Double-Edged Sword Plants - Pros and Cons

We have heard many times that eating plant based foods is healthy and plant based diet or vegans is perhaps one of the most healthiest diet of all diets. We have heard from dieticians, nutritionists, doctors, radios, tv shows and health magazines and even newspapers, mentioning that eating vegetables is good for us. The question is, how much truth do we know about plant foods?

Me myself, has also been advocating and promoting eating organic whole vegetables and fruits to most of the people I meet, including my clients as well. Is it fully beneficial or is there any bad in eating plant foods? I do know that there will be some vegans and vegetarians who would blast me for writing this post today. Bear in mind, that I have no grudge nor any ill feelings for vegans nor vegetarians. There are certain groups of vegans and vegetarians who eat and live in peace and not bothering anyone at all. These people are nice, peaceful and mind their own business. There are also groups of vegetarians who is against the ethics of animals slaughter and various spiritual and religion concerns. Whatever it is, my intention in this post, is to share out some truths about plant based foods, based on scientific research which came across my readings and findings. 

Now, for majority of you reading this post, you will most likely be confused of the information even though with proven scientific studies. For me, over the last decade, I have my own doubts about plant based foods, such as grains and even high goitrogens levels found cruciferous vegetables and soybean. But that would not be the main concern (goitrogen) for vegetables except soybean. I would not be surprise if any of you find it shocking with information revealed in some of the studies done by various researchers or scientists, but ask yourself this question, "How do plants protect itself against invaders when it is harmed or eaten?" No one seemed to ask this question ever. As for animals, our ancestors @ caveman primary risk is mainly fangs, claws, sharp sabertooth, etc. While hunting for a meal, our great hunter gatherers had no choice but to face this risk of being eaten or attacked by the targeted preys. 

Whichever diet or food groups which you are currently eating or favor, it doesn't really matter. I hereby provide you the pro's and con's of plant foods and you can decide on your diet plan. 

Micronutrients of plants compared to animals foods: 

Vitamin A - 12 to 24 times more bioavailable in meats

Vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B6 - Animal foods are best sources

Vitamin B12 - Not found in plant foods

Vitamin C - Plants has the advantage over animal foods

Vitamin D - Not found in plant foods

Vitamin E - Very low in animal foods

Vitamin K1 - Found in both plants and animal foods.

Vitamin K2 - Not found in plant foods.

Iron - Heme (animal) iron is 8 times more bioavailable then non-heme iron. Plant contain compounds which interferes with iron absorption.

Calcium - Plant contain compounds which interferes with calcium absorption.

Selenium - Some plants contain toxic levels of selenium

Iodine - Some plants contain goitrogens which interferes with thyroid functions.

Zinc - Plant foods are low in zinc.

ALA/AA - Found in both plants and animals

EPA/DHA - Not found in plant foods. Approximately 5% of less of ALA can be converted into EPA. Meanwhile, conversion of ALA into DPA is even lower.

Fiber truths:

- Reduces appetite (Add bulk during foods absorption and digestion, thus making one feels 'fuller')

- Reduces LDL (So called 'bad cholesterol') 

- Soluble fiber reduces glycemic index by 10-20% (But, there are other ways to reduce glycemic index apart from fiber)

- Fibers cannot digest/metabolize in GI tract and unable to use as nutrient. Bacterias assist to ferment and break down fibers but producing gasses @ fart.

Antioxidants:
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Carotenoids - E.g Beta Carotene, Lycopene
Polyphenols - E.g Quercetin, Resveratrol, Anthocyanins, Isoflavones


Check this out.

"Unlike the traditional vitamins, phytochemicals as dietary components are not essential for short term well-being, and whereas the body has specific mechanisms for the accumulation and retention of vitamins, in contrast, phytochemicals are treated as non-nutrient xenobiotics (foreign substances that shouldn't be there) and metabolised so as to eliminate them efficiently. "

Crozier A et al. Nat.Prod. Rep., 2009, 26,1001-1043




Glucosinolate + Myrosinase = ISOTHIOCYNATES (Sulforaphane)

Note: When a cruciferous vegetable is cut or chewed, both glucosinolate and myrosinase are combined together and form ISOTHIOCYNATES. Also, when you cook or freeze the cruciferous vegetable, glucosinolate will be reduce to 50% and almost killed off myrosinase. What happen then? Bacterias in the gut will act on glucosinolate and convert them into sulforaphane, which your body absorb around 75%. Glutathione will then get rid of sulforaphane within 3 hours as part of the elimination process. Now, question is, what's the potential side effects? Please see below.

