What the reviews found
Supplements for Cholesterol & Triglycerides
33 where systematic reviews concluded a benefit, 15 with mixed findings, 9 where they concluded no effect, and 4 where harm was reported. Every line quotes the review and links it, so you can read the sentence yourself.
Reviews found a benefit
Systematic reviews concluded these improve an outcome tied to cholesterol & triglycerides, and none concluded no effect.
- Top-scored productThorne Super EPA11 reviews cited · harm also reported, see below92Benefittriglycerides(as Omega-3)
“Meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (474 participants) showed that omega-3 supplementation significantly reduced triglycerides (mean difference [MD] = -0.27 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.20, p < 0.00001), systolic blood pressure (MD = -4.50 mmHg, 95% CI: -7.57 to -1.42, p = 0.004), and kidney injury molecule-1 (MD = -1.74 pg/mL, 95% CI: -2.58 to -0.89, p < 0.0001), while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.04-0.23, p = 0.004).” PMID 42517346
Benefithdl cholesterol(as Omega-3)“increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.04-0.23, p = 0.004)” PMID 42517346
Benefitserum triglycerides(as Eicosapentaenoic Acid)“Moderate- and low-certainty evidence suggests that increasing LCn3 slightly reduces risk of coronary heart disease mortality and events, and reduces serum triglycerides (evidence mainly from supplement trials).” PMID 32114706
9 more review findings point the same way — see Omega-3 (fish oil, EPA, DHA).
- Bergamot4 reviews citedBenefitldl cholesterol
“The most effective approaches in terms of LDL-C- and TC-lowering were bergamot and RYR (-1.21 [-46.8 mg/dl] and -0.94 [-36.4 mg/dl] mmol/l) reduction respectively.” PMID 35988871 · 3 reviews
Benefittotal cholesterol“The decrease in total cholesterol varied from 12.3% to 31.3%” PMID 31670973 · 3 reviews
Benefittriglycerides“from 11.5% to 39.5% in triglycerides.” PMID 31670973 · 2 reviews
- Chlorogenic Acid3 reviews citedBenefittriglycerides
“triglyceride levels (WMD = -0.27; 95% CI: -0.43, -0.10)” PMID 34577880
Benefithdl cholesterol“high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels (WMD = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.90)” PMID 34577880
Benefittotal cholesterol“we found that GCE supplementation improved FBG and serum levels of insulin and TC.” PMID 32665012
- Benefittotal cholesterol
“a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: -17.6 mg/dL, 95%CI: -22.0, -13.3, p < 0.001)” PMID 28609140
Benefitldl cholesterol“Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD: -14.9 mg/dL, 95%CI: -20.4, -9.5, p = 0.011)” PMID 28609140
Benefittriglycerides“triglycerides (WMD: -9.2 mg/dL, 95%CI: -16.2, -2.1, p = 0.011)” PMID 28609140
- Benefithdl cholesterol
“astaxanthin: 0.13 [0.05, 0.21] mmol/L)” PMID 39064656
Benefittotal cholesterol“astaxanthin: -0.22 [-0.32, -0.12] mmol/L” PMID 39064656
Benefittriglycerides“astaxanthin: -0.46 [-0.83, -0.10] mmol/L” PMID 39064656
- Anthocyanins2 reviews citedBenefitldl cholesterol
“Supplementation with anthocyanins significantly improved LDL cholesterol among diseased individuals or those with elevated biomarkers.” PMID 26761031
Benefithdl cholesterol and triglycerides“Dietary anthocyanins effectively improve low HDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperglycemia, making them a promising adjunct for managing MetS.” PMID 39928643
- Benefittriglycerides
“our study also found that GS significantly reduces triglycerides (SMD 1.81 mg/dl, 95% CI 2.95 to -0.66, p < .0001, I2 : 96%), and total cholesterol (SMD 4.10 mg/dl, 95% CI 7.21 to -0.99, p < .0001, I2 : 98%) compared to baseline.” PMID 34467577 · 2 reviews
Benefittotal cholesterol“GS supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride (p < .001), total cholesterol (p < .001), low-density lipoprotein (p < .001), fasting blood sugar (p < .001), and diastolic blood pressure (p = .003).” PMID 36580574 · 2 reviews
- Piperine2 reviews citedBenefittotal cholesterol
“curcumin plus piperine significantly decreased total cholesterol and LDL-C in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome.” PMID 36649934 · 2 reviews
Benefithdl cholesterol“increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 1.51 mg/mL, 95% CI: 0.29, 2.72, p = 0.015)” PMID 41057035
- 1 review cited · harm also reported, see belowBenefittriglycerides
“The pooled estimate for the change in TG concentration was -0.20 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.27 to -0.14), 0.23 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.16-0.30) for LDL-C, and 0.07 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.05-0.10) for HDL-C.” PMID 22113870
