Lestrin Plus

FAQs

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is actually an essential nutrient, necessary for:

• Repairing cell membranes
• Producing hormones
• Manufacturing vitamin D

The liver manufactures three quarters of the cholesterol we need when stimulated by eating saturated fat and the rest is supplied by the diet

Cholesterol is transported around the body by lipoproteins.

• Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) transport about 75% of the blood’s cholesterol to the body’s cells and also carry cholesterol through the artery wall (bad cholesterol).
• High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) remove cholesterol from the walls of the artery and deliver it back to the liver (good cholesterol).

It is therefore beneficial to reduce ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol but to try to retain the ‘good‘ (HDL) cholesterol.

High Cholesterol levels more than double the risk of a heart attack.

Checking cholesterol levels:

If you would like to check your cholesterol levels contact your doctor or alternatively there are home test kits available from pharmacies and health stores.

What is Lestrin?

Lestrin is a food supplement containing the naturally occurring plant substance Beta-sitosterol. It may help to reduce cholesterol levels as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

What are plant sterols?

Natural components found in virtually all plants.

Found in the diet in fruit and vegetables.

Similar in structure to cholesterol.

Reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the gut by competing for space at the site of absorption.

There over 60 plant sterols but the most common form is Beta-sitosterol.

Who can take Lestrin?

Lestrin can be recommended to anyone* who has high cholesterol levels or anyone who is concerned about reducing and maintaining their cholesterol levels. There are many risk factors that can increase the chances of high cholesterol levels and so anyone with two or more risk factors would benefit from taking Lestrin.

*(See sitosterolemia in warnings)

How long should Lestrin be taken for?

Take two tablets twice a day with meals continuously.

How long do I have to take the tablets for before I go back to the doctors?

After 6 weeks (3 packs)

Some of the tablets are discoloured / different colour to the others – is this normal?

This is normal and will cause no harm if taken. The reason for the discolour is due to the ingredient Beta-Sitosterol, which is a naturally occurring plant sterol, and which can vary in colour. This variation does not affect the properties of the tablet and can be taken as normal.

Can Lestrin be taken with prescribed medications?

Plant sterols have been the subject of research for over 50 years and in that time no interactions ith other medications have been identified.

When might someone notice the benefits of taking Lestrin?

Effects on cholesterol levels will vary from person to person but if the recommended dosage is taken, most people will notice the benefits within one month.

Is a special diet required when taking Lestrin?

No, but reducing saturated fat in the diet and increasing fruit and vegetable intake is recommended.

I’ve been taking Lestrin for a couple of months – will my cholesterol level go down any further?

The effect is really individual and the degree that the cholesterol levels reduce varies from person to person. It is possible that your cholesterol level may reduce further by continuing to take Lestrin but we cannot guarantee this. If you remain concerned about your cholesterol levels we would recommend consulting with your doctor.

Easiest way to take Lestrin – Chew the tablets and take with a glass of water.

Why has the dosage information changed on the new packs?

In Jan 2016 we were able to change the claims for Lestrin and Lestrin Plus from ‘Helps to maintain blood cholesterol’ to ‘Helps to reduce blood cholesterol’. The instructions were revised to fit in with the change in claims