Vitamin C reduces cholesterol levelsEffect of Using Vitamin C Supplementation on Performance, Blood Parameters, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens Under Heat Stress Condition: A Meta-Analysis.
Direct focus on cholesterol effect
We explored how vitamin C supplementation affects cholesterol levels in broiler chickens, particularly under heat stress conditions. Through a thorough meta-analysis of 35 studies conducted between 1985 and 2023, we assessed various performance metrics, including blood parameters, carcass characteristics, and overall meat quality.
Our findings revealed that vitamin C significantly reduced cholesterol levels in the broiler chickens subjected to heat stress. Specifically, the study reported a notable decrease in cholesterol concentrations, with a standard mean difference of -0.976, indicating a strong beneficial effect of vitamin C in managing high cholesterol.
Additionally, we noticed improvements in body weight and average daily gain among chickens receiving vitamin C when compared to those that did not. While vitamin C did not significantly impact feed intake or breast meat quality, it emerged as a valuable antioxidant that can help lower blood triglycerides and reduce cholesterol, thus promoting better overall health and growth in broilers during stressful conditions.
Ultimately, this meta-analysis supports the use of vitamin C at a recommended dosage of 250 mg/kg as an effective growth promoter and antioxidant in broiler diets under heat stress, directly influencing cholesterol management.
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Vitamin C and cholesterol benefitsSynchronizing positive effect of vitamin C and chromium on hyper lipidemia, hyperglycemia, liver enzymes and BMI of diabetes mellitus type 2 patients.
Combining nutrients complicates conclusions
We conducted a study to explore how vitamin C, combined with chromium, affects high cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. This interesting research involved 60 participants, evenly split between a treatment group receiving vitamin C (500mg) and chromium (200µg), and a control group taking a placebo.
Our analysis revealed notable reductions in several important lipid measurements within the treatment group. Specifically, we observed a significant drop in total cholesterol and improvements in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels.
The results illuminate the potential benefits of vitamin C and chromium in managing cholesterol levels for those impacted by type 2 diabetes. While this study doesn't focus solely on vitamin C, the combined effects of both supplements indicate a promising avenue for improving lipid profiles and overall health in diabetic patients.
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Vitamin C's cholesterol-lowering potentialVitamin C and E supplementation and high intensity interval training induced changes in lipid profile and haematological variables of young males.
Relevant to cholesterol management
To explore the impact of vitamin C on high cholesterol levels, we designed a study involving 106 young male athletes. They were divided into five groups, including those who did not exercise and those who underwent high-intensity interval training (HIIT), some with added vitamin C, vitamin E, or both. Over eight weeks, we assessed changes in lipid profiles and various blood variables.
Our findings were promising for those taking vitamins C and E alongside regular exercise. Participants who supplemented with these vitamins and engaged in HIIT showed significant drops in body weight, overall fat percentage, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Remarkably, levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often dubbed "good cholesterol," increased in all four intervention groups. This suggests a potential role for vitamin C in improving cholesterol levels, especially when paired with an active lifestyle.
However, we also noted some adverse changes—specifically, reductions in certain blood cell counts among those only doing HIIT. While the vitamin-supplemented groups did experience effective elevation in beneficial vitamin levels, the overall effects of vitamin C alone on high cholesterol were less definitive, as the benefits appeared more in combination with exercise. It's safe to say that although vitamin C shows some promise in reducing cholesterol, the strongest benefits occur when it's part of a broader healthy regimen.
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Zinc improves cholesterol levelsEffect of Zinc Supplementation on Lipid Profile and Body Composition in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis.
Focuses on zinc and cholesterol
We explored how zinc supplementation affects cholesterol levels and body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes. By reviewing data from nineteen randomized controlled trials, involving 1,357 participants, we uncovered significant findings regarding lipid profiles.
Our results revealed that zinc supplementation leads to reduced levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Specifically, we noted reductions of 17.41 mg/dL in triglycerides, 19.60 mg/dL in total cholesterol, and 8.80 mg/dL in LDL-C. Furthermore, we observed an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) by 4.82 mg/dL, which is often termed "good" cholesterol.
While zinc appears to positively influence cholesterol levels, it's interesting to note that it did not have a significant impact on body weight. The body mass index (BMI) did show a slight decrease of 0.53 kg/m², but overall body weight remained unchanged.
In conclusion, our findings suggest that zinc supplementation could be a beneficial strategy for improving cholesterol levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes, thus contributing positively to their overall health and well-being.
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Elderberry extract aids HDL functionAnthocyanin-rich black elderberry extract improves markers of HDL function and reduces aortic cholesterol in hyperlipidemic mice.
High relevance to cholesterol management
We explored the impact of an anthocyanin-rich black elderberry extract on high cholesterol by conducting a study with apoE(-/-) mice, which are a common model for high cholesterol and HDL dysfunction. Over a period of six weeks, these mice received a diet supplemented with this black elderberry extract while a control group maintained a normal diet.
Our findings were quite promising. Although we didn’t see significant differences in overall serum lipids after six weeks, we did notice improvements in several key markers associated with HDL function. The BEE-fed mice exhibited higher levels of beneficial paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, which is important for heart health, as well as reductions in liver aspartate transaminase and fasting glucose levels.
Furthermore, the BEE-fed mice had significantly lower levels of a chemokine linked to inflammation, which is beneficial as chronic inflammation can negatively impact cholesterol levels. Most notably, we found reduced total cholesterol levels in the aorta of the elderberry-fed mice, suggesting a slowdown in the progression of atherosclerosis. Overall, this study indicates that black elderberry could potentially help improve HDL function and support the management of high cholesterol as part of a dietary approach.
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