Kava fact of the day: Kava’s effect on cholesterol.
Today we’re going to touch on the proposed effect of kava to raise cholesterol levels in heavy kava drinkers. Several studies over the last two decades have found increased levels of LDL and HDL in kava drinkers. The author responsible for the bulk of this research and these studies is Alan Clough. In these papers by Clough, he addresses kava usage in Arnhem Land Aborigines in Northern Territory Australia ([1],[2]). In these studies it was found that a dose dependent relationship existed between increases in HDL and LDL and aqueous (“traditional”) kava consumption. Cholesterol was found significantly higher for current kava users than for non users and recent users. HDL and LDL were significantly higher in current kava users. Triglycerides were not significantly affected between the groups [3].
In a study on rats from 2011 researchers fed them a wide range of dosages of kavalactones for 14 weeks. These dosages ranged from zero for control, to 2g per kilogram of body weight. Interestingly a concentration level of .125g/kg was also used which would correspond more closely to “real world” type kava consumption. I say “closely” here, and that corresponds to around 7 grams per day of kavalactones if a human were taking it. This dose falls into the range of kava exposure we see in Fijian kava circles [4]. Attached table 2 shows these varying dosages along with changes in various cholesterol levels at different time scales [5]. As you can see, the 2g/kg levels produced the most changes, however this level is impossible to reach in a normal setting. The .125mg/kg column would more closely correlate to what we might see on an individual level. This chart shows the dose dependent relationship between increasing amounts of kavalactones, and increasing levels of cholesterol.
How does this apply to me?
If you drink kava on a daily basis you could see some of your HDL, LDL and cholesterol numbers rise in your metabolic tests. Is this a cause for concern? Currently I personally find myself in this group with raised numbers. I’ve tested high two times in a row over the span of a year. My BMI is 19 and I don’t eat crazy fattening food. Every year I make sure to stress those numbers to my doctor, and every test I’ve been told that the numbers were higher, yes, but not enough for concern. I’ve also attached the results (2/6/2021 & 1/19/2020) from my own personal metabolic test for comparison to what the doctor said was not concerning currently. In the doctor’s own words “Though the cholesterol level is elevated, your 10 year risk of heart disease remains low at 2%. Therefore, you do not need a cholesterol lowering statin medication.” When it boils down, it’s important to see your doctor for regular checkups and health screenings. While kava is a fantastic plant, it does have its limitations, and it’s always best to err on the side of caution and be aware if any issues do arise. My results attached represent 15 consecutive years of daily kava drinking effects.
[1] Clough A. Enough! or too much. What is 'excessive' kava use in Arnhem Land? Drug Alcohol Rev. 2003 Mar;22(1):43-51.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0959523021000059820.
[2] Clough AR, Rowley K, O'Dea K. Kava use, dyslipidaemia and biomarkers of dietary quality in Aboriginal people in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;58(7):1090-3.
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601921
[3] Clough AR, Jacups SP, Wang Z, Burns CB, Bailie RS, Cairney SJ, Collie A, Guyula T, McDonald SP, Currie BJ. Health effects of kava use in an eastern Arnhem Land Aboriginal community. Intern Med J. 2003 Aug;33(8):336-40.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1444-0903.2003.00405.x
[4] Bian, Tengfei, Pedro Corral, Yuzhi Wang, Jordy Botello, Rick Kingston, Tyler Daniels, Ramzi G. Salloum, et al. 2020. “Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges.” Nutrients 12 (10).
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103044.
[5] Behl, Mamta, Abraham Nyska, Rajendra S. Chhabra, Gregory S. Travlos, Laurene M. Fomby, Barney R. Sparrow, Milton R. Hejtmancik, and Po C. Chan. 2011. “Liver Toxicity and Carcinogenicity in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice Exposed to Kava Kava.” Food and Chemical Toxicology: An International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 49 (11): 2820–29.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2011.07.067.
RIP Mike Munsell. Your memory lives on forever.
