There are two types of cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is called the “good” cholesterol because it protects the heart.
In contrast, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad” cholesterol, suggest a higher risk for heart disease and stroke because it forms deposits that can narrow and stiffen arteries.
In a study from Cleveland Clinic, scientists found six widely used dietary supplements promoted for improving heart health did not effectively lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol in comparison to a common low-dose statin medication or placebo.
They compared the effectiveness of a low-dose statin to that of six common dietary supplements in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol—known as bad cholesterol—as well as their effects on other cholesterol levels and markers of inflammation.
The researchers analyzed health data for 199 adults between the ages of 40–75 years who had no personal history of cardiovascular disease.
Participants had LDL cholesterol measures between 70 mg/dL and 189 mg/dL, and a 5% to 20% risk of developing atherosclerotic heart disease within 10 years.
Researchers assigned participants to one of eight groups to track any changes in LDL cholesterol and other markers of heart disease from day one to day 28 of the study.
The groups included those taking: a placebo, or sham pill; 5 mg of the low-dose statin medication rosuvastatin (a standard medication); or one of six dietary supplements (Nature Made fish oil 2,400 mg; Nutriflair brand cinnamon 2,400 mg; Garlique brand garlic with 5,000 mcg of allicin; BioSchwartz brand turmeric curcumin with bioperine 4,500 mg; Nature Made CholestOff Plus with 1,600 mg of plant sterols; or Arazo Nutrition brand of red yeast rice 2,400 mg).
The researchers found the average LDL cholesterol reduction after 28 days was 37.9% among participants who took the statin, while changes in LDL cholesterol levels among those who took any of the dietary supplements were comparable to those in the placebo group.
The people in the statin group had an average 24% decrease in total cholesterol, which was a more substantial decrease than among the placebo group or any dietary supplement.
However, compared to placebo, there was no difference in total cholesterol measures for participants taking any of the dietary supplements.
Compared to placebo, there was no difference in triglycerides for any of the dietary supplements. But the plant sterols dietary supplement notably lowered HDL cholesterol.
Compared to placebo, the garlic dietary supplement notably increased LDL cholesterol.
None of the study interventions notably impacted inflammatory markers in the blood that suggest a higher risk for heart disease during the 28 days of the study.
The team says the findings of the study underscore that the contents of these dietary supplements may vary. Therefore, they do not produce consistent reductions in cholesterol.
This study sends an important public health message that dietary supplements commonly taken for ‘cholesterol health’ or ‘heart health’ are unlikely to offer a meaningful impact on cholesterol levels.
The results also indicate that a low-dose statin offers important beneficial effects on one’s cholesterol profile.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about how espresso coffee affects your cholesterol level, and results showing Vitamin C linked to lower risk of heart failure.
The study was conducted by author Luke J. Laffin et al and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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