*Help*! Cholesterol too low?

Hello all. I've been on Atkins since July, and have lost 40 pounds. I have
a history of heart disease in my family, so for 3 years (i'm 31), I have
been taking Niacin, garlic, and red rice yeast extract. When I WAS NOT on
Atkins, taking those supplements, my total cholesterol was around 180. My
total level, since being on Atkins, and still taking those supplements, is
now at 110. Can having a very low total cholesterol level be dangerous?

Hi Jim, thanks for the info. I take 500 mg of Niacin daily. Do you consider
that a lot? I'm thinking about cutting out the red rice yeast extract.

Best..
J.



"Jim Chinnis" wrote in message
...
"Lunatiki" none wrote in part:

Hello all. I've been on Atkins since July, and have lost 40 pounds. I
have
a history of heart disease in my family, so for 3 years (i'm 31), I have
been taking Niacin, garlic, and red rice yeast extract. When I WAS NOT
on
Atkins, taking those supplements, my total cholesterol was around 180.
My
total level, since being on Atkins, and still taking those supplements,
is
now at 110. Can having a very low total cholesterol level be dangerous?

The evidence isn't clear, in my opinion.

To make any guess, one would need to consider the lipid fractions (LDL,
HDL,
TG). Also, you may be referring to a modest supplement of niacin or a
potentially dangerous level, and the same goes for the statin.

The niacin might still be useful if your triglycerides are high (which I'd
doubt, after lowcarbing) or HDL is low relative to the total. I can't see
the
statin (red rice yeast extract) unless LDL is very high relative to the
total,
or there is history and there are risk factors we don't know about.
--
Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA

IMHO I would cut back on the niacin alone and take a "B-Complex" at a 200
level (2 x B-100 per day.) I would also eliminate the red rice yeast
extract. Use the money you save to take fish oil supplements.

Check your lipid profile after these changes.

If there is a negative profile after the next lab results then I would
consider high dose niacin with a Dr's supervision.

Kevin

"Lunatiki" none wrote in message ...
| Hi Jim, thanks for the info. I take 500 mg of Niacin daily. Do you
consider
| that a lot? I'm thinking about cutting out the red rice yeast extract.
|
| Best..
| J.
|
|
|
| "Jim Chinnis" wrote in message
| ...
| "Lunatiki" none wrote in part:
|
| Hello all. I've been on Atkins since July, and have lost 40 pounds. I
| have
| a history of heart disease in my family, so for 3 years (i'm 31), I
have
| been taking Niacin, garlic, and red rice yeast extract. When I WAS NOT
| on
| Atkins, taking those supplements, my total cholesterol was around 180.
| My
| total level, since being on Atkins, and still taking those supplements,
| is
| now at 110. Can having a very low total cholesterol level be
dangerous?
|
| The evidence isn't clear, in my opinion.
|
| To make any guess, one would need to consider the lipid fractions (LDL,
| HDL,
| TG). Also, you may be referring to a modest supplement of niacin or a
| potentially dangerous level, and the same goes for the statin.
|
| The niacin might still be useful if your triglycerides are high (which
I'd
| doubt, after lowcarbing) or HDL is low relative to the total. I can't
see
| the
| statin (red rice yeast extract) unless LDL is very high relative to the
| total,
| or there is history and there are risk factors we don't know about.
| --
| Jim Chinnis Warrenton, Virginia, USA
|
|

On Tue, 4 Nov 2003 18:36:05 -0600, in a clarity of expression
resembling Cicero, "Lunatiki" none wrote:

Hello all. I've been on Atkins since July, and have lost 40 pounds. I have
a history of heart disease in my family, so for 3 years (i'm 31), I have
been taking Niacin, garlic, and red rice yeast extract. When I WAS NOT on
Atkins, taking those supplements, my total cholesterol was around 180. My
total level, since being on Atkins, and still taking those supplements, is
now at 110. Can having a very low total cholesterol level be dangerous?



I looked at the same issue, and all I could learn was that there is a
correlation between too-low cholesterol and depression.

I got my doc to have me taking one niaspan a day instead of two...

