Ask the Pharmacist

High cholesterol and fibromyalgia: are omega-3s helpful?

Good morning, I have somewhat high cholesterol (240). I cannot take statins, even natural ones such as monacolin from fermented red rice as I suffer from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia brings me a lot of pain, insomnia and physical/mental fatigue. I have ESR which is always high. I am asking for advice for an optimal choice to control my cholesterol and if possible other fibromyalgia related discomforts. Thank you
 


Dear Mary, 


Regarding cholesterol, if monacolin K (natural statin) is also not well tolerated, I recommend that you consider taking Eulipid, 1 tablet daily before dinner, with your treating physician. Eulipid is a supplement containing berberine from Berberis aristata, resveratrol from Polygonum cuspidatum, and Citrus bioflavonoids with tocotrieneols, policosanols, and coenzyme Q10, indicated for maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. 


Regarding fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread muscle pain associated with fatigue, stiffness, problems with insomnia, memory, and mood alterations, as described by you, I recommend Omgero Twinefa, 3 capsules per day to be taken near a main meal. Omegor Twinefa, formulated with omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the form of triglycerides (the form most bioavailable to our bodies) and an ingredient belonging to the OMEGA-6 family GLA from borage oil, helps reduce the production of chemical mediators of pain (pro-inflammatory eicosanoids) in favor of anti-inflammatory substances instead.


 The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA omega-6 GLA also have been shown to be useful in improving mood by maintaining adequate levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and in maintaining skeletal integrity by preventing bone demineralization, as well as having a positive effect on sleep quality as well. 


I recommend that she inform her treating physician when she starts supplementation, who has a more complete clinical picture and is able to assess the physiological benefit of supplementation. In addition, after three months of supplementation I recommend that you repeat the tests for ESR (sedimentation rate of red blood cells in the blood). 

ESR is a nonspecific test, that is, it does not detect anything in particular, but it signals a possible ongoing inflammatory state. 


Best regards


Beatrice Iozzino, pharmacist