Question: I have been on Hypocol & Cholenol for the past 3 years. These are supplements to reduce cholesterol and they contain statin. Recently, about 2 months ago, I went on a vegan diet, taking only 2 meals a day and walking briskly on the treadmill for an hour daily (5km in 50 minutes). During this time, I also stopped taking Hypocol & Cholenol. My weight dropped from 75kg to 69kg in the 2 months of dieting, yet my cholesterol went up from 4.5 mmol/l to 7.5 mmol/l. Now that I am no longer taking oily, fried foods, nor animal fats, why am I experiencing such high cholesterol levels? I have been advised to continue with Hypocol but I refused since it contains statin and I know all about the ill effects of statin.

I have been monitoring my cholesterol levels on a weekly and sometimes daily basis using the AvoMeter Perfect, a home cholesterol measuring meter. Recent readings are as follows : 28/11/13- 5.4 mmol/l, 09/12/13 - 6.5 mmol/l, 16/12/13 - 5.5 mmol/l, 20/12/13 - 4.9 mmol/l, 23/12/13 - 6.5 mmol/l, 24/12/13 - 5.6 mmol/l, 25/12/13 - 5.7 mmol/l, 26/12/13 - 6.3 mmol/l, 27/12/13 - 6.7 mmol/l. Why am I experiencing such volatile cholesterol levels, with drastic highs and lows when my meals and exercises are the same everyday? Will consuming lemon juice and dark chocolate help to lower my cholesterol levels?

Dear Dr XXXXXXX Brenes-Salazar Let me first elaborate on the reason I first took up Hypochol (which is really red yeast) and cholenol (cholesterol reducing supplement). Back in the year 2010, I found out through a series of routine blood tests that I have sightly elevated cholesterol level. My family doctor advised that I reduce my intake of alcoholic drinks and cholesterol raising foods to bring the level down. He attributed the elevation to my love of alcohol, red meats and seafood which I consumed in high quantities. I was reluctant to change my lifestyle and hence began taking these 2 supplements so that I could continue to enjoy what I love. This helped to normalize my cholesterol until 2 months ago when I went on a vegan diet and stopped the 2 supplements. I thought this should work since it was food that raised it in the first place. But it didn't. So my query is, has the 2 supplements affected my body's ability to eliminate cholesterol? Or do I have to give it some time, say 6 months, to 'tune back'? Is there a window period to allow my body to adjust and improve on the cholesterol eliminating function without the help of drugs? Would you recommend that I wait a few months before I go back on these supplements? In my condition, without these supplements for the next 6 months, will I be at risk of a heart attack? Kindly advise. Thank you very much for your patience. Best regards Malaysian Patient

Dear Dr XXXXXXX Brenes-Salazar My pharmacist recommends that I take the red yeast because the lovastatin is naturally occurring. He thinks it is a better option compared to a chemically derived statin. I am a little confused here. So in your opinion, which statin should I use? Thank you very much for explaining my situation very clearly and patiently. I am glad that I found this website and most importantly you and your valued advice to clear my doubts. Wishing you a Happy New Year and all the best in the year 2014! Thank you again, Sir! Best Regards XXXX A very grateful Malaysian patient