Best Supplements for Reduced LDL Cholesterol
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 102 supplements across 140 papers from the biomedical literature, with effect direction, evidence strength, and dose range for each.
Top picks by evidence
- High evidence5 studies
Across 5 studies, all 5 reported beneficial effects of rice bran on reducing LDL cholesterol, with a moderate effect size predominant. The evidence includes two meta-analyses and a systematic review showing statistically significant reductions (e.g., WMD: -14.580 mg/dL; p < 0.0001, and WMD: -15.11 mg/dL; 95% CI: -24.56, -5.66). Effects are typically observed at 8 weeks, with a median study duration of 56 days, and most studies involved populations with metabolic syndrome or related cardiometabolic risk factors.
Dose: ≥30 g/day - Moderate evidence4 studies
Across 4 studies, all reported beneficial small-sized effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on reducing LDL cholesterol, with 3 of 4 reaching statistical significance. The most robust evidence comes from meta-analyses and reviews, including a 2025 systematic review of 26 RCTs (n=2104) showing a significant small reduction (SMD: -0.251). Study durations and dose ranges were not consistently reported, limiting dose-specific conclusions.
- Moderate evidence3 studies
Across 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of anthocyanins on reducing LDL cholesterol, with moderate effect sizes observed in the highest-quality meta-analysis and RCT. The median study duration was 168 days (24 weeks), indicating that effects are typically observed over several months. The evidence is strongest in mixed populations including healthy adults and those with cardiometabolic conditions.
Dose: 320 mg/day
- Highrice branAcross 5 studies, all 5 reported beneficial effects of rice bran on reducing LDL cholesterol, with a moderate effect size predominant. The evidence includes two meta-analyses and a systematic review showing statistically significant reductions (e.g., WMD: -14.580 mg/dL; p < 0.0001, and WMD: -15.11 mg/dL; 95% CI: -24.56, -5.66). Effects are typically observed at 8 weeks, with a median study duration of 56 days, and most studies involved populations with metabolic syndrome or related cardiometabolic risk factors. · Dose: ≥30 g/day5 beneficial5 studies
- ModerateLactobacillus plantarumAcross 4 studies, all reported beneficial small-sized effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on reducing LDL cholesterol, with 3 of 4 reaching statistical significance. The most robust evidence comes from meta-analyses and reviews, including a 2025 systematic review of 26 RCTs (n=2104) showing a significant small reduction (SMD: -0.251). Study durations and dose ranges were not consistently reported, limiting dose-specific conclusions.4 beneficial4 studies
- ModerateAnthocyaninsAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of anthocyanins on reducing LDL cholesterol, with moderate effect sizes observed in the highest-quality meta-analysis and RCT. The median study duration was 168 days (24 weeks), indicating that effects are typically observed over several months. The evidence is strongest in mixed populations including healthy adults and those with cardiometabolic conditions. · Dose: 320 mg/day3 beneficial3 studies
- LowL-CarnitineAcross all 3 available studies, L-carnitine supplementation shows beneficial effects on reducing LDL cholesterol, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large. Two systematic reviews/meta-analyses (one with ~2900 participants) and one RCT in women with PCOS reported statistically significant reductions in LDL-C. The only study specifying a dose used 3000 mg/day of L-carnitine for 42 days. Effects were typically observed at approximately 6 weeks, though most studies did not report duration. · Dose: 3000 mg/day3 beneficial3 studies
- LowVitamin DAcross 5 studies on vitamin D for reducing LDL cholesterol, 2 reported beneficial effects while 3 found neutral results; the predominant effect size was small. No clear dose range emerged, as many studies did not specify doses. Effects were typically assessed at around 6 weeks (median 42 days). Evidence differs by population, with modest benefit seen in clinical groups (women with gestational diabetes), but neutral findings in children with obesity and patients with fatty liver disease.2 beneficial3 neutral5 studies
- LowSoy ProteinBased on 3 studies, 2 showed beneficial effects of soy protein on reducing LDL cholesterol, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The evidence shows moderate beneficial effects in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy at doses of approximately 35% soy protein in the diet, though one study found no effect at 40 g/day over 90 days. The median study duration is 90 days, but only 1 of 3 studies reported duration. · Dose: 35% of diet as soy protein (approx. 40 g/day)2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies
- LowavocadoAcross 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial small-sized effects of avocado intake on reducing LDL cholesterol, while 1 found a neutral effect. The most studied dose is approximately 1 avocado per day (~180 g, ~300 kcal), with effects observed in clinical populations such as those with dyslipidemia or elevated triglycerides. The evidence base is small, and conclusions should be considered preliminary. · Dose: 1 avocado (~180 g) per day2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies
- Lowchia seedAcross 3 meta-analyses, 1 reported a moderate beneficial effect of chia seed supplementation on reducing LDL cholesterol (g = -0.300, significant), while 2 found neutral effects with small effect sizes. The predominant effect size is mixed, and evidence for benefit is inconsistent. No specific dose, form, or duration was consistently reported across studies.1 beneficial2 neutral3 studies