Today we’re going to touch on the proposed effect of kava to raise cholesterol levels in heavy kava drinkers. Several studies over the last two decades have found increased levels of LDL and HDL in kava drinkers. The author responsible for the bulk of this research and these studies is Alan Clough. In these papers by Clough, he addresses kava usage in Arnhem Land Aborigines in Northern Territory Australia ([1],[2]). In these studies it was found that a dose dependent relationship existed between increases in HDL and LDL and aqueous (“traditional”) kava consumption. Cholesterol was found significantly higher for current kava users than for non users and recent users. HDL and LDL were significantly higher in current kava users. Triglycerides were not significantly affected between the groups [3].
In a study on rats from 2011 researchers fed them a wide range of dosages of kavalactones for 14 weeks. These dosages ranged from zero for control, to 2g per kilogram of body weight. Interestingly a concentration level of .125g/kg was also used which would correspond more closely to “real world” type kava consumption. I say “closely” here, and that corresponds to around 7 grams per day of kavalactones if a human were taking it. This dose falls into the range of kava exposure we see in Fijian kava circles [4]. Attached table 2 shows these varying dosages along with changes in various cholesterol levels at different time scales [5]. As you can see, the 2g/kg levels produced the most changes, however this level is impossible to reach in a normal setting. The .125mg/kg column would more closely correlate to what we might see on an individual level. This chart shows the dose dependent relationship between increasing amounts of kavalactones, and increasing levels of cholesterol.
How does this apply to me?
If you drink kava on a daily basis you could see some of your HDL, LDL and cholesterol numbers rise in your metabolic tests. Is this a cause for concern? Currently I personally find myself in this group with raised numbers. I’ve tested high two times in a row over the span of a year. My BMI is 19 and I don’t eat crazy fattening food. Every year I make sure to stress those numbers to my doctor, and every test I’ve been told that the numbers were higher, yes, but not enough for concern. I’ve also attached the results (2/6/2021 & 1/19/2020) from my own personal metabolic test for comparison to what the doctor said was not concerning currently. In the doctor’s own words “Though the cholesterol level is elevated, your 10 year risk of heart disease remains low at 2%. Therefore, you do not need a cholesterol lowering statin medication.” When it boils down, it’s important to see your doctor for regular checkups and health screenings. While kava is a fantastic plant, it does have its limitations, and it’s always best to err on the side of caution and be aware if any issues do arise. My results attached represent 15 consecutive years of daily kava drinking effects.
2021 Results
2020 Results
2020 Results
[1] Clough A. Enough! or too much. What is 'excessive' kava use in Arnhem Land? Drug Alcohol Rev. 2003 Mar;22(1):43-51.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0959523021000059820.
[2] Clough AR, Rowley K, O'Dea K. Kava use, dyslipidaemia and biomarkers of dietary quality in Aboriginal people in Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jul;58(7):1090-3.
https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1601921
[3] Clough AR, Jacups SP, Wang Z, Burns CB, Bailie RS, Cairney SJ, Collie A, Guyula T, McDonald SP, Currie BJ. Health effects of kava use in an eastern Arnhem Land Aboriginal community. Intern Med J. 2003 Aug;33(8):336-40.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1444-0903.2003.00405.x
[4] Bian, Tengfei, Pedro Corral, Yuzhi Wang, Jordy Botello, Rick Kingston, Tyler Daniels, Ramzi G. Salloum, et al. 2020. “Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges.” Nutrients 12 (10).
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12103044.
[5] Behl, Mamta, Abraham Nyska, Rajendra S. Chhabra, Gregory S. Travlos, Laurene M. Fomby, Barney R. Sparrow, Milton R. Hejtmancik, and Po C. Chan. 2011. “Liver Toxicity and Carcinogenicity in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice Exposed to Kava Kava.” Food and Chemical Toxicology: An International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association 49 (11): 2820–29.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2011.07.067.
RIP Mike Munsell. Your memory lives on forever.
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