Natural Standard uses evidence-based information to grade supplements and integrative therapies.

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Want some alternatives to statins for your high cholesterol that are more natural, but still well-researched and effective? One tool doctors use to get high-quality impartial information about supplements and vitamins for cholesterol and other health conditions is the Natural Standard database.

Natural Standard uses evidence-based information to grade supplements and integrative therapies. Grades reflect the level of available scientific data for or against the use of each therapy for a specific medical condition. Grade A means the supplement has statistically significant and “strong positive scientific evidence” of benefit from properly randomized controlled trials. Three of the top (Grade A) cholesterol-lowering vitamins and supplements are:

1. B-Vitamins, Especially Folate and Niacin. Among the 3 top vitamins for cholesterol are these two B vitamins:

• Niacin is a B vitamin that, when taken in dosages much higher than can be obtained through the diet, produces numerous beneficial effects on cholesterol. Multiple studies show that niacin significantly lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and increases levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.[1] It also shifts the cholesterol profile toward a less atherosclerosis-inducing pattern by reducing concentrations the most dangerous types of LDL particles.[2] The most commonly recommended form of niacin vitamins for cholesterol-lowering is extended release, starting with 500 mg and gradually working up to 2000 mg per day in divided doses. Niacin at these high doses can be hard on the liver and therefore it is recommended you consult with your healthcare provider before starting these cholesterol-lowering vitamins.
• Taking the B vitamin folate (folic acid) won’t directly lower your cholesterol but it will directly lower homocysteine if it’s high. Like LDL cholesterol, homocysteine is a compound in the body considered a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. With the help of vitamins B6 and B12, folate significantly lowers homocysteine levels , making it one of the top vitamins for cholesterol. The dose of folate required to lower homocysteine varies from person to person, depending on genetics and how high your homocysteine levels are to start with, but generally is around 2-5 mg per day, which is a much higher dose than the U.S. RDA of 400 micrograms.

Which other supplements and vitamins for cholesterol received a grade “A”? Are any of YOUR supplements among the best? Read part two of this article and find out!

[1] Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2007;3(4):467-79.

[2] Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2012 Aug;10(4):260-6.

[3] High cholesterol—Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph

This post originally appeared in 2013 and has been updated.