Condition

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Coronary artery disease is a buildup of plaque in the heart's arteries that narrows them, reduces blood flow and raises heart attack risk. Omega-3s and coenzyme Q10 have the strongest standing, yet small trials found coenzyme Q10 raised antioxidant enzyme activity, and fish oil gave mixed results for atrial fibrillation after bypass surgery. Those studies were few and small, so the evidence behind them is limited.

Sources: PMID 21996047; PMID 28419884

Supplements studied: 24
Graded outcomes: 23
Trials: 38
People studied: 56,497

Evidence by supplement

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

24 supplements

Probiotics

Probiotics: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Mixed effect		2 studies	164 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effect of probiotics on C-reactive protein levels in schizophrenia: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med · PMID 39798817 Probiotic Supplementation and Inflammatory Status in Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Microorganisms · PMID 41156763
	Glutathione (GSH)	Improves (the measure goes up)		120 people
	Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)		120 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		164 people
	Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)		120 people

Curcumin

Curcumin: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	18 studies	40 people
Studies that measured blood glucose The Effect of Antioxidant Polyphenol Supplementation on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Nutrients · 2024 · PMID 39683599 Curcumin alleviates postprandial glycaemic response in healthy subjects: A cross-over, randomized controlled studySci Rep · 2018 · PMID 30209353 Effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) on postprandial plasma glucose and insulin in healthy subjectsNutr J · 2010 · PMID 20937162 and 15 more on the Curcumin page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	40 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Effect of different curcuminoid supplement dosages on total in vivo antioxidant capacity and cholesterol levels of healthy human subjectsPhytother Res · 2011 · PMID 21796707 Effect of NCB-02, atorvastatin and placebo on endothelial function, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, 8-week studyDrugs R D · 2008 · PMID 18588355 Curcuminoids modify lipid profile in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trialComplement Ther Med · PMID 28735818 and 6 more on the Curcumin page
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		5 studies	40 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) The effects of curcumin supplementation on liver enzymes, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 30610213 Treatment of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Curcumin: A Randomized Placebo-controlled TrialPhytother Res · PMID 27270872 Nano-curcumin improves glucose indices, lipids, inflammation, and Nesfatin in overweight and obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trialNutr Metab · PMID 30705687 and 2 more on the Curcumin page
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	40 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on lipid profile: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 37230418 Bread enriched with phytosterols with or without curcumin modulates lipoprotein profiles in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. A randomised controlled trialFood Funct · PMID 30990213 The Effect of Curcumin on some of Traditional and Non-traditional Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Pilot Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled TrialIran J Pharm Res · PMID 25901155 and 1 more on the Curcumin page
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
	vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			40 people

Saffron

Blood glucose: improves
Weight: improves
Triglycerides: improves

Saffron: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	6 studies	84 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effects of Crocus sativus on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Nutr Metab · PMID 38796446 The effect of hydroalcoholic Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) extract on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver, and renal function tests in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blind clinical trialPhytother Res · PMID 30942510 Effects of Cinnamon, Cardamom, Saffron, and Ginger Consumption on Markers of Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes PatientsRev Diabet Stud · PMID 26177486 and 3 more on the Saffron page
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	84 people
Studies that measured weight Satiereal, a Crocus sativus L extract, reduces snacking and increases satiety in a randomized placebo-controlled study of mildly overweight, healthy womenNutr Res · PMID 20579522 A placebo controlled randomized clinical trial of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) on depression and food craving among overweight women with mild to moderate depressionJ Clin Pharm Ther · PMID 31602695 Effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in overweight and obese patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 35866520
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	84 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Saffron and crocin improved appetite, dietary intakes and body composition in patients with coronary artery diseaseJ Cardiovasc Thorac Res · PMID 29391933 The effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) hydroalcoholic extract on metabolic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A triple-blinded randomized clinical trialJ Res Med Sci · PMID 29531568
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	84 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) The effect of saffron on weight and lipid profile: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and dose-response of randomized clinical trialsPhytother Res · PMID 31264281
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)			84 people
	Satiety	Improves (the measure goes up)			84 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
	vLDL-C	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
	Waist circumference	Improves (the measure goes down)			84 people
	Waist-Hip Ratio	Improves (the measure goes up)			84 people

Flaxseed

Blood glucose: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Triglycerides: improves