Benefithdl cholesterol“DHA supplementation from algal oil, a marine source of (n-3) fatty acids not extracted from fish, may reduce serum TG and increase HDL-C and LDL-C in persons without coronary heart disease.” PMID 22113870
- Hydroxytyrosol1 review citedBenefittotal cholesterol
“significantly reduced total cholesterol (SMD = -0.19, CI: -0.37 to -0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 35%)” PMID 39828996
Benefittriglycerides“triacylglycerol (SMD = -0.32, CI: -0.60 to -0.03, p = 0.03, I2 = 73%)” PMID 39828996
- Top-scored productThorne Magnesium Glycinate1 review cited96Benefittriglycerides
“triglycerides (WMD: -9.24 mg/dL; 95% CI: -16.87, -1.61)” PMID 42588058
Benefithdl cholesterol“High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations significantly increased (WMD: 1.45 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.37, 2.54).” PMID 42588058
- Omega 6 Fatty Acids1 review citedBenefitldl cholesterol
“the combination of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) and omega-6 fatty acids (n-6) produced significantly lower LDL (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.43, 95% confidence interval: -2.28 to -0.57) than the placebo.” PMID 35334907
Benefithdl cholesterol“Both n-3 fatty acids (SMD = 0.78) and the combination of n-3 + n-6 (SMD = 1.09) benefited HDL significantly compared with placebo.” PMID 35334907
- Cinnamon3 reviews citedBenefitlipid profile
“The current evidence shows that cinnamon can regulate lipid profiles in patients with metabolic disorders.” PMID 35803022 · 3 reviews
- Bilberry2 reviews citedBenefittriglycerides
“Bilberry supplementation may have beneficial effects on HbA1c and TG, but not other cardio-metabolic indices.” PMID 40751398
- Benefitlipid profile
“TG (WMD = -11.98 mg/dL; 95% CI = -23.27, -0.69), LDL (WMD = -4.55 mg/dL; 95% CI = -8.43, -0.68), HDL (WMD = 0.80 mg/dL; 95% CI = 0.01, 1.59)” PMID 41195902 · 2 reviews
- Benefitlipid profile
“This meta-analysis showed a significant effect of supplementation with Spirulina in reducing plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides and elevating those of HDL-C.” PMID 26433766 · 2 reviews
- Benefitlipid profile
“Aloe vera, Nigella sativa, and spirulina were associated with beneficial effects on both lipid profiles and glycemic control.” PMID 33724587
- Top-scored productThorne Berberine1 review cited96Benefitlipid profile
“Meta-analysis of the data suggested that dietary supplementation with Armolipid Plus® exerted a significant effect on body mass index (mean difference (MD) = -0.25 kg/m2, p = 0.008) and serum levels of total cholesterol (MD = -25.07 mg/dL, p < 0.001), triglycerides (MD = -11.47 mg/dL, p < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 1.84 mg/dL, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -26.67 mg/dL, p < 0.001), high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP, MD = -0.61 mg/L, p = 0.022), and fasting glucose (MD = -3.52 mg/dL, p < 0.001).” PMID 33669333
- Black Pepper1 review citedBenefitblood lipids
“hypolipidemic activity as evidenced by decrease in the level of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and increase in high-density lipoprotein” PMID 30740986
- Benefitlipid profile
“Meta-analyses of the data showed that blueberry intervention had a significant effect on lipid levels, decreasing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.” PMID 34139510
- Benefitglycemic and lipid indices
“Bromelain supplementation is effective in improving glycemic and lipid indices in diabetes.” PMID 40440445
- Benefitlipid profile
“This meta-analysis showed that chicory supplementation may exert potential hepatoprotective effects in patients with NAFLD.” PMID 37202083
- Benefitlipid metabolism
“CoQ10 supplementation has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, glycemic control, and inflammation among individuals with metabolic disorders.” PMID 42192187
- Top-scored productThorne Grape Seed Extract1 review cited92Benefitldl and total cholesterol
“intervention with bilberry and blackcurrant extract, and to some extent grape seed extract, significantly lowered total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels after four weeks.” PMID 34067538
- Benefitlipid profile
“Chromium, inositol, and Omega-3 were found to be beneficial for improving lipid profile.” PMID 40611279
- 1 review citedBenefittriglycerides
“Beneficial health effects reported following ITF intake include improved intestinal barrier function, improved laxation, increased insulin sensitivity, decreased triglycerides and an improved lipid profile, increased absorption of calcium and magnesium, and increased satiety.” PMID 34555168
- Benefithdl cholesterol
“L/Z administration could be an effective treatment for improving circulating HDL-C concentration in elderly adults.” PMID 36336325
- Benefitblood lipids
