How Does It Work?:
Cholesterol is both produced by the body and obtained from food. Endogenous cholesterol is formed by human cells, particularly liver cells. The liver produces varying amounts, usually about 1,000 milligrams a day. Exogenous cholesterol is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract from food. Approximately 400 to 500 mg (or more) can be contained in foods from animal sources (especially egg yolks, meat, poultry, fish, seafood and whole-milk dairy products).

Phytosterols
Simply stated, phytosterols are the “fat” of plants. The proprietary phytosterol blend found in Cholesterol Shield occurs naturally and is structurally similar to cholesterol, though its activity is very different.† The major phytosterols found in nature are β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. The typical daily diet contains 100-300 mg phytosterols.

At usual levels of consumption, phytosterols have little effect on blood cholesterol concentration. However, because phytosterols share structural similarities with cholesterol, they bind to sites in the intestines that would be used for cholesterol binding were they not blocked. Dietary consumption of phytosterols in the 1200 mg per dose range reduces intestinal and biliary cholesterol absorption and helps to retain healthy cholesterol levels that are already within normal limits.

Phytosterols appear to decrease the solubility of cholesterol in the intestines, thus interfering with its absorption. Phytosterols also increase bile salt excretion in the intestines. In humans, administration of phytosterols significantly decreased cholesterol absorption from food by 38%.

Pantethine
Cholesterol Shield also contains pantethine, a precursor of coenzyme A (CoA). CoA is involved in 70 enzymatic pathways, including cholesterol synthesis.8 Pantethine modulates the action of several enzymes, including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase. Pantethine inhibits the activity of HMG-CoA reductase; this enzyme plays an important part in the pathway of cholesterol synthesis.

Human studies have demonstrated that pantethine is beneficial for retaining healthy cholesterol levels that are already within normal limits.†^13-17 Additionally, studies have shown that 600 mg of pantethine per day is required to achieve this beneficial support.† No studies have found beneficial effects at lower dosages.

A year-long trial with pantethine was conducted in 24 individuals. The treatment was well tolerated with no subjective complaints or detectable side effects. Blood lipid assays repeated after 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of treatment revealed consistent benefit for retaining healthy cholesterol levels that are already within normal limits.

In another study, the effect of pantethine (various mg doses daily for 3 to 6 months) was evaluated in 72 individuals. The results demonstrated that pantethine was tolerated well and retained healthy cholesterol levels that were already within normal limits.

Combination of Phytosterols and Pantethine
Since pantethine and phytosterols exert their beneficial effects in different ways, it is theorized that a product combining both complimentary ingredients may synergistically provide even greater levels of significant support.

Mechanisms of Action on Cholesterol Metabolism

Why should healthy cholesterol levels that are already within normal limits be retained?
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all cells. Cholesterol is essential for the formation of cell membranes. It is also plays a role in the synthesis of certain hormones, the formation of cholic acid in the liver (relating to the formation of bile salts), and is utilized by the skin in the support of skin integrity. However, a high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which can lead to a heart attack.

High serum cholesterol levels are associated with coronary artery disease. Specifically, cholesterol deposits in the arteries develop into plaques that reduce or block blood flow. In addition, dense connective tissue deposits lead to arteries that become stiff and unyielding (sclerosis). Eventually, hard calcifications form. This is known as “hardening of the arteries.” Arteries that have lost flexibility are easily ruptured, and in the areas where plaques protrude into flowing blood, blood clots may develop. Heart attacks or stroke may then result.

Estimates are that 100.9 million American adults have total blood cholesterol values of 200 mg/dL and higher, and about 40.6 million American adults have levels of 240 or above. In adults, total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher are considered high risk, and levels from 200 to 239 mg/dL are considered borderline-high risk.¹⁹ The National Cholesterol Education Program has developed the following guidelines for serum cholesterol levels.

NCEP's ATP-III guideline