Frank Lynch
The Samuel Johnson Sound Bite Page is at:
http://www.samueljohnson.com/

In article , Lunatiki says...

Hello all. I've been on Atkins since July, and have lost 40 pounds. I have
a history of heart disease in my family, so for 3 years (i'm 31), I have
been taking Niacin, garlic, and red rice yeast extract. When I WAS NOT on
Atkins, taking those supplements, my total cholesterol was around 180. My
total level, since being on Atkins, and still taking those supplements, is
now at 110. Can having a very low total cholesterol level be dangerous?



There was some research that indicated total cholesterol under 160 for men
increased risk of stroke. Sorry, I don't a link to the research. It was
published over a year ago.

BillJ

"Lunatiki" none wrote in message ...
Hello all. I've been on Atkins since July, and have lost 40 pounds. I have
a history of heart disease in my family, so for 3 years (i'm 31), I have
been taking Niacin, garlic, and red rice yeast extract. When I WAS NOT on
Atkins, taking those supplements, my total cholesterol was around 180. My
total level, since being on Atkins, and still taking those supplements, is
now at 110. Can having a very low total cholesterol level be dangerous?

Some recent information I sent to a friend with low cholesterol

PASTE

http://www.second-opinions.co.uk/cho...ol_myth_4.html

and this one

http://www.ctds.info/low_cholesterol.html

And here

http://abcnews.go.com/sections/livin...rol010303.html

AND PASTE

And some further info, that I think came from the Thyroid News Group. Maybe a bit more
"way-out"??

PASTE

Below are the opinions presented on the www.redflagsdaily.com web site. It's a
good site, with some free content by a former health editor for ABC news. This
talks about statins, there are other articles that talk about the likely
fallacy of cholesterol as being a killer. I think one reason people with high
cholesterol die young is because the thyroid doesn't work well and one sign is
that it isn't providing enough energy to turn that cholesterol into adrenal
hormones. My suspicion is those are the ones who die and those who have
adequate adrenal hormones, just have high cholesterol and it is likely it
doesn't cause any harm to them.

http://www.redflagsweekly.com/features/2002_july08.html

2. Unrelated to their cholesterol lowering, statins have been found to have
anti-inflammatory, plaque-stabilizing properties which have a slight benefit in
coronary heart disease.

3. Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All
patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually -
those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and
patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10
deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people
who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate
statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle
weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most
ominously - heart failure.

In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase
in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the
past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in
higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in
patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF
epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we
causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I think
the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of the
greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the medical
establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents combining CoQ10
with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side effects) created a
life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of otherwise healthy people,
only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific irresponsibility and watch to
see what happens - as I see two to three new statin cardiomyopathies per week
in my practice, I cannot help but view my once great profession with a mixture
of sorrow and contempt.

Statin-induced CoQ10 depletion is the topic of a recent petition to the FDA
requesting that this drug/nutrient interaction be identified in a black box
warning as part of statin package insert information. A comprehensive review of
animal and human trials addressing this issue has been submitted to the FDA as
a supporting document. We, of course, do not expect any response from the FDA,
but 10 years from now when the full extent of statin toxicity becomes painfully
evident, at least we can, in good conscience, know that we tried and who knows,
sometimes small sparks may spread in dry grass.

END PASTE

Frenchy

There was definitely a study done not too long ago that concluded
people with low cholesterol, I believe it was in the 130 range, had
just as high or higher death rates than people with high cholesterol.

I would agree with the advice to cut out some of the chol lowering
supplements. I'd probably start with the red rice, since it is
similar to the statins, though the dosage is unregulated and depends
on the particular bottle you get. After a few months and getting
tested, if it's still low, I'd cut out the niacin and then go from
there.

"Lunatiki" none wrote in message ...
Hello all. I've been on Atkins since July, and have lost 40 pounds. I
have
a history of heart disease in my family, so for 3 years (i'm 31), I have
been taking Niacin, garlic, and red rice yeast extract. When I WAS NOT on
Atkins, taking those supplements, my total cholesterol was around 180. My
total level, since being on Atkins, and still taking those supplements, is
now at 110. Can having a very low total cholesterol level be dangerous?

