4 Supplements You Shouldn’t Be Taking If You Have High Cholesterol

Key Points to Consider

Individuals with high cholesterol should steer clear of grapefruit supplements, red yeast rice, vitamin A, and multi-ingredient supplements.
Supplements are not tightly regulated and may contain harmful or incorrectly dosed ingredients, interact with prescription medications, or lead to adverse side effects.
Effective dietary adjustments involve increasing fibre intake while reducing saturated fats.

The Truth About Cholesterol Supplements

Many products claim to lower cholesterol levels naturally, but with an overwhelming number of options, it’s challenging to know which, if any, are genuinely effective. Often, if a supplement promises extraordinary results, it’s likely an exaggeration. Rather than relying on these products, altering your diet and lifestyle tends to be more beneficial and significantly safer. Whole foods offer complex nutrients that interact positively within the body, aiding in health improvements, including managing cholesterol.

Supplements, on the other hand, are costly and not governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They may also pose health risks, particularly when taken alongside other medications or when side effects occur unexpectedly.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance naturally produced by the liver, essential for hormone synthesis and vitamin production. It is also obtained through animal-based foods like meat and dairy. High cholesterol typically refers to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as “bad” cholesterol, in the bloodstream, accompanied by insufficient high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol. This imbalance raises the likelihood of heart disease.

Several factors contribute to high cholesterol, including genetics, consumption of foods rich in saturated and trans fats, lack of physical activity, age, gender, smoking, and obesity. Treatments for high cholesterol typically include diet modifications, increased exercise, quitting smoking, and in some cases, medication.

Supplements to Avoid with High Cholesterol

This section outlines four specific supplements that are unsuitable for individuals managing high cholesterol. These supplements can either interfere with medications or contain ingredients with inconsistent or unknown effects.

Grapefruit: A Risky Fruit for Statin Users

If you’ve been prescribed statins for high cholesterol, you’ve likely been warned against grapefruit juice. Statins are highly effective at reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The body breaks down statins after consumption, but grapefruit can disrupt this process, leading to higher concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of side effects.

Though there is less information on whether grapefruit supplements have the same impact, it’s advisable to avoid them if you are taking statins that come with grapefruit warnings.

Red Yeast Rice: Hidden Dangers in a Natural Product

Red yeast rice results from fermenting a specific fungus (Monascus purpureus) on rice, which enriches it with compounds called monacolins. One particular monacolin, known as monacolin K, is chemically identical to lovastatin—a common cholesterol-lowering drug.

Some red yeast rice supplements may contain negligible amounts of monacolin K, while others might have much higher levels. Alarmingly, some manufacturers illegally add commercial lovastatin to their products to boost effectiveness, but this addition is unlabelled and unsafe.

Moreover, these supplements may be contaminated. Research has uncovered red yeast rice supplements containing citrinin, a carcinogen that can damage the kidneys. Because these supplements are unregulated, quality and safety cannot be guaranteed.

Vitamin A: When Too Much Becomes Harmful

Vitamin A is essential for immune function, vision, and reproductive health. It is typically obtained through diet, especially from foods like eggs, poultry, beef, fish, and fortified products. This form is known as preformed vitamin A, distinct from the beta-carotene found in plant-based foods.

In the United States, vitamin A deficiency is extremely rare. Therefore, individual vitamin A supplementation is not recommended unless directed by a healthcare provider. As a fat-soluble vitamin, it can accumulate to toxic levels if consumed in excess. One of the consequences of vitamin A toxicity is an increase in LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels.

Combination Supplements: A Questionable Solution

Some supplements designed for cholesterol health combine several ingredients, such as oil extracts, niacin, and magnesium. These are generally marketed towards people who want to maintain healthy cholesterol levels—not those already diagnosed with high cholesterol.

These mixed-ingredient supplements are not intended as a replacement for medical treatments and may not be suitable for individuals requiring targeted cholesterol management.

Healthy Eating Tips for Managing Cholesterol

A well-balanced diet high in fibre and low in saturated fats can significantly improve cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre acts like a sponge, binding with cholesterol and fat and helping to eliminate them from the body. Good sources of soluble fibre include vegetables, fruits, legumes, oats, and whole grains. Additionally, fibre increases satiety, which can assist with weight control—a key factor in cholesterol management.

To cut down on saturated fats, minimise intake of fatty meats, fried foods, and full-fat dairy. For instance, instead of eating fried chicken with skin, opt for baked chicken breast, accompanied by stir-fried vegetables and seasoned sweet potatoes. Limit red meat consumption to no more than twice a week, choosing leaner cuts when possible. Select lower-fat dairy products or simply reduce portion sizes of higher-fat versions.

Incorporate unsaturated fats to support heart health, enhance flavours, and promote fullness. Foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are excellent sources of healthy fats.

Practical Advice from Cardiologists

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol, consider these four recommendations from cardiologists:

1. Adopt a heart-healthy diet.

2. Increase physical activity.

3. Quit smoking if applicable.

4. Follow up with your healthcare provider for ongoing monitoring and guidance.

Final Thoughts

If you are considering supplements to help manage your cholesterol, be aware that not all supplements are reliable or safe. Their lack of regulation means they may be contaminated, cause unexpected side effects, interfere with prescribed medications, or simply fail to deliver results—while also being costly.

Rather than spending money on unproven products, focus on sustainable lifestyle changes. Eating well and staying active are more effective and safer long-term strategies. If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about supplements, consult with a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider for professional advice tailored to your needs.