Millions of people are prescribed statins to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, but many would rather take supplements instead. A new study shows statins are much more effective.
, significantly reduce the risk of heart disease."I think a formulation that we perhaps don't use enough is that food is medicine and is probably a more effective medicine than supplements," says Honingberg.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, part of the National Institutes of Health, has also concluded, based on prior research, that, but eating fish – which contains omega-3 fatty acids – is linked to a reduced risk. This suggests that omega-3 fatty acids are most beneficial as part of a healthy diet. And it's worth noting that the NIH review concludes that omega-3 supplements may help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
As for people whose risk of heart disease is high enough to warrant a statin prescription, Dr. Honingberg says he spends a fair amount of time talking through concerns with patients. "We talk about the excellent safety profile and the very, very low risk of side effects," he says. He describes the risk of serious side effects as"vanishingly small."
Sometimes patients stop taking a statin because they believe it's causing a certain side effect. But Honingberg points to a double-blindthat showed when patients were given a placebo in place of a statin, patients reported feeling most of the same side effects."So the punch line of the trial is people blame statins for side effects the statins aren't really causing," he says.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Statins vs. supplements: New study finds one is 'vastly superior' to cut cholesterolMillions of people are prescribed statins to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease, but many would rather take supplements instead. A new study shows statins are much more effective.
Read more »
New ownership could reopen the door to a new Commanders stadiumIn recent years, Daniel Snyder has been the biggest impediment to a new NFL stadium in the Washington region. A sale of the Commanders would change that.
Read more »
New Doctor Who Companion Actor Teases Very Inclusive New EpisodesNew DoctorWho companion actor Yasmin Finney opens up about her excitement for the very inclusive new episodes coming in the near future. 'All I can say is, I feel so honoured to be seen by Russell...'
Read more »
New Golden Age #1 Preview: What's Old is New AgainICYMI: It's official. DC is restarting the Golden Age. Read a preview of The New Golden Age 1 right here. comics dc
Read more »