3/04/2012

When Not to Take Selenium Cholesterol Lowering with Sterols/Stanols

A recent study using a popular supplement, CholestOff, showed a modest reduction in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and total cholesterol. The reductions were not as dramatic as in some other studies of sterols and stanols; possibly because participants in the study were already on a cholesterol-lowering diet. See the update to the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review for details of the study, more information about the diet, and our tests of CholestOff and other cholesterol-lowering supplements. More >>

1/25/2022

Probiotic to Lower Cholesterol?

Can taking a probiotic lower elevated cholesterol levels? See what a new study found in the Cholesterol-lowering section of our Probiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for probiotics.

For other approaches to lowering cholesterol, see our answer to the question: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy?

4/29/2022

CoQ10 & Cholesterol

Did supplementing with CoQ10 improve HDL cholesterol levels or function among people with high cholesterol? Find out what a recent study showed, and also learn how CoQ10 affects LDL cholesterol, in the Cardiovascular Health section of our CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review.

9/20/2022

Oats for Lowering Cholesterol & Improving Gut Health

Regularly consuming oatmeal may lower cholesterol and promote beneficial changes in gut bacteria in people with mildly elevated cholesterol. Get the details based on a recent study in our Oat Cereals Review.

Also see our article about supplements and foods for lowering cholesterol.

7/09/2014

Chlorella Lowers Cholesterol and Triglycerides

A daily dose of chlorella (an ingredient included in some "greens" and whole foods supplements) significantly reduced total cholesterol, "bad" VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in men and women with mildly elevated cholesterol. Get the details, including the dosage used, plus our tests and comparisons of supplements containing chlorella and other "greens" in the updated Greens and Whole Foods Powders and Pills >> 

6/06/2023

Probiotic for Lowering Cholesterol?

Does supplementing with a probiotic help lower cholesterol or triglycerides in people with high cholesterol? Find out what a recent study showed in the Lowering cholesterol & apoB section of our Probiotics Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.

10/31/2023

How to Reduce Cholesterol

The cholesterol-lowering benefits of a plant sterol supplement were enhanced when a healthful diet was followed in a recent study. Get the details in our Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for sterols/stanols.

Also see our article about supplements and foods that can help lower cholesterol.

12/01/2023

Probiotic for Lowering Cholesterol?

Does supplementing with probiotics help lower cholesterol? See the latest research in the Lowering cholesterol section of our Probiotics Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy?

8/26/2024

Lower Cholesterol with Nattokinase?

Does taking nattokinase along with red yeast rice lower cholesterol better than red yeast rice alone? Find out what a recent study showed in the Lowering cholesterol section of our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review, which includes our Top Pick for red yeast rice.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

4/23/2024

Probiotics & Cholesterol

How might probiotics work to lower cholesterol? Find out what a recent study suggests in the Lowering cholesterol & apoB section of our Probiotics Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among probiotic supplements.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

10/02/2024

Lowering Cholesterol: Beans vs. Peas

Did routine consumption of beans or peas lower cholesterol most in people with elevated cholesterol? See what a recent study found in our article about supplements and foods for lowering cholesterol.

9/30/2012

Do Spreads Lower Heart Risk?

Buttery spreads like Smart Balance and Benecol claim to lower the risk of heart disease due to their phytosterols/stanols. These plant compounds can certainly help (by lowering cholesterol levels), but recent lawsuits challenge whether Smart Balance and Benecol provide enough sterols/stanols to claim a benefit. It turns out that one may, and one may not. Find out more and get our quality ratings of cholesterol-lowering supplements in the updated Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review >>

2/19/2012

Does Garlic Lower Cholesterol?

Garlic can lower total cholesterol but not by lowering so called "bad" or LDL cholesterol, according to a recent analysis. Find out more in the update to the Garlic Supplements Review, which includes our tests of garlic supplements and information on dosing. More >>

12/20/2011

Algal Oil vs. Fish Oil

Fish get their omega-3's from algae and many people are now doing the same by taking algal oil, but how does it compare to fish oil? Experts recently reviewed studies of algal oil and concluded that it boosts ("good") cholesterol but it also increases LDL cholesterol -- which is often thought of as "bad" cholesterol. But there's more to the story. Get the details in the recently updated Fish/Marine Oil Supplements Review, which includes our test results for algal, krill, and fish oil supplements.