“The available evidence on the effects of tomato products and lycopene supplementation on CV risk factors supports the view that increasing the intake of these has positive effects on blood lipids, blood pressure and endothelial function.” PMID 28129549
- Benefittriglycerides
“Niacin supplements ranked best in triglyceride reductions and increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels with low to very low evidence certainty (SUCRAs:93.7% and 94.6%, respectively).” PMID 36638933
- 1 review citedBenefitlipid profile
“Tart cherry supplementation did not have significant effects on anthropometric and glycemic indices, but can improve lipid profile, especially in a single dose, longer duration, and in elderly, obese, and unhealthy individuals.” PMID 38759306
- 1 review citedBenefittotal cholesterol
“Vanadium supplements ranked best in lowering total cholesterol levels with very low evidence certainty (SUCRAs:100%).” PMID 36638933
- Watermelon1 review citedBenefittotal cholesterol
“Watermelon consumption significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP), totalcholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).” PMID 37369281
- Benefithdl cholesterol
“L/Z administration could be an effective treatment for improving circulating HDL-C concentration in elderly adults.” PMID 36336325
Mixed: a benefit on one measure, no effect on another
- Beta-Glucan4 reviews citedBenefitldl cholesterol
“oat beta-glucan supplementation significantly reduced levels of TC (pooled WMD = -0.24 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.28 to -0.20 mmol/L), LDL-c (pooled WMD = -0.27 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.35 to -0.20 mmol/L).” PMID 35631184 · 4 reviews
No effecttriglycerides“beta-glucan consumption did not show significant effects on TG (pooled WMD = -0.04 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.13 to 0.05 mmol/L), HDL-c (pooled WMD = 0.00 mmol/L; 95%CI: -0.05 to 0.05 mmol/L).” PMID 35631184
Benefitnon-hdl cholesterol“Pooled analyses show that barley β-glucan has a lowering effect on LDL-C and non-HDL-C.” PMID 27273067 · 2 reviews
1 more review finding.
- Lignans3 reviews citedBenefitldl cholesterol
“low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD = -4.206 mg/dl; 95% CI: -7.260, -1.151, p = 0.007) concentrations.” PMID 31899314 · 2 reviews
Benefittotal cholesterol“flaxseed supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -5.389 mg/dL; 95% CI: -9.483, -1.295, p = 0.010)” PMID 31899314 · 2 reviews
Benefittriglycerides“triglyceride (TG) (WMD = -9.422 mg/dL; 95% CI: -15.514, -3.330, p = 0.002)” PMID 31899314
1 more review finding.
- Benefitldl cholesterol
“low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -6.28 mg/dL, 95% CI: -10.53, -2.03)” PMID 41515249
Benefittotal cholesterol“total cholesterol (WMD: -6.97 mg/dL, 95% CI: -12.20, -1.74)” PMID 41515249
Benefithdl cholesterol“high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 2.04 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.50, 3.57)” PMID 41515249
1 more review finding — see Melatonin.
- Top-scored productThorne Red Yeast Rice9 reviews cited92Benefittotal cholesterol
“RYR extract consumption statistically significantly reduced total cholesterol (mean absolute reduction: 37.43 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -47.08, -27.79) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; mean absolute reduction: 35.82 mg/dL; 95% CI: -43.36, -28.29), but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoproteins A-I and B.” PMID 38794691 · 8 reviews
Benefitldl cholesterol“RYR exerts a clinically and statistically significant reduction of 1.02 mmol/L LDL cholesterol.” PMID 25897793 · 8 reviews
No effectapolipoproteins“but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoproteins A-I and B.” PMID 38794691
- Benefitldl cholesterol
“Intake of plant sterol/stanol supplements decreased LDL-cholesterol concentrations by 12 mg/dL (0.31 mmol/L) (95% CI -0.39 to -0.23; P<0.000) compared with placebo.” PMID 24144075 · 6 reviews
Benefittotal cholesterol“moderate reductions in LDL-C and total cholesterol” PMID 42275989 · 2 reviews
No effecttriglycerides“trivial improvements in triglycerides, apoA-I, apoB/A-I, apoE, Lp(a), FFA, blood pressure, and BMI” PMID 42275989
- Olive Oil3 reviews citedNo effectglycemic and lipid markers
“pooled analyses demonstrated no statistically or clinically significant effects on glycemic or lipid outcomes” PMID 41848522
No effectserum lipids“Evidence indicates no significant difference in serum lipid profile and DBP between the MED diet supplemented with olive oil and that with mixed nuts in participants at risk of CVD.” PMID 40651889
Benefittotal cholesterol“significantly reduced total cholesterol (SMD = -0.19, CI: -0.37 to -0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 35%)” PMID 39828996
1 more review finding.
