Specific natural supplements effectively lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol
the verdict
CONTESTED
the evidence cuts both ways
confidence 22/100
While some specific natural supplements and functional foods (such as monacolin K or pomegranate juice) show positive effects on lipid parameters in clinical studies, other supplements (like creatine or certain fatty acids) demonstrate neutral or inconclusive effects, making the claim contested depending on the specific substance used.
The evidence we hold leans evenly split
How this was weighed
official record 3x · fact-check 2x · hedged 1x · crowd & reference 1x
Impact of Monacolin K-Containing Supplements on Lipid Profil · peer-reviewed · supports · weight 1.05 · 2026
The Effect of <i>Ipomoea batatas</i> on Glycemic · peer-reviewed · supports · weight 1 · 2026
The Role of Anthocyanins, Curcumin, and Resveratrol in the P · peer-reviewed · supports · weight 1 · 2026
Pomegranate juice consumption and lipid profile: An updated · peer-reviewed · supports · weight 1 · 2026
Impact of Monacolin K-Containing Supplements on Lipid Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials.
2026 · cited by 1
A meta-analysis demonstrates that monacolin K-containing supplements are effective in lowering LDL cholesterol.
Evidence against · 3
Palmitoleic (16:1 n-7) acid and metabolic health: integrating observational, clinical, and mechanistic evidence.
2026 · cited by 0
A review notes that short-term trials of purified palmitoleic acid supplementation have generally reported neutral effects on standard fasting lipids.
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More for · 3
The Effect of <i>Ipomoea batatas</i> on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profiles in Animal Models: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
2026 · cited by 0
A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models shows that sweet potato supplementation significantly decreases LDL-C and increases HDL-C.
The Role of Anthocyanins, Curcumin, and Resveratrol in the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review.
2026 · cited by 0
A systematic review indicates that certain antioxidants and polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, are associated with improvements in HDL cholesterol.
Pomegranate juice consumption and lipid profile: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.
2026 · cited by 0
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials finds that pomegranate juice consumption is associated with reductions in LDL-C and increases in HDL-C.
More against · 2
Does creatine affect lipid profile? a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.
2026 · cited by 0
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials reveals that creatine supplementation does not have clinically relevant or statistically significant effects on lipid profiles.
Efficacy of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Lipid and Glycemic Profile in Type 1 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
2026 · cited by 0
A systematic review and meta-analysis in type 1 diabetes found no significant effect of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on LDL-C.