What Vitamin Helps Lower Blood Cholesterol?

In the wrong amounts, cholesterol can put people at risk for heart disease and stroke. Besides prescription niacin, no one vitamin or mineral has been shown to lower cholesterol, although researchers have found that taking certain substances can make a difference.

Phytosterols and Fish Oil

Phytosterols (plant sterols) in combination with fish oils heavy in (n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 3) were shown to reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol, according to a study published in "The Journal of Nutrition."

Artichoke Leaf Extract

In research conducted on the effectiveness of artichoke leaf extract in reducing cholesterol, examiners in the United Kingdom found that the supplement had a positive effect.

Red Yeast Rice Supplement

According to the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, red yeast rice "significantly decreased blood levels of LDL and total cholesterol."

Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed preparations may lower cholesterol. The results of studies have been mixed, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Niacin

Niacin is known to lower cholesterol, although the American Heart Association recommends obtaining it through prescription. Prescription niacin is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and will not vary in terms of the quantity and quality of niacin.

References

• The Journal of Nutrition
• Artichoke Leaf Extract for Treating Hypercholesterolaemia
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Resources

• American Heart Association
• Nutritional Supplements and Serum Lipids: Does Anything Work