Moderate evidenceHeart & metabolic

Cholesterol Support Formulas

Formulas built around plant sterols, soluble fibre and red yeast rice. The leading ingredients genuinely lower LDL, but blends often contain too little of each to reproduce the trial results.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

View on iHerb Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

What the science says

Plant sterols and stanols lower LDL Strong evidence
A meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies across dose ranges found 2–3 g/day of plant sterols or stanols lowers LDL cholesterol by roughly 9–12%, with little added benefit above 3 g/day.
Red yeast rice works because it contains a statin Moderate evidence
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials found meaningful reductions in LDL and triglycerides. The active compound, monacolin K, is chemically identical to lovastatin, and its content varies widely between products.
Most other blend ingredients rank far lower Moderate evidence
A network meta-analysis comparing nutraceuticals for lipid profile placed sterols, red yeast rice and soluble fibre above most other common blend components, several of which showed no significant LDL effect.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseFor a blend to matter it should supply about 2 g/day of plant sterols or stanols, 5–10 g/day of soluble fibre such as psyllium or beta-glucan, or a declared monacolin K content. Most combination products deliver much less.

SafetyRed yeast rice carries statin-like risks: muscle pain, liver enzyme elevation, and interactions with statins, fibrates and CYP3A4 inhibitors. It is dose-capped or restricted in several countries and should be avoided in pregnancy. Plant sterols slightly reduce carotenoid absorption and are contraindicated in sitosterolemia.

Scientific references

LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of plant sterols and stanols across different dose ranges: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled studies
Ras RT, Geleijnse JM, Trautwein EA — Br J Nutr, 2014
Impact of red yeast rice supplementation on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials
Rahmani P, Melekoglu E, Tavakoli S — Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol, 2023
A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults
Osadnik T, Goławski M, Lewandowski P — Pharmacol Res, 2022

Where to buy

View on iHerb

Ships to 180+ countries · welcome discount for new customers

Referral link — this site may earn a commission on purchases.

Related in Heart & metabolic

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Limited evidence
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) Limited evidence
Chromium Limited evidence
Potassium Strong evidence
Vanadium Limited evidence
L-Arginine Moderate evidence