Sign up for Your
FREE Subscription
Your First Name:
Your E-mail:


Policosanol Goes Down in Flames

05/18/07

By Dr. Dana Myatt

Policosanol, a wax-like substance derived from sugar cane, has been reported to lower high cholesterol. We've never sold it at The Wellness Club because the research on it's effects looked weak (at best) to me.

Now, newer studies on policosanol in both the US and Germany have found absolutely no effect on cholesterol levels.

Just so you'll know why I found the original research spurious, all of it was done by a single research group in Cuba and several Latin American countries. When the only people who notice a positive result are the ones who are selling the product, my "bogus meter" goes off. (As it does with many drug studies). At that point, I wait to see if any independent studies confirm the "research." In the case of policosanol, independent studies using the exact same product and doses failed to show any benefit.

For lowering cholesterol, nothing is better-studied than niacin, a humble B-complex vitamin. Learn more about niacin for high cholesterol here: http://www.drmyattswellnessclub.com/niacin.htm

References
1.) Policosanol is ineffective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Dec;84(6):1543-8
2.) Lack of cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Cuban sugar cane policosanols in hypercholesterolemic persons. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Nov;84(5):1003-8.

Inside HealthBeat

Meet Our Team
----------------
Contact Us
----------------
Readers Rants
----------------
 
DISCLAIMER: Consuming the information provided in HealthBeat may cause reduced side-effects, increased knowledge, improved health and well-being and the potential for enhanced common-sense. Use at your own risk. These statements have not been evaluated or blessed by the FDA, The Big Drug Companies, or Big Medicine and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or medical condition. None of the suggestions made herein are intended to take the place of your personal physician, shaman, chiropractor or other healthcare provider. Please be aware that statements made herein could result in a loss of profits to the FDA, Big Pharma and Big Medicine and should be used cautiously with this in mind. These statements contain no appreciable amounts of calories, carbohydrates, sodium or cholesterol and are certified to be free of all trans-fats.