8/05/2012

A More Effective Way to Take Sterols/Stanols to Lower Cholesterol?

A new study shows that taking sterols and stanols from a softgel appears to lower cholesterol more effectively than from a tablet. Get the details, including the name of a new product like the one taken in the study, in the updated Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review.  More >>

4/11/2020

Coconut Oil and Cholesterol

Coconut oil is known to raise levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol but also increase levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol. Is one more important than the other? Find out the latest information in the Cautions and Concerns section of the Coconut Oil and MCT Oil Review. Also see our Top Picks for coconut and MCT oils.

4/09/2019

Lunasin to Lower Cholesterol?

Can taking lunasin, a protein isolated from soy, help to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels? See what a new study found in our updated answer to the question: What is lunasin and does it really reduce cholesterol?

1/02/2018

Does Curcumin Lower Cholesterol?

A recent study evaluated whether curcumin can help lower cholesterol levels, as well as further reduce levels in people using a phytosterol spread. Get the results and details about the type and dose of curcumin used, in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric & Curcumin Supplements Review >> (Also see our Top Picks among products.)  

For more about cholesterol-lowering, also see our Phytosterol Supplements Review >>

7/29/2015

Stanols Lower Cholesterol

Many studies have shown that plant sterols and stanols can help lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. A new placebo-controlled study, which involved advice on diet and exercise, found benefit with a slightly lower dose of stanols than typically recommended. Get the details in the "What to Consider When Buying" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review »

2/11/2022

Black Garlic for Lowering Cholesterol?

Did aged black garlic extract help lower high cholesterol in a recent study? Find out in our Black Garlic section of our Garlic Supplements Review.

Also see our answer to the question: Which supplements or foods help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy?

4/15/2022

Mushrooms for Lowering Cholesterol?

The beta-glucan in oats can help lower elevated levels of cholesterol, but can the beta-glucan in mushrooms do the same? Find out in our article about Supplements and Foods for Lowering Cholesterol.

8/30/2022

Fish Oil for High Cholesterol, Depression

Separate studies looked at whether or not taking fish oil can lower high cholesterol levels or reduce depression. See the details in our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

If you take a statin, read about the pros and cons of taking fish oil with statins.

Also see our article that discusses other supplements for high cholesterol.

10/02/2021

Artichoke for Lowering Cholesterol?

Can artichoke extract or juice lower elevated cholesterol? Find out what research suggests in our answer to the question: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

12/16/2020

Omega-7s to Lower Cholesterol?

Can taking sea buckthorn, a source of omega-7 fatty acids, lower cholesterol in people with high cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study found in the Omega-7 Fatty Acids section of our Fish Oil Review. Also, see our Top Picks among fish oil supplements.

5/01/2021

Does Kefir Lower Cholesterol?

Can drinking kefir that contains probiotics, decrease LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome? See what a new study found the Cholesterol-Lowering section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotic supplements and drinks.

7/24/2021

Diatomaceous Earth for Cholesterol?

Can supplementing with diatomaceous earth lower cholesterol levels and is it safe? Find out in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

7/31/2021

Bergamot for lowering cholesterol?

Can supplementing with citrus bergamot reduce high cholesterol levels? Find out what the research is showing in our updated answer to the question: Which supplements can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

9/07/2021

Walnuts and Cholesterol

See if eating a small amount of walnuts every day helped lower cholesterol in older people in a recent study.

Also see our complete answer to the question: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

5/29/2024

Cholesterol Lowering with Probiotic?

Did taking a probiotic supplement decrease LDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels in older men and women in a recent study? Find out in the Lowering cholesterol, triglycerides, and apoB section of our Probiotic Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among probiotics.

8/08/2024

Citrus Bergamot for Cholesterol?

Does taking citrus bergamot extract lower cholesterol or help with fatty liver disease? Find out in our answers about supplements for cholesterol-lowering and fatty liver disease. Also, learn about possible side effects and interactions of this ingredient.