Please consult with your physician, and make a a decision about your
supplements with his input. I listen to all kinds of advice from the smart
people here on ASDLC. But when it comes to medical advice, take all these
opinions for what they are -- just opinions. Please don't base your medical
care on what anonymous internet advisors tells you. After all, you know
what they say -- "opinions are like assholes; everybody's got one.! --
which is just another opinion g
--
Peter
website: http://users.thelink.net/marengo

"Frenchy" wrote in message ...

3. Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All
patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually -
those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and
patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10
deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people
who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate
statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle
weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most
ominously - heart failure.

What about policosanol?

In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase
in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the
past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in
higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in
patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF
epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we
causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I
think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of
the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the
medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents
combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side
effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of
otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific
irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new
statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my
once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.

Ever consider writing a review article about this? There are still A
FEW doctors who read journals rather than getting 100% of their info
from the drug companies.

Statin-induced CoQ10 depletion is the topic of a recent petition to the FDA
requesting that this drug/nutrient interaction be identified in a black box
warning as part of statin package insert information. A comprehensive review of animal and human trials addressing this issue has been submitted to the
FDA as a supporting document. We, of course, do not expect any response from
the FDA, but 10 years from now when the full extent of statin toxicity
becomes painfully evident, at least we can, in good conscience, know that we
tried and who knows, sometimes small sparks may spread in dry grass.

You should post this stuff in the cardiologist's NG.

Frenchy

--Bryan 198/149/152/155

"Bobo Bonobo?" wrote in message
om...
"Frenchy" wrote in message ...

3. Statins kill people - lots of people - and they wound many, many more. All
patients taking statins become depleted in Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), eventually -
those patients who start with a relatively low CoQ10 levels (the elderly and
patients with heart failure) begin to manifest signs/symptoms of CoQ10
deficiency relatively rapidly - in 6 to 12 months. Younger, healthier people
who's only "illness" is the non-illness "hypercholesterolemia" can tolerate
statins for several years before getting into trouble with fatigue, muscle
weakness and soreness (usually with normal muscle enzyme CPK tests) and most
ominously - heart failure.

What about policosanol?

In my practice of 17 years in Tyler, Texas, I have seen a frightening increase
in heart failure secondary to statin usage, "statin cardiomyopathy". Over the
past five years, statins have become more potent, are being prescribed in
higher doses, and are being used with reckless abandon in the elderly and in
patients with "normal" cholesterol levels. We are in the midst of a CHF
epidemic in the US with a dramatic increase over the past decade. Are we
causing this epidemic through our zealous use of statins? In large part I
think the answer is yes. We are now in a position to witness the unfolding of
the greatest medical tragedy of all time - never before in history has the
medical establishment knowingly (Merck & Co., Inc. has two 1990 patents
combining CoQ10 with statins to prevent CoQ10 depletion and attendant side
effects) created a life threatening nutrient deficiency in millions of
otherwise healthy people, only to then sit back with arrogance and horrific
irresponsibility and watch to see what happens - as I see two to three new
statin cardiomyopathies per week in my practice, I cannot help but view my
once great profession with a mixture of sorrow and contempt.

Ever consider writing a review article about this? There are still A
FEW doctors who read journals rather than getting 100% of their info
from the drug companies.

Statin-induced CoQ10 depletion is the topic of a recent petition to the FDA
requesting that this drug/nutrient interaction be identified in a black box
warning as part of statin package insert information. A comprehensive review of animal
and human trials addressing this issue has been submitted to the
FDA as a supporting document. We, of course, do not expect any response from
the FDA, but 10 years from now when the full extent of statin toxicity
becomes painfully evident, at least we can, in good conscience, know that we
tried and who knows, sometimes small sparks may spread in dry grass.

You should post this stuff in the cardiologist's NG.

Frenchy

--Bryan 198/149/152/155

Bryan

None of this was "my work", just an assiduous Google search!

Feel free to post it anywhere grin

Frenchy