High cholesterol

Too much LDL cholesterol or other blood fats, as a blood test shows.

Strongest evidence: Fish oil, Fiber and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Supplements for high cholesterol

Each supplement gets the grade of its strongest high cholesterol benefit. Open one to see each benefit.

StrongModerateWeakNo trials

Filter supplements

SupplementMain effects in studiesEvidenceBenefits studied

Fish oilTG↓, LDL↑Strong1 of 1

FiberLDL/TC down, ~10-15%Strong1 of 1

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)TG↓, LDL↑, O3I↑, TG↓Strong1 of 1

PhytosterolsLDL/TC -10%, Triglycerides/ratios -13%Strong1 of 1

NiacinLDL↓ HDL↑, TG↓ +39%Strong1 of 1

Red Yeast RiceLDL ↓20-35%, Total cholesterol ↓13-25%Strong1 of 1

ChromiumLDL/TC ↓ 10–20%, HDL ↑ 0.15 mmol/LStrong1 of 1

Soy IsoflavonesLDL/TC down, HDL slightly upStrong1 of 1

Alpha-Linolenic AcidLDL/TC down, HDL/TG improvedStrong1 of 1

PolicosanolLDL/TC ↓ ~20%, HDL ↑ ~10-30%Strong1 of 1

Showing 10 of 63 supplements.

What high cholesterol covers

One benefit that studies measure, and the supplements with the strongest evidence for each.

Cholesterol

The fats carried in the blood: LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides, reported in mg/dL or mmol/L. LDL and triglycerides going down and HDL going up is the pattern trials look for.

63 supplements, 18 strong

Fish oilStrong, 489
FiberStrong, 219
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)Strong, 215
PhytosterolsStrong, 173
NiacinStrong, 111

Protocols for high cholesterol

What studies used, for this goal or for a group of people. Not advice: talk to a doctor first.