8/29/2024

Lowering Cholesterol with Betaine?

Does taking betaine, also called trimethylglycine, lower cholesterol levels? See the surprising answer in our article about supplements for lowering cholesterol.

9/19/2024

Lowering Cholesterol With Alfalfa?

Did taking alfalfa powder reduce elevated cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study showed in the What They Do section of our Greens Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among "greens" supplements.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

9/22/2023

Take Coconut Oil With Statins for Cholesterol?

Does taking coconut oil enhance, or diminish, the cholesterol-lowering effect of atorvastatin (Lipitor)? Find out what a recent study showed in our Coconut and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy?

4/19/2024

How Olive Oil Lowers Cholesterol

A recent study suggested how substituting olive oil in place of saturated fats can reduce cholesterol. Get the details in the Cardiovascular Disease section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review, which includes our Top Picks for olive oil.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

1/09/2024

Oats vs Supplement for Cholesterol?

Can eating oats every day reduce total and LDL cholesterol as much as taking a phytosterol/stanol supplement, like Cholestoff? Find out in our Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals, including steel-cut, rolled, and instant oats, and oat bran.

Also learn about red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol and our Top Pick among such supplements.

11/07/2023

Cholesterol Supplement May Raise Liver Enzymes

Two CL members have reported elevated liver enzymes after taking a popular cholesterol-lowering supplement, although this appears to be rare. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review.

11/18/2022

Psyllium For Lowering Cholesterol?

A CL Member asked if psyllium could help lower cholesterol and how it differs from oats. Find out in our updated CL Answer about supplements for lowering cholesterol.

4/18/2023

Lowering Cholesterol with Beta-glucan?

Consuming oats, which contain beta-glucan, can help lower cholesterol. But do beta-glucan supplements help? See what a study showed in the Benefits section of our Oat Cereals Review, which includes our Top Picks among oat products.

Also see our article about supplements for heart health to learn which other supplements may help lower cholesterol.

11/15/2022

Statin vs. Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol

A low-dose statin drug was much more effective than 5 different supplements at lowering cholesterol in a recent study. However, 3 of the supplements had previously failed ConsumerLab reviews, another was the wrong form, and the fifth may not have been used properly, likely skewing the findings. Top Picks from our Reviews, used properly, would have likely yielded better results. For details, see our article about supplements to lower cholesterol.

3/11/2012

Vitamin D Effect on Body Fat and Cholesterol

As we have reported earlier, adequate intake of vitamin D may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study may help explain why. A 12-week course of vitamin D given to overweight women lead to a boost in HDL ("good" cholesterol) as well as a decrease in body fat. However, total body weight did not change and there was an increase in LDL ("bad") cholesterol, although it appeared to be less plaque-forming in nature. For details, including the dose given, see the updated information in the Vitamin D Supplement Review. More >>

9/28/2022

Beta-glucan Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol?

Beta-glucan from cereals such as oats and barley may help lower cholesterol, but be aware that other sources of beta-glucan (including some supplements) may not. Find out in our CL Answer about supplements for heart health.

9/07/2022

Fish Oil + Statins for "Bad" Cholesterol

Does adding high-dose fish oil to statin therapy help reduce "bad" cholesterol? Find out what a recent study showed in the Taking with statins section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review.

3/08/2022

Serrapeptase For Lowering Cholesterol?

Does supplementing with serrapeptase help lower cholesterol? Find out in our answer to the question: What are the health benefits of serrapeptase?

10/02/2021

Low-Dose Red Yeast Rice for Cholesterol?

Can a low dose of red yeast rice significantly lower cholesterol levels? See what a recent clinical study found in the What It Does section of our Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick among red yeast rice supplements.

2/21/2021

Coffee And Cholesterol

Large daily intake of coffee was linked to higher cholesterol levels in a recent study. At the same time, moderate intake of coffee may reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

9/12/2020

Green Tea and Cholesterol

Can green tea help lower cholesterol levels? Find out what a recent study showed in the What It Does section of Green Tea Review. Also see our Top Picks for green tea.

