Types of Cholesterol Supplements

Managing cholesterol levels has become a global health priority, given the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease. While dietary and lifestyle changes remain foundational, cholesterol-lowering supplements are gaining attention as complementary tools, especially for individuals who are statin-intolerant or at borderline risk.

This article explores the main types of cholesterol supplements, their mechanisms of action, scientific support, and how they fit into a heart-healthy strategy. We’ll also highlight Lactobact LDL-Control, a clinically-backed probiotic supplement shown to significantly reduce LDL and total cholesterol.

---

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced in the liver and obtained from food. It’s vital for hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and cell membrane integrity. However, too much cholesterol—especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C)—can accumulate in the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attacks.

There are three primary types:

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Known as “bad” cholesterol.

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): The “good” cholesterol that helps clear LDL from the bloodstream.

• Triglycerides: A type of fat that, when elevated, also increases cardiovascular risk.

---

1. Plant Sterols and Stanols

Mechanism

Plant sterols (phytosterols) and stanols are structurally similar to cholesterol. They compete for absorption in the small intestine, effectively lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

Effectiveness

• LDL reduction: ~5–15% with 2g/day intake.

• HDL levels: Typically unaffected.

Common Sources

• Fortified spreads

• Supplements (capsules, soft gels)

Key Study

According to a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, plant sterols can reduce LDL-C by up to 12.4% after consistent use for 4–12 weeks.

---

2. Soluble Fibre (e.g. Psyllium Husk)

Mechanism

Soluble fibre binds bile acids in the gut, prompting the liver to use circulating cholesterol to make more bile, thus reducing LDL levels.

Effectiveness

• LDL reduction: ~5–10% when consuming 7–10g soluble fibre daily.

Common Types

• Psyllium husk (found in Metamucil)

• Beta-glucan (from oats and barley)

• Glucomannan (from konjac root)

Scientific Support

A double-blind placebo-controlled study found that psyllium husk reduced LDL by 8.9% over 12 weeks in hyperlipidemic patients.

---

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil, Krill Oil)

Mechanism

Omega-3s reduce triglyceride levels and can slightly increase HDL cholesterol. They reduce hepatic production of VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein).

Effectiveness

• Triglyceride reduction: ~20–50%

• LDL: May slightly increase in some people, though particle size shifts to a less dangerous form.

Sources

• Fish oil (EPA and DHA)

• Krill oil

• Algae-based omega-3 (for vegetarians)

Clinical Data

The REDUCE-IT trial found that high-dose EPA (4g/day) in the form of icosapent ethyl significantly reduced cardiovascular events in high-risk patients.

---

4. Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Mechanism

Niacin reduces the liver’s ability to produce LDL and VLDL cholesterol. It also raises HDL cholesterol more than most other agents.

Effectiveness

• LDL reduction: 5–20%

• HDL increase: 15–35%

• Triglyceride reduction: 20–50%

Limitations

• Can cause flushing, liver toxicity, and glucose intolerance at higher doses.

• No longer recommended as a first-line therapy in guidelines due to side effects.

---

5. Red Yeast Rice

Mechanism

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, a naturally occurring statin chemically identical to lovastatin. It blocks the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is crucial for cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

Effectiveness

• LDL reduction: 10–30%

• Total cholesterol: Also significantly lowered

Concerns

• Potency varies between brands.

• May contain citrinin, a kidney-damaging mycotoxin if poorly manufactured.

• Can cause similar side effects to statins (e.g. muscle pain).

Regulation

In some countries, products with high monacolin K content are regulated as drugs.

---

6. Lactobact LDL-Control – Probiotic Therapy

What Is It?

Lactobact LDL-Control is a probiotic supplement containing the well-studied strain Lactobacillus plantarum LPLDL®, designed to target cholesterol metabolism through the gut-liver axis.

How It Works

This specific strain:

• Binds cholesterol in the intestine, reducing its absorption.

• Produces bile salt hydrolase, breaking down bile salts, forcing the body to use more cholesterol to produce new ones.

• Modulates lipid metabolism via interaction with intestinal cells.

Key Benefits (Based on Clinical Trials by University of Roehampton)

• ✅ LDL reduction: up to 13.9%

• ✅ Total cholesterol reduction: up to 36.7%

• ✅ HDL increase: up to 4.5%

• ✅ Blood pressure reduction: up to 5.1%

Dosage & Use

• One capsule per day.

• Can be taken with or without food.

• No known side effects or interactions with statins.

Why It Stands Out

Lactobact LDL-Control is one of the few clinically proven probiotic formulations for cholesterol management. Unlike red yeast rice or niacin, it carries no risk of liver toxicity or muscle damage and is suitable for long-term use.

---

7. Artichoke Leaf Extract

Mechanism

Contains cynarin, which promotes bile production and supports liver function. This may help excrete more cholesterol from the body.

Effectiveness

• LDL reduction: Up to 18% in some trials

• Triglyceride lowering has also been reported

Study Highlight

A randomised, double-blind study showed LDL-C dropped by 18.5% after 6 weeks of using 1,800 mg/day of artichoke extract.

---

8. Berberine

Mechanism

Berberine activates AMPK (adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase), a key regulator of cellular energy and lipid metabolism.

Effectiveness

• LDL reduction: 20–30%

• Triglyceride reduction: 25–35%

• Glucose regulation: Also improves insulin sensitivity

Unique Advantage

Berberine’s dual impact on lipid and blood sugar control makes it a good option for people with metabolic syndrome.

---

9. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Mechanism

While CoQ10 doesn’t directly reduce cholesterol, it’s often used in combination with statins to reduce muscle-related side effects like cramps and fatigue.

Use Case

• Statin users: CoQ10 levels drop with statin therapy.

• Dose: 100–200 mg/day typically used for supportive care.

---

Summary Table

---

Final Thoughts

Supplements offer a promising adjunct to lifestyle changes for those managing cholesterol. Among these, Lactobact LDL-Control stands out as a novel, natural, and clinically proven approach, leveraging the gut microbiota to influence heart health. Whether you’re statin-intolerant, pre-diabetic, or simply looking to improve your cardiovascular profile, there’s a cholesterol-lowering supplement tailored to your needs.

As with any health strategy, always consult your doctor before beginning supplementation—especially if you’re taking other medications or have chronic health conditions.