The dietary supplement policosanol 10mg is a non-prescription product that is purchased to help decrease high cholesterol levels. The product consists of the fatty alcohols that were extracted from waxes of yams, beeswax, and sugar cane. Generally they work to stop the body's cholesterol production.

Policosanol is not considered an essential nutrient for good health, and as a result there can be no deficiencies.

The contained alcohols in the product affect the metabolism of the cholesterol in the liver. Research results have shown that Policosanol can decrease the LDL or bad cholesterol in the body by as much as 21 to 29%, and in this way is as effective as prescription medication that are used to treat high levels of cholesterol.

An important caution to be aware of is the fact that the supplement decreases the aggregation of blood platelets which will reduce the ability of the blood to clot because of loss of stickiness. If a patient is using blood thinners, including aspirin, the use of Policosanol, will further decrease the clotting ability of the blood. A doctor's advice should be sought if you are on blood thinners and considering taking a Policosanol supplement.

For this dietary supplement, the suggested daily dosage is one vegetarian capsule, and the capsules are to be stored in a dry cool place and not in direct sunlight. The known side effects of the supplement are weight loss, insomnia and headaches.

Caution should be exercised when deciding to take a supplement that states that it contains the extract Policosanol, since in some cases a synthetic may be utilized and not the authentic extract, and because the synthetic variation will provide no health benefits and may even prove to be an irritant to your body.

In some products containing the supplement, the manufacturer purposely coats the capsules to prevent them from being broken down in the stomach, where the nutrients will be killed by the enzymes and the acids of the stomach. This allows the supplement to reach the small intestines, where the nutrients can be readily absorbed in the blood stream.