Nutraceuticals in the Management of Dyslipidemia: Which, When, and for Whom? Could Nutraceuticals Help Low-Risk Individuals with Non-optimal Lipid Levels?

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to summarize the available clinical efficacy and safety data related to the most studied and used lipid-lowering nutraceuticals.

Recent findings: A growing number of meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials supports the effectiveness and tolerability of some lipid-lowering nutraceuticals such as red yeast rice, plant sterols and stanols, soluble fibers, berberine, artichoke extracts, bergamot polyphenol fraction, garlic, green tea, and spiruline. No significant safety concern has been raised for the use of such products. Association of more lipid-lowering nutraceuticals and of some nutraceuticals with lipid-lowering drugs has been tested as well. Current evidence suggests that some clinically tested lipid-lowering nutraceuticals could be safely used to improve plasma lipid levels in subjects affected by mild-to-moderate dyslipidaemia with low cardiovascular risk.

Keywords: Cholesterol; Dietary supplements; Efficacy; Low-density lipoproteins; Nutraceuticals; Safety.