11/03/2013

Caution with Calcium for Women with High Cholesterol

A study in which women with high cholesterol  were given a daily calcium supplement showed a negative effect in those who were post-menopausal.  Get the details, including the calcium dosage used, in the updated Calcium Supplements Review>>

6/10/2015

Do Plant Sterols Help?

Many studies have shown that taking plant sterols with meals can lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. While that's a good thing, a recent study questions whether this reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease — the main target of treatment. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols and Policosanol) Review >>

8/09/2016

Spirulina Lowers Cholesterol

Spirulina, a common ingredient in greens and whole foods supplements, was found to lower total and "bad" LDL cholesterol, but only in certain people. Get the details, plus our tests of products containing spirulina, in the Greens and Whole Foods Powders, Drinks and Pills Review >>

9/04/2020

Coffee and Cholesterol

Drinking large amounts of coffee daily can increase cholesterol levels, according to a recent analysis. Get the details in our answer to the question: Is drinking coffee good or bad for heart health?

1/21/2020

Coconut Oil Impact on Cholesterol

Coconut oil can significantly affect cholesterol levels according to a new report. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Coconut & MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks for coconut and MCT oils.

5/27/2013

Red Yeast Rice with Sterols?

It is well known that taking a red yeast rice supplement can cause large reductions in LDL "bad" cholesterol and that sterol or stanol esters can lead to modest reductions. But does combining them result in greater benefits than using either alone? A new study says no. It's unclear, however, whether this is always the case. Get details in the updated Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review >>. Also see the updated, Cholesterol Lowering Supplements Review >>

10/19/2016

How Much Do Oats Lower Cholesterol?

A new report shows that you can lower bad cholesterol by nearly 5% when eating certain amounts of whole oats or oat bran. For details, as well as our tests of products, see the Oat Cereals Review >>

6/24/2017

Red Yeast Rice Variability

While red yeast rice can significantly reduce high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a recently published analysis of 28 brands re-emphasized the fact that amounts of active, cholesterol-lowering compounds can range from none to potent levels, yet this information is not found on labels. Read about the recent study and find out which products ConsumerLab has identified as the least and most potent in the Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review >>

10/25/2014

Probiotics Reduce Cholesterol / Improve Liver Function

Adding probiotic organisms to yogurt appeared to reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol in a study of people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a common condition. Levels of liver enzymes also improved and more weight loss occurred when people ate the probiotic yogurt, in contrast to those who ate regular yogurt. The probiotic organisms used in this study are found in several products recently tested by ConsumerLab.com. See the details in the Probiotic Supplements Review >> 

1/06/2018

Can CoQ10 Lower Cholesterol?

A recent study looked at whether CoQ10 can lower cholesterol in people with elevated levels. Find out what the study found and details about dosage in the "What it Does" section of the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review >> (Also see our Top Picks among products.)

3/17/2018

High-Dose Vitamin D & Cholesterol

Giving high-dose vitamin D to people who are not deficient in it may backfire and increase cholesterol levels, as seen in a recent study. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of the Vitamin D Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among products).

5/02/2018

Choosing Olive Oil for Cholesterol Benefit

Certain types of olive oil may be more effective at improving cholesterol levels according to a recent analysis. Find out more in the What It Does section of the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review. (Also see our Top Picks among extra virgin olive oils).

2/10/2017

High-Dose Resveratrol Increases "Bad" Cholesterol

A study of middle-aged men with metabolic syndrome found that high doses of resveratrol increased levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Resveratrol Supplements Review (which includes our tests of products) >>

11/06/2018

Can CoQ10 Boost Cholesterol-Lowering of Statins?

Can taking CoQ10 further lower cholesterol levels in people already taking a statin drug? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the CoQ10 and Ubiquinol Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for CoQ10 and ubiquinol supplements.)

9/12/2018

Cocoa and Cholesterol

Can cocoa flavanols improve cholesterol levels? See what a recent study found in the Cardiovascular section of the Cocoa and Dark Chocolate Review. (Also see our Top Picks among cocoa and dark chocolate products.)

10/14/2017

Turmeric (Curcumin) and Cholesterol

Turmeric and curcumin (from turmeric) can help lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol and triglycerides, according to a recent review of studies. Certain formulations may be better than others. Get the details in the "What It Does" section of the Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review >>

7/14/2020

Coconut Oil for Lowering Weight and Cholesterol?