- Top-scored productDouble Wood Moringa Supplement2 reviews cited88No effectcardiometabolic outcomes (lipids/anthropometrics)
“Moringa supplementation showed no significant effects on most considered outcomes.” PMID 41305552
Benefitcholesterol levels“control of cholesterol levels.” PMID 38015892
Benefitcholesterol levels(as Moringa oleifera)“moringa supplementation resulted to increases in CD4 cell count and body mass index, improvements in psychological well-being, in management of depression and anxiety and the function of vital body organs and control of cholesterol levels.” PMID 38015892
- Benefittotal cholesterol
“Bitter melon consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of TC (WMD; -9.71 mg/dL; CI: -17.69 to -1.74, p = 0.01)” PMID 39444254
Benefittriglycerides“TG (WMD; -10.24 mg/dL; CI: -19.92 to -0.56, p = 0.03)” PMID 39444254
No effectldl cholesterol“bitter melon did not significantly lower blood LDL-C (WMD; -8.66 mg/dL; CI: -19.83 to 2.50, p = 0.12)” PMID 39444254
1 more review finding — see Bitter Melon.
- No effectglycemic indices and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes
“resveratrol supplementation was not considered as a beneficial agent in declining glycemic indices and lipid profile in patients with T2DM.” PMID 42268476
Benefittotal cholesterol“reduce total cholesterol among overweight adults.” PMID 41987155
- Top-scored productPure Encapsulations Curcumin2 reviews cited90Benefittriglycerides
“Curcumin supplementation was associated with decreases in body weight (up to 0.82 kg), BMI (up to 0.30 kg/m2), triglycerides, total cholesterol, and fasting glucose levels.” PMID 42280140
No effectlipid profile in type 2 diabetes“Current evidence suggests that short-term nanocurcumin supplementation does not significantly improve glycemic control, lipid profile or systemic inflammation in patients with T2DM.” PMID 42171191
- Oleuropein2 reviews citedNo effectlipid outcomes
“pooled analyses demonstrated no statistically or clinically significant effects on glycemic or lipid outcomes” PMID 41848522
Benefittotal cholesterol“OLE, HT, and TYR significantly reduced total cholesterol (SMD = -0.19, CI: -0.37 to -0.01, p = 0.04, I2 = 35%)” PMID 39828996
- Benefithdl cholesterol
“pomegranate intake significantly increased HDL-C levels (mean difference: 2.50 mg/dL, 95 % CI: 1.00-4.00, p < 0.05)” PMID 40216355 · 2 reviews
No effectldl cholesterol“no significant changes were observed in TC, LDL-C, or TG.” PMID 40216355
- 2 reviews citedBenefithdl cholesterol
“a significant increase in plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 3.27 mg/dL; 95% CI [0.19, 6.36]; p = 0.038).” PMID 30456865
No effectldl cholesterol“low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -3.61 mg/dl; 95% CI [-8.76, 1.55]; p = 0.171) were not altered.” PMID 30456865
No effecttriglycerides“triacylglycerol (TAG; -3.64 mg/dL; 95% CI [-17.89, 10.61]; p = 0.616), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -3.61 mg/dl; 95% CI [-8.76, 1.55]; p = 0.171) were not altered.” PMID 30456865
1 more review finding — see Pycnogenol.
- Melissa officinalis1 review citedBenefittotal cholesterol
“MO intake was associated with a reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: -0.26; 95% CI: -0.52, -0.01; I2 = 13.7%; k = 6)” PMID 32614129
No effecttriglycerides“MO intake was not associated with statistically significant changes in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, diastolic blood pressure, high sensitivity c-reactive protein levels, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin or high-density lipoprotein levels.” PMID 32614129
- Benefittriglycerides(as Cholecalciferol)
“vitamin D has a significant effect on hypertriglyceridemia in individuals who are overweight or obese” PMID 39873663
No effectldl cholesterol(as Cholecalciferol)“vitamin D has no significant effect on LDL-C concentrations in this population” PMID 39873663
Reviews found no effect
Reviews studied these for an outcome tied to cholesterol & triglycerides and concluded they made no difference.
