Vitamins and supplements for cholesterol management
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Key Vitamins and Supplements for Cholesterol Management
Plant Sterols, Stanols, and Other Natural Compounds for Lowering Cholesterol
Plant sterols and stanols are among the most effective natural supplements for lowering cholesterol. They work by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, leading to reductions in total and LDL cholesterol levels. Other natural compounds with proven cholesterol-lowering effects include omega-3 fatty acids, soy protein, rice bran oil, inositol, tocotrienols, bioflavonoids, soluble fibers, garlic, lecithin, and curcumin. These supplements can be used alongside statin medications and offer alternative options for those seeking natural cholesterol management strategies 123.
Efficacy of Dietary Supplements: Phytosterols, Berberine, Soluble Fibers, Garlic, and Probiotics
Meta-analyses of clinical trials show that certain dietary supplements can significantly reduce plasma total and LDL cholesterol by 3–25% in people with high cholesterol. Notable supplements include phytosterols, berberine, viscous soluble dietary fibers, garlic, soy protein, specific probiotic strains, and polyphenol extracts. These supplements work through various mechanisms, such as increasing bile acid excretion, inhibiting cholesterol absorption, and enhancing liver LDL receptor activity 23.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Lipid Profiles
Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to modestly improve lipid profiles, especially in individuals with vitamin D deficiency. Several reviews and meta-analyses report that vitamin D can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and may slightly increase HDL cholesterol. The benefits are more pronounced in those who are vitamin D deficient or at high risk for cardiovascular disease 47910. However, some studies note that the effect on HDL cholesterol is not always significant 710.
Vitamin C and Antioxidant Vitamins
Vitamin C supplementation (at least 500 mg/day) can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, though its effect on HDL cholesterol is minimal or not significant. Large studies on antioxidant vitamins (such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene) have not shown clear benefits for reducing major cardiovascular events, but they are generally well-tolerated 58.
Calcium and Vitamin D Co-supplementation
Combining calcium with vitamin D supplementation has been found to reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides, and to increase HDL cholesterol. However, this combination does not significantly lower LDL cholesterol .
Conclusion
A variety of vitamins and supplements—including plant sterols, stanols, berberine, soluble fibers, garlic, vitamin D, and vitamin C—have demonstrated cholesterol-lowering effects, particularly for total and LDL cholesterol. Vitamin D and calcium co-supplementation may also improve some aspects of the lipid profile. These supplements are most effective in individuals with elevated cholesterol or vitamin deficiencies and should be considered as part of a broader cholesterol management plan, ideally in consultation with a healthcare provider 12345679+1 MORE.
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