How Cholesterol Levels Can Greatly Impact Nerve Health

Many people associate high cholesterol levels with an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. While this train of thought is correct, did you know that high cholesterol and nerve damage are heavily connected too?

Take this health guide as a sign to maintain good cholesterol levels before it’s too late. Learn how high cholesterol levels can negatively impact both nerve and cardiovascular health, and what can be done to prevent further complications.

A Brief Background on Cholesterol Levels

In case one needs a refresher, cholesterol is a type of fat that is actually vital for body function, performing tasks that include:¹

• Helping the liver make bile, which is responsible for breaking down food
• Providing structure to the cell membrane
• Acting as a “guard” that determines the substances that can or cannot enter the cells

Sadly, an unhealthy lifestyle characterized by smoking, excessive alcohol intake, consumption of very fatty food, medicines, increased stress levels, lack of movement, and even certain genes may raise one’s cholesterol levels.²

Adults with high levels of cholesterol may find themselves at risk of developing atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque within the blood vessels. This buildup can make the arteries narrow, making it harder for blood to flow from the heart to the rest of the body.² The arteries can also become blocked if there is too much plaque within them, increasing one’s risk for diseases like:³

• Hypertension or high blood pressure levels
• Coronary artery disease
• Carotid artery disease
• Peripheral artery disease
• Strokes⁴
   

To minimize these threats, health experts recommend that adults maintain ideal levels of these cholesterol-related markers:⁵

• Total cholesterol/triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)
• LDL cholesterol (AKA bad cholesterol), which may be a precursor to some diseases related to this health issue:

On a final note, remember that cholesterol level requirements may vary from one person to another depending on their current health status. For additional information on the ideal cholesterol level values that must be maintained, talk to a doctor.

How High Cholesterol Causes Chaos to the Nerves

The effects of high cholesterol levels sadly don’t just end with heart health. Too much of this type of fat can negatively affect nerves found throughout the body as well.

According to researchers, hyperlipidemia (or high levels of cholesterol and fat within the body) can trigger dysfunction within the blood vessels’ inner lining and even lessen the amount of blood distributed to the nerves. As a result, this can eventually increase one’s risk for neuropathy and symptoms⁶ like ngalay (pain) and manhid (numbness).⁷

Earlier findings also noted that dyslipidemia, or abnormal amounts of fats in the bloodstream, increased one’s risk of diabetic neuropathy, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes.⁸ In fact, authors of a 2023 study revealed that dyslipidemia, together with other factors like insulin resistance, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels), and microvascular disease, may set the stage for cases of diabetic neuropathy.⁹

Harnessing the Power of B Vitamins for Cholesterol Levels

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels isn’t the only way one can protect both their heart and their nerves. Incorporating B vitamins into a daily routine, whether from food or supplements, can be a good decision. After all, many studies have already proven their effectiveness in alleviating nerve issues^10,11 and reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular problems.^12,13

One B vitamin in particular that may help people looking to ensure their cholesterol markers are in the ideal levels is vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid. While it’s not as “popular” compared to other members of the B vitamin family, studies revealed that increased vitamin B3 intake is crucial in helping reduce one’s dyslipidemia risk.¹⁴ Earlier studies also noted that therapeutic vitamin B3 doses helped lower total cholesterol by up to 25%, LDL cholesterol levels by up to 15%, and triglycerides by up to 50%. More importantly, this B vitamin was able to raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol, by up to 15% to 35%.¹⁵

Use the Power of 5 Important B Vitamins to Your Advantage

To support ideal cholesterol levels, various vitamins and minerals need to work in perfect harmony to deliver important benefits and maximum nutrition. This is possible with the help of a vitamin B supplement like Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular^®)!

Vaneular has a superior formulation of not just 3 but 5 B vitamins, including vitamin B3. Together with proper diet and exercise, the five B vitamins help support the body’s daily B vitamin needs and protect both the heart and the nerves. Moreover, Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular^®) may help prevent vitamin B deficiency to ensure proper nervous system function and address nerve problems. Each tablet contains these B vitamins:¹⁶

• Vitamin B1 (300 mg of thiamine mononitrate)
• Vitamin B2 (30 mg of riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (25 mg of nicotinic acid)
• Vitamin B6 (100 mg of pyridoxine HCl)
• Vitamin B12 (250 mcg of cyanocobalamin)

Suggested use of Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular^®) is one (1) tablet daily or as recommended by your physician. Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular^®) is available in leading drugstores nationwide and online via Lazada and Shopee.

Remember: Always use Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular^®) under medical supervision. Before taking any form of B vitamin supplement, talk to a doctor or a trusted healthcare professional.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.