Can adding coconut oil to dinner lower weight and/or lower cholesterol levels? See what a new study found in the What It Does section of the Coconut and MCT Oils Review. Also see our Top Picks among coconut oils and MCT oils.

8/18/2020

Zinc for Lowering Blood Sugar and Cholesterol?

Zinc may help lower blood sugar as well as cholesterol levels, according to a recent analysis, but the dose and duration of zinc supplementation made a big difference. Get the details in the What It Does section of the Zinc Supplements and Lozenges Review. Also see our Top Picks for zinc.

5/27/2015

Adding Vitamin D to Statin Treatment

A recent study among people taking statin medication for high cholesterol showed significant improvements in cholesterol levels when daily vitamin D was added as treatment. Improvements were greatest among those who began with lower blood levels of vitamin D. More details, along with our reviews of products similar to the one used in this study, are found in the Vitamin D Supplements Review >>

11/18/2022

Olive Oil Impact on Cholesterol

Replacing saturated fat in the diet with olive oil may help lower cholesterol levels. But what happens when one adds a large amount of olive oil to the diet? See what a recent study found in the Cardiovascular disease section of our Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review.

12/23/2022

Licorice for Lowering Cholesterol?

Can supplementation with licorice help lower cholesterol? Find out in our updated CL Answer about supplements for heart health.

2/14/2023

Hawthorn for Heart Health?

Can hawthorn berry supplements lower cholesterol and improve heart health? Find out in our updated CL Answer about cholesterol lowering supplements.

Also find out if hawthorn berry lowers blood pressure in our article about supplements for lowering blood pressure.

2/02/2024

Cholestoff Plus vs Cholestoff Complete

What are the differences between these formulas, and is one more effective for lowering cholesterol? Find out in our Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among products.

3/22/2024

Lower Cholesterol with Green Tea

Drinking green tea can lower cholesterol or triglyceride levels, as was recently shown. See the details in the What It Does section of our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

9/08/2023

Instant Coffee and Cholesterol

Does instant coffee contain the same cholesterol-raising compounds found in regular, unfiltered coffee? Find out in our article about coffee and heart health.

9/26/2023

Add Fish Oil to Statins?

For people already on a statin drug to lower cholesterol, does taking high-dose fish oil offer additional benefits? See what a new study found in the Taking With Statins section of our Fish Oil Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for high-concentration fish oils.

Also see: Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?

10/27/2023

Black Currant & Cholesterol

Did supplementing with black currant extract reduce cholesterol levels among women in menopause? Find out what a recent study showed in our article about supplements for heart health.

9/24/2024

Cholesterol Tests & NAC?

Does N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) interfere with blood tests for cholesterol or uric acid? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our NAC Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for NAC.

Also see: Which vitamins and supplements should be stopped before getting blood work, laboratory tests, or medical imaging?

3/06/2025

Bergamot for Cholesterol?

Did taking citrus bergamot extract lower cholesterol in a recent study? Find out in our article about supplements and foods for heart health.

5/31/2011

Niacin Concern Stops Cardiovascular Study

A clinical trial using high dose niacin (vitamin B₃) was recently stopped by the National Institutes of Health due to lack of benefit and a small increase in strokes. Patients in the study had cardiovascular disease and were already taking a statin drug to keep LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels low. The addition of high dose niacin was intended to increase HDL ("good") cholesterol, reduce elevated triglycerides, and, most importantly, reduce the risk of heart attacks and stoke. For more information, including the amount and type of niacin used in the study and additional information about niacin and niacin supplements, see the B Vitamin Supplements Review. More >>

6/07/2017

Spoiled Fish Oil Is Less Effective

Spoiled fish oil does not lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, while the same amount of non-spoiled fish oil does, according to a new study. If you take fish oil to improve your cholesterol levels, it would seem best to use a product that is not spoiled — something ConsumerLab tests for. (It may also be best to choose an oil in the triglyceride form, rather than the ethyl ester form). For details, see the "Quality Concerns" section of the Fish Oil Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among fish oils.