- Poison mitochondria
- Inhibits microsomal enzymes
- Generates reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Interferes with thyroid iodine absorption (goitrogens)
- Disrupts epithelial barriers
- Depletes glutathione levels
- Kills healthy cells

References:
Milner SE.J. Agric. Food Chem. 2011;59:3454-3484
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf200439q

Zhang Y and Callaway EC 2002. Biochem J;364(Pt 1):301-7
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11988104


Solanaceae (Night Shades)
-Eggplant
-Tomatoes
-Potatoes (4th most important food crops in the world, grown in 149 countries)
-capsicum
-chilli peppers

Glycoalkaloids (Benefits)
- Cancer cells apoptosis (animal studies only)
- Antiviral and antibiotics properties
- Possible anti-inflammatory properties

Note:  No human studies involved

What is the functions and side effects of Glycoalkaloids? (How does potatoes protects itself from invaders?)
- Pesticides
- Burst membrances open by binding tightly to cholesterol
- Potatoes glycoalkaloids (alpha-solanine & alpha-chaconine) are the most potent and found in skins.
- Tomatoes glycoalkaloids are very low in fresh tomatoes
- Eggplants glycoalkaloids is even milder.
- Cell membranes disruption and cell death
- Liver toxicity
- Inteference with membranes calcium transport
- Single does of 1.25mg/kg caused nausea and vomiting
- Light, heat, sprouting can increase the levels of glycoalkaloid contents.Peeling potatoes skins virtually removes all of them.

References:
Friedman M. 2002. J.Agric Food Chem 2002;50:5751-5780
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12358437

Friedman M. 2006. J.Agric Food Chem 54;23:8655-8681
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17090106/

Mensinga TT 2005. Potatoes glycoalkaloids and adverse effects in humans: regul tox Pharm 41:66-72

Bear in mind that these references are only some of what I can find in the archives of Department of Agriculture and Food Chemistry journals. Do note that some of the symptoms of glycoalkaloid toxicity includes gastrointestinal disturbances, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, then followed by neurological disorders at higher doses, low blood pressure, fever, rapid weak pulse. 

Meanwhile, acrylamide and acrolein are formed when heating process is involved for potatoes. Both these substances are toxins and carcinogenic, usually formed with cooking temperature of 120 degrees celcius. Think of french fries, potato chips, coffee, pastries, biscuits, breads, etc. Typical french fries contain about 16-30% of acrylamide, while coffee has 13-39%. Meanwhile, don't forget about lectins found in potatoes, which is largely found in grains too.

I know after reading the studies links and this post, you must be asking? No fast foods, no junk foods. And no whole vegetables and plants too? What to eat then? Well, from my honest point of view, most plants or vegetables have tons benefits and nutrients. But, some of them also contains anti-nutrients and damaging effects to our health and body. Hence, the term, 'double-edged sword'. Most people doesn't even realized that approximately 80% of plant foods have indigestible proteins. Meaning, human GI tract unable to digest and use the protein in most plant foods as amino acids due to binding of the cellulose which our body inability to break it down for proper assimilation. I strongly believe there is a reason why, we were evolved as primarily meat eaters since our great ancestors have evolved since more then 2 million years ago.

A lot of vegans and vegetarians who is generally healthy, could turn out to be that most of them consume whole foods and avoiding eating processed foods. But, that doesn't mean that plant foods is what they really are (totally healthy and beneficial), but simply they aren't (not processed and crap foods). My final verdict, eat your organically grown whole vegetables and fruits with your favorite eggs and meats (of course free range and grass fed). The key here, is to eliminate as much processed/fast foods as possible, meaning, eat real foods. Almost everyone is eating high sugar, high crap diet day in day out for years and decades. 

Illness does not appear suddenly. It develops from small daily sins against nature. When enough accumulate, illness appears.  ~ Hippocrates

Are vegetables important to our diet? Which veggies should I eat?