Flaxseed: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	309 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Flaxseed supplementation on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 randomized, placebo-controlled trials.Nutr Rev · PMID 29228348 Flaxseed supplementation significantly reduces hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Nutr Res · PMID 36640581 Effect of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) supplementation on glycemic control and insulin resistance in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Complement Ther Med · PMID 35843472
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	2,520 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effects of Flaxseed Interventions on Circulating Inflammatory Biomarkers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Adv Nutr · PMID 31115436 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on markers of inflammation and endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cytokine · PMID 31739218 Effects of flaxseed supplementation on weight loss, lipid profiles, glucose, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Clin Cardiol · PMID 38269632 and 1 more on the Flaxseed page
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	309 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Meta-analysis of the effects of flaxseed interventions on blood lipidsAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19515737 Effects of Flaxseed on Blood Lipids in Healthy and Dyslipidemic Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Probl Cardiol · PMID 34384619 Effect of flaxseed supplementation on lipid profile: An updated systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of sixty-two randomized controlled trials.Pharmacol Res · PMID 31899314
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			309 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,520 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			309 people
	sE-Selectin	Improves (the measure goes up)			2,520 people
	sICAM-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			2,520 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,520 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			309 people

Magnesium

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Serum Magnesium: improves
Homocysteine: improves

Magnesium: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	3 studies	64 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Inflammatory Parameters: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled TrialsNutrients · PMID 35277037 Magnesium supplementation improves indicators of low magnesium status and inflammatory stress in adults older than 51 years with poor quality sleepMagnes Res · PMID 21199787 The effect of long-term magnesium intake on inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Nutr · PMID 41245414
	Serum Magnesium	Improves (the measure goes up)		6 studies	64 people
Studies that measured serum magnesium Oral magnesium supplementation improves insulin sensitivity in non-diabetic subjects with insulin resistance. A double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial.Diabetes Metab · PMID 15223977 Short-Term Magnesium Therapy Alleviates Moderate Stress in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.Nutrients · PMID 35631229 The effect of magnesium supplementation on primary insomnia in elderly: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trialJ Res Med Sci · PMID 23853635 and 3 more on the Magnesium page
	Homocysteine	Improves (the measure goes down)			64 people

Coenzyme Q10

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile: improves
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves

Coenzyme Q10: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	2 studies	103 people
Studies that measured anti-oxidant enzyme profile Effect of Coenzyme Q10 supplementation on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidative stress of seminal plasma: a double-blind randomised clinical trialAndrologia · PMID 23289958 Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduces oxidative stress and increase antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with coronary artery diseaseNutrition · PMID 21996047
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		9 studies	247 people
Studies that measured oxidative stress biomarkers Oxidative stress correlates with headache symptoms in fibromyalgia: coenzyme Q₁₀ effect on clinical improvementPLoS One · PMID 22532869 Coenzyme Q10 supplementation alleviates pain in pregabalin-treated fibromyalgia patients via reducing brain activity and mitochondrial dysfunctionFree Radic Res · PMID 31387429 Reversal of mitochondrial dysfunction by coenzyme Q10 supplement improves endothelial function in patients with ischaemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction: a randomized controlled trialAtherosclerosis · PMID 21388622 and 6 more on the Coenzyme Q10 page
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	144 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Metabolic Indicators in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Clin Ther · PMID 39904656 Effectiveness of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisInt J Endocrinol · PMID 30305810 Treatment of coenzyme Q10 for 24 weeks improves lipid and glycemic profile in dyslipidemic individualsJ Clin Lipidol · PMID 29454678 and 1 more on the Coenzyme Q10 page
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	60 people
Studies that measured interleukin 6 Oral coenzyme Q10 supplementation in patients with migraine: Effects on clinical features and inflammatory markersNutr Neurosci · PMID 29298622 The effects of coenzyme Q10 supplementation on cardiometabolic markers in overweight type 2 diabetic patients with stable myocardial infarction: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialARYA Atheroscler · PMID 28149310
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	144 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Lipid Profiles in Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.J Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 36337001 The Effects of Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on Metabolic Profiles of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Curr Pharm Des · PMID 30417782
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	144 people
	Cardiovascular Disease Mortality	Improves (the measure goes down)			144 people
	Endogenous Advanced Glycation End Products	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
	Lipoprotein(a)	Improves (the measure goes up)			60 people
	Plasma Vitamin C	Improves (the measure goes up)			144 people
	Plasma Vitamin E	Improves (the measure goes up)			144 people
	Stroke Risk	Changes; see studies			144 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			144 people

