The combination of a lipid-lowering diet and scientifically proven nutritional supplements have the ability to reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol significantly; decrease LDL particle number; increase LDL particle size; lower triglycerides, remnant particles, and very low-density lipoprotein; increase total high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and HDL particle number; provide beneficial effects on HDL subfractions; and improve HDL functionality. In addition, inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal vascular immune responses are decreased as a result of these interventions. In several prospective clinical trials, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease have been reduced with optimal nutrition and/or administration of several nutritional supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, red yeast rice, alpha-linolenic acid, and niacin. A combined program of nutrition and nutritional supplements represents a scientifically valid alternative for patients who are statin intolerant or cannot take other drugs for the treatment of dyslipidemia, or for those who prefer alternative therapies for various other reasons. This new approach to decrease dyslipidemia-induced vascular disease goes beyond the present traditional use of evaluating only serum lipid levels, or even advanced lipid testing with particle number and particle size, to the recognition and treatment of the multiple steps/mechanisms that are involved in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
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