Policosanol Side Effects

Policosanol, also known as octacosanol, is a nutritional supplement that is claimed to have cholesterol lowering effects. It is made up of a mixture of primary aliphatic alcohols including tetracosanol, hexacosanol, heptacosanol, octacosanol, nonacosanol, triacontanol, dotriacontanol and tetratriacontanol. This dietary supplement is derived from wax secretions of plants like sugarcane, yams and others. The main ingredient of policosanol is octacosanol as it is present in a large concentration, about 60%. Policosanol is claimed to be beneficial for several diseases such as Parkinson's disease and it is also known to lower cholesterol. In this article, we shall see the different benefits of policosanol and some policosanol side effects.

Policosanol
Policosanol is a nutritional supplement obtained from plant sources, that is claimed to regulate the levels of LDL and HDL cholesterols. However, research is still going on to find how policosanol exactly works to lower cholesterol. It is thought that policosanol increases the breakdown of cholesterol in the body and also helps to decrease the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. It is available in the form of capsules in most health and nutrition stores. 5 to 10 mg policosanol twice a day is considered to be safe, though, there is no recommended dosage approved by FDA.

Studies have shown that policosanol can improve the symptoms of intermittent claudication that include disability in walking due to crippling of the legs or feet. It is believed that policosanol supplements can be effective to deal with this condition, allowing people to walk properly. Despite the benefits of policosanol, there are some side effects associated with its use. Have a look.

Side Effects of Policosanol
Although policosanol is considered as a natural product as it is obtained from plant sources, it is not completely free of side effects. It can cause certain side effects, ranging from mild to severe. Some bothersome policosanol side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Drowsiness
• Excessive hunger
• Upset stomach
• Indigestion
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Painful urination

These are mild side effects that usually do not last long. The use of policosanol supplements may also cause certain allergic reactions such as:

• Skin rash
• Itching
• Redness
• Hives
• Swelling of the throat and face
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Wheezing

If you see any of these allergic reactions, you must immediately seek medical attention. There are also some serious side effects associated with the use of policosanol. Let us have a look at some of them:

• Internal bleeding
• Vomiting blood
• Black, tarry stools
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Sometimes, signs of hemorrhagic stroke may be seen, such as, changes in the vision or speech, severe headache, weakness or numbness in arms and legs. These side effects are serious and require immediate medical attention. They also clearly indicate that one should immediately stop the consumption of policosanol. Policosanol supplements may also have interactions with other drugs and medications and may cause serious health hazards. Hence, it is advisable to use policosanol only after consulting your health care provider, to avoid all the side effects. Pregnant or breast feeding women should avoid the use of policosanol as it may lead to complications. Although the exact effects of overdose of policosanol are not known, it is believed that overdose may increase the risk of internal bleeding and hence, it is advisable to stick to the dosage that is recommended by your health care provider.

This was all about policosanol side effects. If you observe any of these policosanol side effects, immediately consult your health care provider! Hope you found this information useful!