High Cholesterol During Menopause: Which Supplement?

Dear Doctor, I need your advice. I have been suffering from hypercholesterolemia for some time. In the past, I also took the drug INEGY, but since I was not inclined to treat myself with drugs, I switched to supplements. Lately, I have been taking Armolipid Plus, one tablet a day. Unfortunately, during a recent abdominal ultrasound, I was told that my liver is fatty and enlarged, and my triglycerides have also increased. Today I picked up my test results: total cholesterol 256, HDL cholesterol 53, triglycerides 249. I am 58 years old, menopausal, 1.68 m tall, and weigh 76 kg, so I am overweight. I should be dieting for some time but I can't manage it due to many problems with my elderly parents. Therefore, I eat out of nervous hunger, especially sweets. I read about your supplements on your site: Cardiol and Meaquor – what do you recommend? Thank you.

Dear Alessandra,

Thank you for contacting us. Based on your description, we recommend combining the following products: Cardiol Forte and Meaquor 1000. Cardiol Forte is a dietary supplement based on omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish oil, fermented red rice extract, olive extract standardized in Hydroxytyrosol, and Coenzyme Q10.

The formulation also includes vitamin E, piperine, and folic acid (important for proper homocysteine metabolism, a metabolite that in excess increases cardiovascular risk). Additionally, the intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA per day contributes to normal heart function. Cardiol Forte also contains artichoke extract. This powdered extract from Cynara cardunculus L. leaves is standardized to 10% chlorogenic acid and derivatives (bioflavonoids) and 2% luteolin 7-glucoside and derivatives (flavonoids).

The bioflavonoids in artichoke extract have choleretic, cholagogue, and hepatoprotective activity; moreover, the flavonoids inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis and protect LDL from oxidative damage. The recommended dosage for Cardiol Forte is 1 capsule per day, to be taken in the evening just before dinner. Meaquor 1000 is a dietary supplement with a high concentration of omega-3 DHA and EPA. Meaquor 1000 is especially indicated to help keep blood triglycerides and blood pressure under control.

With 2 grams per day of EPA and DHA, normal blood triglyceride levels are maintained; this dosage can be reached with 2 capsules per day of Meaquor 1000 to be taken with a main meal. However, it should be remembered that a diet low in animal fats and rich in vegetables, together with regular physical exercise, represent the primary strategy to reduce “bad” cholesterol and improve the overall lipid profile.

We naturally recommend informing your doctor about all dietary measures (diet, dietary supplements) you intend to adopt, as well as discussing the possibility of using our products: all this to decide with him the most appropriate therapy.

I remain available for any clarifications or further questions.

Best regards,

Rosaria Ramondino, Pharmacist and Pharmaceutical Chemist