Supplements to reduce triglycerides
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Supplements to Reduce Triglycerides
Probiotic Supplements for Triglyceride Reduction
Lactobacillus curvatus and Lactobacillus plantarum
Recent studies have shown that specific probiotic strains can significantly reduce triglyceride (TG) levels. Supplementation with Lactobacillus curvatus HY7601 and Lactobacillus plantarum KY1032 has been found to lower fasting triglycerides by 18.3% in non-diabetic subjects with hypertriglyceridemia over a 12-week period . Another study confirmed these findings, reporting a 20% reduction in serum TGs and a 25% increase in apolipoprotein A-V (apoA-V) levels after 12 weeks of probiotic supplementation . These results suggest that probiotics can be an effective supplement for managing high triglyceride levels.
Fish Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
General Benefits of Fish Oil
Fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been widely studied for its lipid-lowering effects. A meta-analysis of 47 studies found that fish oil supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood triglyceride levels by an average of 0.34 mmol/L . This reduction is dose-dependent and correlates with the initial TG level.
Specific Effects of EPA and DHA
Comparative studies have shown that DHA may have a stronger triglyceride-lowering effect than EPA. DHA supplementation reduced blood triglycerides significantly, while EPA did not show the same level of effectiveness . However, both EPA and DHA have been found to increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, with DHA having a more pronounced effect Wei2011Klingel2019.
Fish Oil in Special Populations
In patients receiving antiretroviral therapy, fish oil supplementation resulted in a 25% reduction in fasting triglyceride levels at week 4, although the effect was less pronounced by week 16 . This suggests that fish oil can be beneficial in managing therapy-associated hypertriglyceridemia.
Vitamin C Supplementation
Vitamin C has also been studied for its lipid-lowering properties. A meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin C supplementation at doses of at least 500 mg/day for a minimum of 4 weeks resulted in a significant decrease in serum triglyceride concentrations by 20.1 mg/dL . This suggests that vitamin C can be an effective supplement for reducing triglycerides in individuals with hypercholesterolemia.
Conclusion
Several supplements have been shown to effectively reduce triglyceride levels. Probiotics like Lactobacillus curvatus and Lactobacillus plantarum, fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin C are all supported by research as effective options. Each supplement has its unique benefits and potential side effects, making it important to consider individual health conditions and consult healthcare providers before starting any new supplementation regimen.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Benefits of fish oil supplementation in hyperlipidemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Fish oil supplementation significantly reduces fasting blood triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic individuals, but does not significantly affect total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol levels.
Randomized study of the safety and efficacy of fish oil (omega-3 fatty acid) supplementation with dietary and exercise counseling for the treatment of antiretroviral therapy-associated hypertriglyceridemia.
Fish oil supplementation combined with dietary and exercise counseling effectively reduces fasting triglyceride levels in HIV patients with antiretroviral therapy-associated hypertriglyceridemia.
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