavor 15 counts are available in banana walnut, lemon ginger, chai spice and cranberry almond.


Thanks to all who made this start-up a huge success. I have spent a career in food manufacturing, and you folks delivered as one of the best cross-functional teams in the business.

Kardea Nutrition-enabling natural cholesterol management, heart healthy and inspired.

And our collective best wishes for Rod's grand daughter's recovery and health.