Best Supplements for Reduced LDL Cholesterol
Ranked by research evidence. Compare 104 supplements across 148 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 small-sized effects on reducing LDL cholesterol. The median study duration was 84 days (12 weeks) based on the one study reporting duration, suggesting effects may be observed at around 12 weeks. One study focused on individuals with central obesity; no consistent dose range was reported.
- 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
- ModerateOlive OilAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial small-sized effects on reducing LDL cholesterol. The median study duration was 84 days (12 weeks) based on the one study reporting duration, suggesting effects may be observed at around 12 weeks. One study focused on individuals with central obesity; no consistent dose range was reported.3 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
- LowAnthocyaninsAcross 3 studies, all reported beneficial effects of anthocyanins on reducing LDL cholesterol, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The largest study, a meta-analysis of 32 RCTs (1491 participants), found a moderate beneficial effect (SMD: -0.35; 95% CI: -0.66, -0.05). The median study duration was 168 days, suggesting effects may take several months to manifest. One study used a dose of 320 mg/day in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or cardiometabolic disorders. · Dose: 320 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
- LowavocadoAcross 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial small-sized effects on LDL cholesterol reduction, while 1 high-quality randomized controlled trial found no significant benefit. The evidence base is small and preliminary, with most studies focusing on clinical populations with dyslipidemia or elevated cardiometabolic risk. The typical dose approximated 1 avocado (180 g) per day based on limited data, but a wide range (30–500 g/day) was also reported.2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies
- LowSoy ProteinAcross 3 studies, 2 reported beneficial effects on LDL cholesterol reduction (one moderate, one small), while 1 found no effect. The evidence is preliminary and based on a small number of studies, with the only specific dose reported being 40 g/day. Median study duration (90 days) comes from a single trial.2 beneficial1 neutral3 studies
- Lowchia seedAcross 4 studies, 1 reported a beneficial moderate-sized effect of chia seed supplementation on reducing LDL cholesterol, while 3 found neutral effects. The only supportive study was a 2025 meta-analysis (n=500) showing a moderate effect (g = -0.300), but the predominant effect across all evidence is neutral and small in magnitude. The median study duration was 84 days, though only 1 of 4 studies reported duration; the most-studied dose was 50 g/day in one trial, and populations included overweight/obese adults and clinical trial participants.1 beneficial3 neutral4 studies
- Lowbrown riceAcross 3 studies, 1 reported a small beneficial effect on LDL cholesterol reduction, while 2 found neutral effects. The evidence base is limited and mixed, with benefits possibly limited to overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²). The median study duration was 73 days, indicating effects were typically assessed after about 10 weeks.1 beneficial2 neutral3 studies