Top accolade goes to natural solution for lowering cholesterol levels

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Aquilea Colesterol, a supplement aiming to manage cholesterol levels before drug intervention becomes necessary, has won the NutraIngredients Europe Award for ‘Best Botanical Product 2023’.

The nutraceutical product by Spanish healthcare product manufacturer Uriach addresses high cholesterol issues with a formula that acts in three different ways: Reducing cholesterol levels; reducing the absorption of exogenous cholesterol and controlling endogenous cholesterol formation; and protecting against oxidative damage. 

The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterised by high cholesterol levels, has reached alarming levels in Spain, with one study reporting that it affects 50% of the population.

And according to statistics provided by Uriach, 52% of individuals with high cholesterol levels are unaware of their condition, as it often presents no noticeable symptoms. 

However, according to Rosa Maria Raventos Colomer, head of R&D at the firm, once people become aware of their cholesterol levels, but they aren’t high enough to warrant medical intervention, they seek solutions, without side effects, that allow them to avoid taking statins in the future .

She tells NutraIngredients: “In Spain, when cholesterol levels fall below 250 mg/dl, people are still not candidates to receive medical help, even if they are in the ‘high cholesterol’ bracket.

“The consumer becomes frustrated, as do the doctors, that they cannot provide a solution within their healthcare brackets.”

Raventos Colomer says that the demand for a natural and side effect-free solution to manage cholesterol levels has been growing.

While doctors typically recommend diet and exercise for individuals in the 200-250 mg/dl range, many patients find this approach unsatisfactory and desire an effective product that can prevent further cholesterol increases. 

Aquilea Colesterol addresses this need by utilising botanical ingredients with a proven impact on reducing cholesterol and atheroma plaque.

Aquilea Colesterol

The product, which launched 20 months ago, is available in the form of tablets and has quickly gained popularity in the Spanish market. 

Reportedly, its convenience and ease of use, requiring only two tablets per day, have appealed to consumers. 

It contains a blend of natural ingredients, including plant sterols, Tansiia (salvia milthiorriza extract), monacolin K (red yeast rice extract), policosanol, coriander extract, olive extract, and vitamin E, which work in synergy to reduce cholesterol levels and protect against oxidative damage.

To ensure the efficacy of Aquilea Colesterol, extensive scientific research and clinical trials have been conducted.

One study was a randomised, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial in which 40 participants took either a placebo or Aquilea Colesterol in tablet form over two months.

Results showed that Aquilea Colesterol decreased 16.2% of LDL levels and 8% of total Cholesterol after the first months, continuing to reduce figures after two months of treatment.

Since its launch, Aquilea Colesterol has rapidly expanded its presence to 2,500 Spanish pharmacies and achieved an 8% growth in annual sales in 2022 compared to the previous year, totalling 761k euros in sales. Additionally, so far in 2023, the product has seen 15% growth from last year. 

Raventos Colomer says, “Not only has Aquilea Colesterol established itself as a top-selling product, but the Aquilea brand itself has become synonymous with natural products.” 

The award

Raventos Colomer tells NutraIngredeints that the award acts as a comforting recognition that Uriach is headed in the right direction. 

She says: “It's the recognition of the way where we want to go. We want to be leaders in Europe with our innovative products.”

She concludes: “For us, it’s amazing having a product to win this award. It's a recognition of all the work done by the R&D department, combined with good results of the clinical trial for an efficacious product.”