I remember when I was a small kid, I used to hate eating vegetables. it doesn't matter if its carrots, brocolli, tomatoes or even pumpkin. Vegetables aren't my preferred choice of foods when I was a young boy. I also had a high school friend, who entirely isolated himself from eating any form of vegetable. Both of us were quite close to each other, being buddies and hangout most of the time. Even till now, most of my friends and people I know, would not consume vegetables as their priority foods when comes to any meal at all. Question is, why is that so?

Well, it's simple. 

1) It is whole foods. (Most people are so addicted to eating processed sugar laden foods)

2) It doesn't taste as sweet and delicious. (Vegetables are usually lower glycemic and in sugar content)

3) Inadequate cooking skills? (That's just lame excuse, most vegetables should be consume raw)

One of the most common questions, "Which type of vegetables should I eat more?", "Should I eat organic or commercial vegetables?". Those are the most common 'veggies' questions I've been asked many times. Well, since today's post is about vegetables, let's talk a little more about this whole foods. Before I proceed further, let me answer both commonly asked questions.

1) "Which type of vegetables should I eat more?"

Organic, low glycemic, preferably raw, incorporate more of cruciferous vegetable group.

2) "Should I eat organic or commercial vegetables?"

Preferably organic. Why? Two main reasons. Firstly, the nutrition levels of vegetables or any organic whole foods is far better and higher compared to commercially grown crops/foods. When pesticides contaminate commercial crops and its soil, up to 87% of microorganisms are killed, thus, the health of the soil is poor making the health of the crop/plant becomes weak and nutrients depleted. Remember, the nutrients and health of any crops or plants, depends on the health of the soil. On top of that, pesticides residues on the commercial vegetables we consume, are absorbed into our body, mostly bind into our fat cells and acts as endocrine disruptors. It interferes with our hormonal pathways and reproductive systems as well. Besides, it has been linked in many studies to play a role in increased risk of cancer and other diseases. 

I know most people would not consider consuming vegetables as part of their eating regimen, especially in raw form. Most people had to cook the vegetables with added flavoring and sauces. No taste, not going to eat it. When we are dining out, even though we are consuming vegetables, we think that it is healthy as long as we avoid eating fast foods. Well, that is far from the truth. If you are not consuming organically grown vegetables, you are basically getting roughly less then 15% of the total nutrients content, in addition of ingesting pesticides, herbicides and other unknown neuro toxins sprayed into the soil and plants. That is, if, the big if, your digestion is working optimally, able to break down the 15% nutrient-depleted vegetable and use it for immunity, growth, repair and other functions. 

Let's take a brocolli for example. Most people know that eating brocolli is good for health. Yes, it is, again, if it's organically grown, preferably from local farmers. When you buy a whole foods from overseas, especially if its imported from a very far country, the transportation may takes up to 2-3 weeks. The particular vegetable had to be plucked before it is even ripe, and the nutrient content is even lower, for the sake of able to be shipped over to other countries to sell. Remember, imported whole foods doesn't mean it is better or more nutritious. Same apply with fruits, meats, seafoods, eggs, and other whole foods as well. Unless, the whole food itself is packed, shipped and arrive within just few days, which I seen before for certain food products sold in my own country, but it is sold quite expensive. 

Many people said eating organic is expensive. For me, eating organic whole foods diet is even much cheaper then fast foods diet or most western american diets. Don't believe? Let's take an example below.

Meal 1: Fast food 

Large BigMac value meal = RM13.75 

Meal 2: Organic whole foods

2 hard boiled organic free range eggs - RM1.40

steamed partial organic pumpkin - RM4

handful of raw almond nuts - RM2 ?

small cabbage (raw) = Approximately RM3.00

Total : RM10.40

So, which is cheaper? Fast food meal or organic whole foods? I can list down at least 20-30 different meals to compare, with meals dining outside and eating organic whole foods, maybe in future post. So, when one says that eating organic is expensive, that's just lame excuse and there is simply no determination to eat healthier and make changes in his or her life. 

Now, let's focus back on vegetables. There are wide varieties of vegetable groups, some with slightly higher glycemic index, some with higher in starches and some with different colors. Which types of vegetables do I recommend? Cruciferous vegetables. Yes, one of my favorite vegetable groups due to some of the most awesome benefits of these whole foods. 

