Research on statins shows that Lipoprotein A, which causes both plaque and clotting, is increased by an average of 8.5% to 19.6% in people who take statins. Conversely, people who take natural Lycopene have reduced levels.
Heart, stroke and cancer concerns
Researchers from the University of California, San Diego conducted a meta-study review (1) of Lipoprotein A research. Lpa is known to be a dangerous component of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and is elevated in 20-30% of people. It is a compound made from protein and fat and carries cholesterol through your body. Instead of finding that a statin reduced Lipoprotein A, they found that there were increases in levels, even though the statin may have reduced overall cholesterol and LDL levels (1).
The research featured six randomised trials and 5256 patients, 3885 who were taking a statin.
The statins in the trials included Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin, Pravastatin and Pitavastatin at varying levels. Not all statins were equal. The mean percentage change from baseline was 18.7% to 24.2% in the Atorvastatin group. Pravastatin was also elevated at 11.6% to 20.4%.
These figures should cause concern for people at risk of strokes and heart attacks, but also people using these drugs as part of their anticancer protocol.
What is Lipoprotein A?
Lipoprotein A is similar to LDL cholesterol (the bad stuff), but it has an added protein apolipoprotein. Like LDL, Lpa can increase plaque and block arteries but it also behaves like a clotting factor. So, it is a double risk factor; especially in the era of Covid-19. There are no medicines known to lower Lipoprotein A.
Lycopene to the rescue?
This finding is in stark contrast to the use of natural compound Lycopene. In a 1998 study from Toronto Medical School (2), the use of Lycopene supplementation did not significantly lower total cholesterol or LDL, but serum lipid peroxidation and LDL oxidation were significantly decreased. This would reduce Lipoprotein A, plaque and blood clotting.
Lycopene is known to be an antioxidant and free radical scavenger and prevents oxidative destruction of lipids. In a number of studies Lycopene has been shown to lower LDL and Lipoprotein A because it lowers oxidation.
Lycopene supplementation is also particularly helpful in prostate cancer where it reduces LDL and PSA levels. We have previously covered research showing that it restricts aggressive and fatal prostate cancer.
Go to: 8 important benefits of Lycopene - from Science
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References
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Statin therapy increases lipoprotein(a) levels; Meta-Analysis Eur Heart J; 2020 Jun 21;41(24):2275-2284; Sotirios Tsimikas et al - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31111151/#affiliation-1
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Tomato lycopene and low density lipoprotein oxidation: a human dietary intervention study; Agarwal S et al; Lipids. 1998 Oct;33(10):981-4 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9832077/#affiliation-1