What supplements can help lower Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels?

From the Guidelines

To lower LDL cholesterol levels, taking plant sterols and stanols at 2 grams per day is the most effective supplement option, as it can lower LDL cholesterol levels by up to 15%. This is based on the most recent and highest quality evidence available, including a study published in Circulation in 2006 1.

Key Points to Consider:

• Plant sterols and stanols work by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
• They are available in a variety of foods, drinks, and soft gel capsules, and the choice of vehicle should be determined by availability and caloric content.
• To sustain LDL cholesterol reductions, individuals need to consume them daily.
• Other supplements like soluble fiber, red yeast rice, omega-3 fatty acids, berberine, and garlic may also be beneficial in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, but their effects may be modest compared to plant sterols and stanols.
• It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements, especially if you're taking medications, as some supplements may interact with prescription drugs or have side effects.

Additional Considerations:

• Dietary changes, such as reducing saturated fat intake and increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are also crucial in managing LDL cholesterol levels.
• Regular physical activity and weight management can also help improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• The effects of supplements on LDL cholesterol levels may vary among individuals, and regular monitoring of lipid profiles is necessary to assess their effectiveness.

Evidence-Based Recommendations:

• A study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology in 2006 found that plant stanols/sterols lower LDL cholesterol levels up to 15% and are a therapeutic option for individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol levels 1.
• Another study published in Diabetes Care in 2002 found that adding plant stanols/sterols (2 g/day) can lower total cholesterol by 10–32 mg/dl and LDL cholesterol by 8–29 mg/dl 1.
• The American Heart Association recommends substituting grains and unsaturated fatty acids from fish, vegetables, legumes, and nuts to limit the intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL MetaMUCIL PSYLLIUM FIBER SUPPLEMENT THERAPY FOR REGULARITY on-the-go! ... FIBER HELPS SUPPORT: ... Heart Health by Lowering Cholesterol† *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The statement "Heart Health by Lowering Cholesterol†" implies that the supplement may help lower cholesterol levels. The psyllium fiber supplement may help support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, which includes Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 2. Key points:

• Psyllium fiber supplement may help lower cholesterol levels
• The supplement supports heart health However, it is essential to note that the statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.

From the Research

Supplements to Lower LDL Cholesterol

To help lower Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, several supplements have been studied for their efficacy. These include:

• Plant sterols (PS) which have been shown to lower LDL-cholesterol levels by suppressing intestinal absorption of cholesterol 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
• Fish oil esters of plant sterols (FO-PS) which not only lower LDL-cholesterol but also have potent hypotriglyceridemic effects 3, 4, 7
• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been found to reduce serum triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol concentrations when combined with plant sterols 4, 6

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism by which these supplements lower LDL cholesterol involves:

• Inhibition of cholesterol absorption in the intestine by plant sterols 5
• Reduction of triglyceride concentrations in the blood by omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil 4, 6
• Potential improvements in lipoprotein subclasses, such as reductions in VLDL-cholesterol and increases in larger HDL particles 4

Considerations for Use

When considering the use of these supplements, it's important to:

• Assess individual characteristics such as cardiovascular risk, lipid profile, and understanding of how to use these products 5
• Be aware that while these supplements can be beneficial, they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially for individuals with significant hypercholesterolemia or other health conditions 5