Types of cruciferous vegetables: 

- Cabbage

- Bok Choy

- Brocolli

- Cauliflower

- Kale

- Radish

- Brussels Sprouts

- water cress

- Collard Greens

- Turnips

Before I list down some of the awesome reasons why these vegetables are so beneficial to our body and health, I would like to mention that some of the plants/vegetables also have 'double-edged-sword' pros/cons. Most people do not realize that some plants based foods are not as totally healthy and beneficial to humans consumption as initially thought. I will find some find to discuss and blog about this in next post, hopefully.


Why consume cruciferous vegetables? 

Isothiocyanates (ICTs) - sulforaphane

These vegetables family group has high sulphur-containing compounds called glucosinolates. Isothiocyanates are biologically active hydrolysis (breakdown) products of glucosinolates. One very powerful cancer crushing compound called sulforaphane, has been shown in number of studies, to reduce the number of luekemia cells. It induces cancer cells apoptosis, meaning, cancer cells commit suicide. It is also effective in preventing and treating solid tumor (inhibit angiogenesis, new blood vessels formation) based on previous studies. It also reduces colonization of H.Pylori in the stomach. But, please take note that cooking cruciferous vegetables can destroy sulforaphane up to 90%. Ideally, eat them raw or steam it for no more then 10 mins. 

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C)
I3C works as a strong antioxidant, thereby protecting the DNA and other cell structures. It also prohibit two proteins that help breast cancer and ovarian cancer spread through your body. I3C has chemopreventive activity and stimulates the production of detoxifying enzymes. The phytochemical protects against carcinogenic effect of pesticides and other toxins.


Well, apart from great benefits of ICTs, sulforaphane and I3C, these vegetables also have good amount of fibres, lower in glycemic and loaded with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins too. Eating whole foods low in glycemic index, will prevent blood sugar dis-regulation, unlike most fruits which has a higher glycemic and fructose content. But, do take note that cruciferous vegetables can lose its cancer fighting compounds up to 30-60% during cooking process. Meanwhile, the liveforce and energy amount in these whole foods and any other vegetables will be drastically reduced once cooking is involved. Non organic vegetables also has a lower amount of energy compared to organically grown veggies.

So, for whoever hate eating vegetables, give yourself a chance to slowly introduce a little bit of maybe brocolli and cauliflower into your diet for the first couple days and see if you can adapt to it. Although I would advise everyone to eat plenty of organic vegetables and fruits in raw form, opting for lower glycemic vegetables is the main preference in daily diet. 

Most dangerous prescription drugs - Statins

Have you check your latest total cholesterol levels? If it's above 5.0 mmol/l or 193mg/dl, you doctor will tell you to go on statin drugs, @ cholesterol lowering drugs. Rings a bell? In USA, before year 2004, total cholesterol levels of 130mg/dl is still considered healthy. Now, according to USA government (National Cholesterol Education Program panel) updated guidelines, it is recommended that your total cholesterol levels is below 100mg/dl or 2.586 mmol/l!! This sounds like everyone is going to be on statin drugs soon! How many people do you know is on cholesterol lowering drugs? Is your dad or mum on this so called 'heart disease prevention' pill? I think the million dollar question is, how much truth do you know about cholesterol, statins and heart disease. 

All my life, me myself, believed that cholesterol is bad and causes heart disease. No, I'm not joking, and most of the foods I eat, is low is fat and cholesterol. I didn't know, I was partially ignorant, and followed the health medias and doctors advise. Well, I'm not the only one, I'm not alone, and majority of population, I would say more then 99.99999% of people, is still having the same mindset of what I've been through years ago, or what it's been called "The Great Cholesterol Cover Up". 

If you have read my earlier posts about "High Cholesterol Causes Heart Diseases?", you will get to know much more about cholesterol, saturated fats, and heart disease. Does any of you know why we are all stucked and hardwired to this mindset that cholesterol causes heart disease? It's simple, there could be 29 billions reasons why and this new documentary will reveal the truth about the great cholesterol cover up! Who should watch this documentary? Everyone! And I mean every adult above 18 years old, especially the ones who are taking cholesterol lowering drugs. For medical professionals or doctors, you may want to lower your ego first, and watch it with an open mind, use some common sense and do your own research, and I mean proper in depth research. I know most doctors paycheck if largely based on selling prescription drugs to patients, and cholesterol lowering drugs is one of the most profitable drugs of all drugs sold in the pharmacies, clinics and hospitals. 

