psyllium and Reduced Blood Cholesterol

Research synthesisLow evidenceModerate effect3 studies · 3 beneficial · 0 neutral · 0 harmful

Across 3 studies, all 3 reported beneficial effects of psyllium on reducing blood cholesterol, with a predominant moderate effect size. The largest study, a 2025 meta-analysis of 2049 participants, found a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (Weighted Mean Difference: -9.05 mg/dL; 95% CI: -13.71 to -4.40). Evidence is preliminary due to the small number of studies.

Caveats: Evidence base is small (only 3 studies) — conclusions should be considered preliminary.

Generated Jul 10, 2026

3 of 3 papers

Psyllium supplementation and lipid profiles: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- 2025-12
- Review · n = 2,049
- Genes & nutrition 20(1)
- - Zeinab Gholami
  - Zamzam Paknahad
- PubMed: 41366295
- DOI: 10.1186/s12263-025-00786-5
1 Insight on
- Reduced Blood Cholesterol
- High evidence
Psyllium showed a significant decrease in ... total Cholesterol; cholesterol: (Weighted Mean Differences: -9.05; 95% Confidence Intervals: -13.71, -4.40; p-value < 0.05)
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Significant
Yes
From Husks and Seeds to Health: an Inevitable Outcome Rather than a Fluke.
- 2026-02-26
- Review
- Current nutrition reports 15(1)
- - Nevin Sanlier
  - Ebru Ozler
- PubMed: 41741921
- DOI: 10.1007/s13668-025-00722-4
5 Insights on
- Reduced Blood Cholesterol
- Low evidence
Psyllium may help to regulate blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Effects of daily consumption of psyllium, oat bran and polyGlycopleX on obesity-related disease risk factors: A critical review.
- 2019-01
- Review
- Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.) 57
- - Monica Jane
  - Jenny McKay
  - Sebely Pal
- PubMed: 30153584
- DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2018.05.036
4 Insights on
- Reduced Blood Cholesterol
- Low evidence
the addition of a soluble fiber product, most notably psyllium, improves blood lipid profiles, particularly total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Significant
Yes

psyllium and Reduced Blood Cholesterol

Psyllium supplementation and lipid profiles: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

From Husks and Seeds to Health: an Inevitable Outcome Rather than a Fluke.

Effects of daily consumption of psyllium, oat bran and polyGlycopleX on obesity-related disease risk factors: A critical review.