Fish Oil

Atrial Fibrillation Incidence
Triglycerides: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Fish Oil: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
	Atrial Fibrillation Incidence Mixed effect		1 study	401 people
Studies that measured atrial fibrillation incidence Fish oil supplementation for primary prevention of atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized clinical trialInt J Surg · PMID 28419884
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)	24 studies	20 people
Studies that measured triglycerides Effects of a Small Quantity of omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cardiovascular Risk Factors in NIDDM. A Randomized, Prospective, Double-Blind, Controlled StudyDiabetes Care · PMID 8112187 Benefits of fish oil supplementation in hyperlipidemia: a systematic review and meta-analysisInt J Cardiol · PMID 18774613 Efficacy and tolerability of adding prescription omega-3 fatty acids 4 g/d to simvastatin 40 mg/d in hypertriglyceridemic patients: an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studyClin Ther · PMID 17825687 and 21 more on the Fish Oil page
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)	7 studies	20 people
Studies that measured high-density lipoprotein (hdl) Combined effects of aerobic exercise and omega-3 fatty acids in hyperlipidemic personsMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 2691812 Dietary fish oil decreases C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and triacylglycerol to HDL-cholesterol ratio in postmenopausal women on HRTJ Nutr Biochem · PMID 14505813 Supplementation with omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and all-rac alpha-tocopherol alone and in combination failed to exert an anti-inflammatory effect in human volunteersMetabolism · PMID 14767877 and 4 more on the Fish Oil page
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)	4 studies	84 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Intake of n-3 fatty acids from fish does not lower serum concentrations of C-reactive protein in healthy subjectsEur J Clin Nutr · PMID 15100717 The effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids on serum concentrations of C-reactive protein: a dose-response studyBr J Nutr · PMID 12654170 Effect of Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on markers of platelet and endothelial function in patients with peripheral arterial diseaseAtherosclerosis · PMID 22296885 and 1 more on the Fish Oil page
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)	2 studies	20 people
Studies that measured blood pressure A systematic review of fish-oil supplements for the prevention and treatment of hypertensionEur J Prev Cardiolog · PMID 22345681 Blood pressure decrease with ingestion of a soya product (kinako) or fish oil in women with the metabolic syndrome: role of adiponectin and nitric oxideBr J Nutr · PMID 22313793
	HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)	2 studies	20 people
	Kidney Function	Improves (the measure goes up)	1 study	262 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)	1 study	20 people
	Platelet Aggregation	Changes; see studies	1 study	50 people
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		20 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		20 people

Resveratrol

Blood Flow: improves
Blood glucose: improves
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves

Resveratrol: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Flow Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	40 people
Studies that measured blood flow Cardioprotection by resveratrol: A human clinical trial in patients with stable coronary artery diseaseClin Hemorheol Microcirc · PMID 22240353
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		7 studies	871 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Effect of resveratrol on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials.Am J Clin Nutr · PMID 24695890 Resveratrol supplementation and type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysisCrit Rev Food Sci Nutr · PMID 33480264 Influence of Age and Dose on the Effect of Resveratrol for Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Molecules · PMID 36014469 and 4 more on the Resveratrol page
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	147 people
Studies that measured c-reactive protein (crp) Evidence-based nutritional and pharmacological interventions targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in middle-age and older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ageing Res Rev · PMID 29803716 Can resveratrol supplement change inflammatory mediators? A systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized clinical trials.Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 30013206 The effects of resveratrol supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Food Funct · PMID 30426122
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	911 people
Studies that measured total cholesterol The effects of resveratrol on glycemic control and cardiometabolic parameters in patients with T2DM: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Med Clin · PMID 34666902 Effect of Resveratrol on Blood Lipid Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Obesity · PMID 30569644
	Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	1,034 people
Studies that measured vascular function Resveratrol supplementation efficiently improves endothelial health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Phytother Res · PMID 35833325 The Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Blood Pressures Among Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev · PMID 31264084
	Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	871 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			871 people
	Insulin Resistance	Improves (the measure goes down)			871 people
	Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1	Changes; see studies			1,034 people
	Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			225 people
	Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			911 people
	Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			1,034 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			658 people

Pycnogenol

Blood Flow: improves
Blood Pressure: changes; see studies
Heart Rate: changes; see studies