Although, there are also many health experts, nutritionists, doctors and scientists agreed that the whole 'cholesterol causes heart disease' is a nonsense health scam,  but more and more people are now taking this highly dangerous drugs which have severe to deadly side effects. In fact, the lipid hypothesis is the biggest health scam ever in the history of mankind. 

I will not elaborate further about cholesterol and heart disease, but feel free to read my previous posts about cholesterol if you are curious to know more truth about the lipid hypothesis. Else, there are tons of books written by multiple authors and doctors available in amazon.com, which revealed the truth about this whole health scam. I hereby present to you below, the link to watch the first 13 mins of the documentary "29 billion reasons to lie about cholesterol" and its official website. Meanwhile, you can visit www.drugs.com, if you want to know the extent of the side effects of any precription drugs. Remember, drugs don't heal, they destroy. This nonsense health scam needs to end, and more people MUST realize and know the truth of this dangerous drug, cholesterol and the cause of heart disease.   

STATIN NATION (First 13 mins)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry1Z8buyd8I

http://www.statinnation.net/ (29 billion reasons to lie about cholesterol)

Lipitor Side Effects (http://www.drugs.com/sfx/lipitor-side-effects.html)

** Note: Lipitor is the most profitable statin drug prescribed worldwide. 

Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal side effects have been the most commonly reported. These have been reported in less than 4% of patients and have included constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain. Diarrhea has been reported in up to 5.3% of patients and may be dose-related. Other gastrointestinal side effects observed with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have included pancreatitis, anorexia, and vomiting. Most effects tended to be mild and transient.

Hepatic

In clinical trials, liver enzyme elevations returned to pretreatment levels upon discontinuation or dose reduction of atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) Nawrocki and colleagues reported elevated bilirubin levels in 2/30 patients and elevated AST and ALT levels in 1/30 patients.

Hepatic side effects including altered liver function have been observed with all HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In premarketing clinical trials, up to 0.7% of patients experienced persistent, elevated AST and/or ALT values greater than three times the upper normal limits on two or more occasions. Elevations of liver enzymes may be dose-related. Other hepatic side effects of the HMG-CoA class have included hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, fatty changes in the liver, cirrhosis, fulminant hepatic necrosis, and liver failure.

Musculoskeletal

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been associated with rare cases of severe myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, accompanied by increases in creatine kinase, myoglobinuria, proteinuria, and renal failure. Concomitant use with gemfibrozil (fibric acid derivatives), niacin, cyclosporine, erythromycin (macrolides) or azole antifungals may increase the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal side effects. Other variables associated with an increased risk of statin-induced myopathy include, advanced age, small body stature, female gender, renal and/or hepatic dysfunction, perioperative periods, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, and alcoholism. 

A case of atorvastatin-induced early-onset (after 4 doses) rhabdomyolysis has been reported in a patient with nephrotic syndrome. The authors suggest that the patient's underlying renal dysfunction may have predisposed the patient to rhabdomyolysis.

Musculoskeletal side effects have included uncomplicated myalgia and arthralgia. Milder forms of myotoxicity (i.e., myalgia) are commonly reported and occur in approximately 5% to 7% of patients taking a statin drug. Rhabdomyolysis and myopathy related to HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor use have been reported rarely. One case of atorvastatin-induced dermatomyositis has been reported. Tendon rupture has been reported in postmarketing surveillance.

Hematologic

Hematologic side effects including hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia have occurred with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. These effects may be manifestations of a hypersensitivity reaction.

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects of headache and weakness have occurred with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. In addition, at least one case of polyneuropathy attributed to atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) use has also been reported. Other nervous system side effects reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have included dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, cranial nerve dysfunction, tremor, vertigo, memory loss, decline in cognitive function, paresthesias, peripheral neuropathy, and peripheral nerve palsy.

Renal

Renal side effects including acute renal failure secondary to rhabdomyolysis have been reported with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects associated with the use of other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have included hypospermia, gynecomastia, and thyroid dysfunction. In addition, acid maltase deficiency (the genetic disorder also referred to as Pompe's Disease) has been revealed following HMG-CoA therapy in at least one presymptomatic patient.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions have been observed rarely with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Symptoms have included anaphylaxis, angioedema, allergic reaction, urticaria, fever, chills, flushing, malaise and dyspnea. Bullous rashes including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis have occurred.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have included decreases in libido, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. In addition, nightmares have been associated with atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) use. Psychiatric side effects reported postmarketing have included cognitive impairment (e.g., memory loss, forgetfulness, amnesia, memory impairment, confusion) associated with statin use. These cognitive issues have been reported for all statins. The reports are generally nonserious, and reversible upon statin discontinuation, with variable times to symptom onset (1 day to years) and symptom resolution (median of 3 weeks).

