Question

The client with hypercholesterolemia asked about vitamins that can help to lower his cholesterol. Which vitamin has been shown to be helpful in lowering the client's cholesterol level? A. Cyanocobalamine B. Ascorbic acid C. Niacin D. Riboflavin

Short answer

Answer: C. Niacin

Step-by-step solution

List the given vitamins and their common names

A. Cyanocobalamin - Vitamin B12 B. Ascorbic acid - Vitamin C C. Niacin - Vitamin B3 D. Riboflavin - Vitamin B2

Evaluate the effects of each vitamin on cholesterol levels

A. Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) - It doesn't have any direct effect on lowering cholesterol levels. B. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) - It is an antioxidant and helps maintain overall health, but it has not been found to significantly lower cholesterol levels. C. Niacin (Vitamin B3) - It has been shown to significantly lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels. It also lowers triglycerides, which makes it helpful in lowering overall cholesterol level. D. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - It plays a role in energy production but doesn't have any direct effect on cholesterol levels.

Choose the correct vitamin based on their effects on cholesterol levels

Based on the evaluation of each vitamin's effect on cholesterol levels, Niacin (Vitamin B3) is the only vitamin that has been proven to be helpful in lowering cholesterol levels in a person with hypercholesterolemia. So the correct answer is: C. Niacin

Key concepts

Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia is a medical condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for the body, but too much of it can cause health issues. When you have hypercholesterolemia, the excess cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. This can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Managing hypercholesterolemia involves lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and sometimes taking medication. It's important to control cholesterol levels to maintain heart health and prevent serious complications.
Patients with hypercholesterolemia often look for dietary supplements or vitamins that can help balance their cholesterol levels, which leads us to our discussion on vitamins and cholesterol.

Vitamins and Cholesterol

When we talk about vitamins and their role in cholesterol management, it's crucial to understand that not all vitamins have a direct effect on cholesterol levels. While vitamins are essential for various body functions, their impact on cholesterol may vary.

• Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) is crucial for nerve function and the production of DNA and red blood cells, but it does not lower cholesterol.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system but has no significant effect on cholesterol levels.
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) aids in energy production but does not influence cholesterol.

Among these, one vitamin stands out for its ability to significantly impact cholesterol levels: Niacin (Vitamin B3). Let's explore how Niacin affects cholesterol in the next section.

Niacin

Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, plays a notable role in managing cholesterol levels. It is one of the few vitamins that has direct and positive effects on cholesterol.

• Lowering LDL Cholesterol: Niacin lowers the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. High LDL levels contribute to the build-up of plaques in arteries, leading to heart disease.
• Increasing HDL Cholesterol: Niacin helps raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, which helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Reducing Triglycerides: Apart from cholesterol, Niacin also lowers triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease when levels are high.

Because of these benefits, Niacin is often recommended for patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, it's important to note that high doses of Niacin can cause side effects, so it should be taken under medical supervision. Always consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new supplement or medication.