Can I Skip Crestor (A Statin) and Just Take Supplements?

High cholesterol is a known determinant of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke. High LDL cholesterol levels are traditionally managed through lifestyle changes and medications like statins. However, many people also turn to dietary supplements for cholesterol management. A recent study funded by the manufacturer of Crestor AstraZeneca seeks to investigate the efficacy of these supplements compared to rosuvastatin and a placebo. Learn about the study from the best Canadian online pharmacy experts and know if you can skip the Crestor tablet and take supplements. 

How Does Crestor Work and When Is It Recommended? 

Statins work by decreasing the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. When too much cholesterol is present in the body, it can accumulate in the arteries and obstruct blood flow in the vessels. This increases the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke. The primary goal of taking statins is to reduce blood cholesterol levels by 30-50%. It is considered to be dangerous when LDL cholesterol levels are over 190. Doctors typically prescribe a statin like Crestor 5 mg tablet in such cases. 

However, sometimes, people with lower cholesterol levels are also recommended to take statins. The doctor typically prescribes the medications based on the individual’s overall risk for cardiovascular issues, which includes blood pressure, cholesterol levels, age, and whether the person consumes tobacco or has diabetes. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force suggests taking statins when an individual’s risk of developing heart-related conditions within the next ten years is 10% or greater. 

Is It Safe to Skip Crestor and Just Take Supplements?

Statins like Crestor and rosuvastatin are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs, taken by approximately one-fourth of adults in the USA aged 40 years or more. Backed by four decades of research and considered safe and effective, cardiologists overwhelmingly favor statins. Still, some patients are hesitant to take them due to their potential side effects, such as an increased risk of developing diabetes or muscle pain. As a result, some people prefer to take over-the-counter supplements, such as phytosterols, fiber, niacin, red yeast rice, and fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids.

A study that aimed to compare the effectiveness of various supplements with rosuvastatin (a statin drug) and placebo in lowering LDL cholesterol found that rosuvastatin significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 35.2% compared to the placebo. In contrast, none of the tested supplements significantly lowered LDL cholesterol compared to the placebo. 

The Study by AstraZeneca: Objective and Results

The study involved 199 adults aged between 40 and 75 with no cardiovascular disease history. Their LDL cholesterol levels ranged from 70 to 189 mg/dL. These participants were randomly assigned to one of several groups, each taking either a placebo, 5 mg of rosuvastatin daily, or one of the following supplements daily:

• Fish oil 
• Cinnamon 
• Garlic 
• Turmeric curcumin with bioperine 
• Phytosterols 
• Red yeast rice 

The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of these supplements compared to rosuvastatin and a placebo. It demonstrated that rosuvastatin effectively lowers LDL cholesterol, whereas supplements such as fish oil, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, plant sterols, and red yeast rice did not perform better than a placebo. After 28 days, the individuals who took statin had significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 35.2% compared to the placebo. Among the supplements, red yeast rice showed the most beneficial effect, improving the LDL cholesterol by around 7%, followed by phytosterols reducing the LDL levels by about 4%. The findings also emphasize that statins like rosuvastatin are generally safe and effective. Though there are concerns about side effects like muscle pain, such symptoms are relatively rare and often influenced by the nocebo effect. 

Some Popular Supplements to Reduce Cholesterol Levels 

If someone has a modest risk of heart disease but doesn’t yet qualify for statins, healthcare professionals usually recommend switching to a diet prioritizing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, healthy fats, and lean proteins. They also suggest increasing their physical activity. Here is what experts say about the most popular supplements.

1. Red yeast rice- It has been shown to reduce LDL levels by 15-25%, although the study showed just 7%. Its mechanism of action is the same as the statins, but its extent is much lesser. It works by targeting the same pathway in the liver. However, experts usually recommend taking a statin instead because the FDA does not approve the supplements. 
2. Fiber supplements- They aim to copy the heart-related benefits of high-fiber diets such as oats, legumes, barley, and fruits. However, experts suggest that soluble fiber from diet or supplements can lower LDL levels by only 5 to 10%. 
3. Phytosterols- They are natural compounds found in plants. They are found in vegetable oils, legumes, nuts and seeds, vegetables, and fruits. The plant sterols decrease the LDL cholesterol by 6-12%. 
4. Omega 3 fatty acids- They can reduce the levels of triglycerides in the body. Studies suggest that they are less beneficial for cholesterol. There is currently no conclusive evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can decrease the threat of heart disease. 
5. Niacin- It improves triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels by 15-30%. However, its benefits to LDL cholesterol are moderate. When taken alongside statins, vitamin B3 does not further reduce an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Even though some supplements are beneficial for reducing LDL cholesterol levels, they are not usually recommended as primary LDL-cholesterol-lowering therapies as the studies and FDA approval backs statins like Crestor 5 mg tablet. It is considered to be safe for use when you buy it from a reputable online pharmacy such as Polar Bear Meds.

Conclusion 

While dietary supplements like red yeast rice, fiber, phytosterols, and omega-3 fatty acids have some potential to lower cholesterol, they fall short compared to the effectiveness of statins like Crestor tablet. The evidence suggests that statins significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels and is backed by extensive research. Given the moderate impact of supplements and their lack of FDA approval, healthcare professionals typically recommend statins for individuals with significant cholesterol issues. Supplements may be considered for those with modest risk levels but should not replace prescribed medications without professional guidance.