Genitourinary

A 77-year-old female with a history of hypercholesterolemia experienced hemorrhagic cystitis coincident with atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) therapy. She presented with gross hematuria of approximately 4 weeks duration. She had been given atorvastatin 5 mg daily approximately 1 week before the onset of her hematuria. Urinalysis showed grossly bloody urine with too-numerous-to-count red cells on microscopic examination. Biopsy of the affected areas of the bladder showed congestion of superficial mucosal vessels and mild infiltration of the epithelium and lamina propria with polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes, consistent with benign, acute, and chronic inflammatory process. The patient discontinued atorvastatin therapy but continued with her other medication regimen. Her hematuria resolved within 1 week of discontinuing therapy with atorvastatin. At the insistence of her prescriber, she once again was given atorvastatin, with a rapid recurrence of her hematuria. She once again discontinued atorvastatin, and her hematuria rapidly resolved.

Genitourinary adverse effects associated with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors have included erectile dysfunction, impotence, and testicular pain. At least one case of hemorrhagic cystitis has been reported.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic reactions have occurred rarely. In premarketing trials, up to 3.8% of patients complained of a rash. Phototoxicity has been associated with atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) A case of dermatomyositis has also been reported.

Cardiovascular

Analysis of study data has shown an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke in patients treated with atorvastatin (the active ingredient contained in Lipitor) who had a stroke or TIA within 6 months preceding treatment compared to placebo.

Cardiovascular side effects occurring since market introduction have included angioneurotic edema, peripheral edema, and chest pain. Atorvastatin may also increase the incidence of hemorrhagic stroke in patients with a history of recent stroke or TIA.

Respiratory

Respiratory symptoms reported since market introduction have included bronchitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and sinusitis.

Ocular

Ocular side effects including a case of reversible ophthalmoplegia as well as a case of ocular myasthenia have been reported.

A 60-year-old woman with hypercholesterolemia treated with atorvastatin developed painless horizontal diplopia, vertigo, blurry vision, elevated anti-acetylcholine receptor (anti-AchR) antibodies levels, ataxia, and paresthesia of the upper extremities. No other medications were reported. Neurological exam revealed generalized hyperreflexia and finger-nose and gait ataxia. Ptosis was present in both upper eyelids. Discontinuation of atorvastatin resulted in symptom resolution and anti-AchR levels within normal limits.

A 67-year-old women treated for hypercholesterolemia with atorvastatin developed myogenic ptosis and variable incomitant horizontal and vertical strabismus consistent with ocular myasthenia. Following discontinuation of atorvastatin, the patient experienced significant clinical improvement with only mild residual aponeurotic ptosis after 2 months.

Immunologic

Immunologic side effects including a possible case of atorvastatin-induced reversible positive antinuclear antibodies have been reported.

Other

Other side effects reported during clinical trials (in more than 2% of patients) have included infection, accidental injury, flu syndrome, abdominal pain, and back pain. Other side effects reported postmarketing have included anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, bullous rashes (including erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis), rhabdomyolysis, fatigue, tendon rupture, fatal and nonfatal hepatic failure, dizziness, depression, peripheral neuropathy, and pancreatitis.

Books references:

The Great Cholesterol Myth: Why Lowering Your Cholesterol Won't Prevent Heart Disease-and the Statin-Free Plan That Will [Paperback]

Jonny Bowden (Author), Stephen Sinatra (Author)

How Statin Drugs Really Lower Cholesterol: And Kill You One Cell at a Time [Paperback]

James B. and Hannah Yoseph (Author)

Statin Drugs Side Effects and the Misguided War on Cholesterol [Paperback]

Duane Graveline (Author)

Lipitor Thief of Memory [Paperback]

Duane Graveline (Author), Kilmer S. McCully (Introduction), Jay S. Cohen (Foreword)

Ignore the Awkward.: How the Cholesterol Myths Are Kept Alive [Paperback]

Uffe Ravnskov (Author)

The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy that Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart 

Disease 

Uffe Ravnskov (Author)