- No effectnafld markers (liver enzymes, lipids, glycemic indices, obesity)
“ALA supplementation did not improve liver enzymes, lipid profiles, glycemic indices, adipocytokines, and obesity measures in patients with NAFLD.” PMID 41917882
- Top-scored productNutricost TMG Capsules2 reviews cited · harm also reported, see below92No effecthdl cholesterol
“No significant effect was observed for LDL, HDL, or TG.” PMID 31809615
- No effecthdl cholesterol
“did not regulate triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations” PMID 37344950
- Top-scored productNutricost Chlorella Capsules2 reviews cited80No effecttriglycerides
“We found that Chlorella vulgaris supplementation had a beneficial effect on TC and LDL-C levels with no significant effect on TG and HDL-C levels.” PMID 35331862
- Top-scored productPure Encapsulations DHEA 5 mg1 review cited · harm also reported, see below92No effectlipid profile (tc, ldl-c, tg)
“Overall, supplementation with DHEA did not change circulating values of TC, LDL-C and TG, whereas it may decrease HDL-C levels.” PMID 32675010
- No effectglucose and lipid metabolism markers
“The random-effects meta-analyses indicated no significant benefit of NMN on fasting glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and lipid profile.” PMID 39531138
- Top-scored productThorne Selenium2 reviews cited96No effecttotal cholesterol
“it does not significantly affect total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels” PMID 41073938 · 2 reviews
- No effectblood lipids
“However, their effects on glycemic control, diastolic blood pressure, and blood lipids other than HDL were comparable.” PMID 41521729
- No effectlipid profile and other cardiovascular risk factors
“We demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin K has no effect on anthropometrics indexes, CRP, glucose metabolism, and lipid profile factors except HOMA-IR.” PMID 38282652
Harm reported
- 1 review citedHarm reportedldl cholesterol
“DHA supplementation from algal oil, a marine source of (n-3) fatty acids not extracted from fish, may reduce serum TG and increase HDL-C and LDL-C in persons without coronary heart disease.” PMID 22113870
- Top-scored productNutricost TMG Capsules2 reviews cited92Harm reportedtotal cholesterol
“Supplementation with at least 4 g/d of betaine for a minimum of six weeks may moderately increase plasma TC, which might be important in the context of cardiovascular health.” PMID 31809615
- Top-scored productPure Encapsulations DHEA 5 mg1 review cited92Harm reportedhdl cholesterol
“Overall, supplementation with DHEA did not change circulating values of TC, LDL-C and TG, whereas it may decrease HDL-C levels.” PMID 32675010
- Top-scored productThorne Super EPA11 reviews cited92Harm reportedldl cholesterol(as Docosahexaenoic Acid as TG)
“dietary EPA/DHA supplementation improved the TG and HDL status but increased LDL levels in comparison with ALA” PMID 32175534 · 2 reviews
Harm reportedtotal cholesterol(as Docosahexaenoic Acid as TG)“total cholesterol (TC) (WMD 0.179 mmol l-1; 95% CI 0.006, 0.352)” PMID 32175534
Harm reportedldl cholesterol(as Eicosapentaenoic Acid as TG)“low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (WMD 0.130 mmol l-1; 95% CI 0.006, 0.253)” PMID 32175534 · 2 reviews
1 more review finding points the same way — see Omega-3 (fish oil, EPA, DHA).
Not enough to say
Reviews of Chromium, Lactobacillus plantarum, Mango, Phosphorus, Rice Bran could not conclude either way on cholesterol & triglycerides.
How this page is built
Each finding is the conclusion a set of systematic reviews reached on one outcome — whether an ingredient helped, made no difference, or could not be judged — with a sentence quoted from one review, checked to appear in its PubMed abstract. It records the direction, not the size, of an effect. Reviews run in populations such as people with cancer, pregnancy, surgery or children are left out, because applying them to a general reader would mislead. Evidence last refreshed September 2026. Abstracts courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed).
Other goals
Educational only. A review finding a benefit on average does not mean a supplement will help you, or that it is safe alongside your medication. If you are treated for cholesterol & triglycerides, talk to your clinician before adding anything.