Dietary supplements designed to lower cholesterol levels have become increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers looking to improve their heart health. Two of the most well-known cholesterol-lowering supplements on the market are CholestOff and CholestOFF Plus.
But what exactly are these products, and how do they compare? This comprehensive guide examines the key similarities and differences between CholestOff and CholestOFF Plus to help you determine which may be the better option for you.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspect | CholestOff | CholestOFF Plus |
| Active Ingredients | Red yeast rice extract, niacin, coenzyme Q10 | Red yeast rice powder, plant sterols, coenzyme Q10 |
| Dosage | 2 capsules twice daily | 1 softgel twice daily |
| Suitable For | Adults trying to maintain healthy cholesterol levels | Adults trying to lower LDL cholesterol |
| Potential Side Effects | Headache, muscle pain, upset stomach | Gas, diarrhea, muscle pain |
| Contains Statins | Yes | No |
| Non-GMO | Yes | Yes |
| Money-back Guarantee | 90 days | 60 days |
Overview of CholestOff
CholestOff is a red yeast rice supplement manufactured by Nature’s Plus. It contains a proprietary blend of red yeast rice extract, niacin, and coenzyme Q10.
Red yeast rice is a substance that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. It contains naturally-occurring compounds called monacolins, which are similar to prescription cholesterol drugs known as statins. The monacolins in red yeast rice help inhibit cholesterol production in the liver.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, has been shown to increase HDL (good) cholesterol while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that helps convert food into cellular energy and may also support heart health.
The suggested dosage for CholestOff is 2 capsules taken twice daily with food and water. It is generally considered safe for long-term use but some potential side effects include headache, muscle pain, and upset stomach.
CholestOff is free of common allergens and non-GMO. Nature’s Plus offers a 90-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the product.
Overview of CholestOFF Plus
CholestOFF Plus is a cholesterol support supplement made by Swanson Health. It contains a blend of red yeast rice powder, plant sterols, and coenzyme Q10.
The red yeast rice powder in CholestOFF Plus contains naturally-occurring monacolins that can help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels. Plant sterols are compounds that reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines. And the coenzyme Q10 provides antioxidant support.
CholestOFF Plus comes in easy-to-swallow softgels, with the recommended dosage being 1 softgel twice per day. It is generally well tolerated, but potential side effects can include gas, diarrhea, and muscle pain in some individuals.
Like CholestOff, CholestOFF Plus is non-GMO, free of major allergens, and suitable for vegetarians. Swanson Health offers a 60-day money-back guarantee for this supplement.
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Key Differences Between CholestOff and CholestOFF Plus
While CholestOff and CholestOFF Plus share some commonalities in their ingredients and mechanisms of action, there are several important differences between these two cholesterol-lowering supplements:
- Active Ingredients
The main active ingredients in both products are forms of red yeast rice, which supply cholesterol-lowering monacolins. However, CholestOff contains a red yeast rice extract while CholestOFF Plus contains red yeast rice powder. Extracts tend to be more concentrated sources.
CholestOff also relies on niacin while CholestOFF Plus contains plant sterols. Both are clinically proven to help lower LDL cholesterol through different pathways.
- Intended Use
CholestOff seems to be geared more towards maintaining already healthy cholesterol levels in adults. CholestOFF Plus claims to actively lower LDL cholesterol, making it better suited for those with high cholesterol.
- Dosage and Form
CholestOff comes in capsules that require 2 to be taken twice per day, whereas CholestOFF Plus softgels are taken just once in the morning and evening. The softgel form may be easier to swallow for some.
- Presence of Statins
Due to the red yeast rice extract, CholestOff does naturally contain small amounts of monacolin K – the equivalent of a low-dose statin. CholestOFF Plus contains no statins since it uses a powder form of red yeast rice. This makes CholestOFF Plus possibly safer for those unable to take statin drugs.
- Money-Back Guarantee
CholestOff offers a 90-day money-back guarantee compared to 60 days for CholestOFF Plus, giving you more time to evaluate results with CholestOff.
- Side Effects
Both supplements may cause minor muscle pain or digestive upset in some people. But CholestOff’s statin content means there is a small risk of other statin-related side effects like liver damage or interactions with other medications.
- Non-GMO and Allergen-Free
CholestOff and CholestOFF Plus are both certified non-GMO and free of major food allergens like soy, dairy and gluten. This makes them suitable options for most people.
- Cost
CholestOff costs slightly more per serving than CholestOFF Plus. However, the products come in different sized bottles – 120 capsules for CholestOff and 60 softgels for CholestOFF Plus.
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Pros and Cons of CholestOff
Pros:
- Contains clinically proven ingredients like red yeast rice extract, niacin and CoQ10
- Specifically formulated to maintain healthy cholesterol levels
- Provides a high 4.8g red yeast rice extract dose per serving
- No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- More expensive per serving than some competitors
- Contains trace amounts of monacolin K, so not suitable for statin-sensitive individuals
- Only available directly from the manufacturer
- Reports of minor side effects like headache and muscle pain
- Requires taking 2 capsules twice daily
Pros and Cons of CholestOFF Plus
Pros:
- Combines red yeast rice powder, plant sterols and CoQ10 to lower LDL cholesterol
- Easy-to-swallow softgel form, taken just twice per day
- No statin content makes it safe for statin-intolerant individuals
- Lower cost per serving compared to some competitors
- Less reports of side effects like muscle pain
Cons:
- Only a 60-day money-back guarantee
- Lower 3.6g red yeast rice dose may be less effective than competitors
- Contains soy, so not suitable for soy-allergic persons
- Some users report mild diarrhea or upset stomach
- Not specifically formulated for cholesterol maintenance
Also Read: Comparison Between FDgard and IBgard
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, CholestOFF Plus can help lower LDL (bad) and total cholesterol levels due to its combination of red yeast rice powder, plant sterols, and coenzyme Q10. Studies show these ingredients work synergistically to inhibit cholesterol production and absorption. Those with elevated cholesterol may benefit the most from CholestOFF Plus.
Some individuals who should avoid CholestOff include: Those with liver disease or impaired liver function, as red yeast rice can cause further damage. People taking statin drugs or other cholesterol medications due to potential interactions. Individuals with sensitivities or allergies to statin drugs or red yeast rice. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, as safety has not been established.
CholestOFF Plus is an over-the-counter cholesterol-lowering supplement made by Swanson Health. It contains a proprietary blend of red yeast rice powder, plant sterols, and coenzyme Q10. The red yeast rice powder provides monacolins to inhibit cholesterol production. Plant sterols decrease cholesterol absorption, while CoQ10 offers added antioxidant protection.
Yes, studies show the red yeast rice extract in CholestOff can significantly lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in as little as 4-8 weeks. Red yeast rice naturally contains cholesterol-lowering compounds called monacolins. When combined with niacin and CoQ10, CholestOff provides a multidimensional approach to supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
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Final Thoughts
In summary, CholestOff and CholestOFF Plus take two slightly different approaches to balancing cholesterol levels, but both contain clinically backed ingredients.
CholestOff may be the better option if you want a red yeast rice supplement focused specifically on maintaining already healthy cholesterol. But CholestOFF Plus is the way to go if you need more powerful LDL cholesterol lowering effects.
As with any supplement, speak to your doctor before use to help determine which option may be the most suitable and effective for your individual health needs and goals.
Monitoring your cholesterol levels periodically can also help gauge results. With smart lifestyle choices and the right supplement, maintaining heart-healthy cholesterol levels is within reach.