Pycnogenol: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Flow Moderate Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Moderate effect	1 study	23 people
Studies that measured blood flow Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, augments endothelium-dependent vasodilation in humansHypertens Res · PMID 18037769
	Blood Pressure	Changes; see studies		2 studies	23 people
Studies that measured blood pressure Effect of Pycnogenol on Blood Pressure: Findings From a PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical StudiesAngiology · PMID 31763928 Pycnogenol, French maritime pine bark extract, improves endothelial function of hypertensive patientsLife Sci · PMID 14659974
	Heart Rate	Changes; see studies		1 study	23 people
Studies that measured heart rate Effects of Pycnogenol on endothelial function in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over studyEur Heart J · PMID 22240497
	C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Changes; see studies			23 people
	Inflammation	Changes; see studies			23 people
	Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Changes; see studies			23 people

Terminalia Arjuna

Heart Size: improves
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction: improves
Liver Enzymes: changes; see studies

Terminalia Arjuna: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Heart Size Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	10 people
Studies that measured heart size Beneficial effects of Terminalia arjuna in coronary artery diseaseIndian Heart J · PMID 9505018
	Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect	1 study	10 people
Studies that measured left ventricular ejection fraction Salutary effect of Terminalia Arjuna in patients with severe refractory heart failureInt J Cardiol · PMID 7649665
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			10 people

Pterostilbene

Blood Pressure: improves
Weight: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): worsens

Pterostilbene: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Pressure Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		80 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	80 people
Studies that measured weight Pterostilbene on metabolic parameters: a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trialEvid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 25057276
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Small Detriment	Worsens (the measure goes down)	Small effect		80 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			80 people

Vitamin D

Body Fat: improves
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease: improves

Vitamin D: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Body Fat Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		165 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	165 people
Studies that measured low-density lipoprotein (ldl) Vitamin D3 supplementation does not modify cardiovascular risk profile of adults with inadequate vitamin D statusEur J Nutr · 2015 · PMID 26621634 The effect of vitamin D supplementation on clinical symptoms and metabolic profiles in patients with endometriosisGynecol Endocrinol · PMID 33508990 Vitamin D supplementation enhances the beneficial effects of weight loss on cardiovascular disease risk markersAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321573
	Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	2,988 people
Studies that measured risk of cardiovascular disease Effect of vitamin D supplementation for major adverse cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis based on randomised controlled trials.Br J Nutr · 2025 · PMID 40685646 Systematic review: Vitamin D and calcium supplementation in prevention of cardiovascular eventsAnn Intern Med · PMID 20194238 Independent association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin d levels with all-cause and cardiovascular mortalityArch Intern Med · PMID 18574092
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	165 people
Studies that measured weight Can Vitamin D supplementation enhance the effectiveness of exercise-induced weight loss in overweight or obese adults? Evidence from integrated transcriptomic and meta-analysisFront Nutr · PMID 41098796 Effect of vitamin D supplementation on body composition, lipid profile, and glycemic indices in patients with obesity-associated metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40682197
	Parathyroid Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	165 people
Studies that measured parathyroid hormone Effect of vitamin D supplementation, directly or via breast milk for term infants, on serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D and related biochemistry, and propensity to infection: a randomised placebo-controlled trialBr J Nutr · PMID 27184759
	Metabolic Rate	Improves (the measure goes up)			165 people
	TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			165 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			165 people

Berberine

C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Total cholesterol: improves
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves

Berberine: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect		120 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	689 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	589 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	689 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)			240 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			689 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)			240 people

D-Ribose

Angina: improves
ATP Regeneration: improves
Exercise Capacity: improves

D-Ribose: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Angina Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		20 people
ATP Regeneration	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	15 people
Exercise Capacity	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	35 people
Atrial Contribution To Left Ventricular Filling	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
E wave deceleration time	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
End-Systolic Volume	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
Exercise Tolerance	Improves (the measure goes up)			35 people
Left Atrial Dimension	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
Left Ventricular Diastolic Dimension	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people
Quality of Life	Improves (the measure goes up)			15 people

Betaine

Apolipoprotein A: improves
Homocysteine: changes; see studies
Fibrinogen: improves

Betaine: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		27 people
Homocysteine	Changes; see studies		4 studies	27 people
Fibrinogen	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	27 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies		1 study	27 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people
LDL Oxidation	Changes; see studies			27 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			27 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Changes; see studies			27 people
Plasminogen Inhibitor-1	Improves (the measure goes up)			27 people

Ginkgo Biloba

Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile
Atherosclerotic Signs: improves
Nitric Oxide: improves

Ginkgo Biloba: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Studies	People
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme Profile Mixed effect			8 people
Atherosclerotic Signs	Improves (the measure goes up)	1 study	8 people
Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)	1 study	8 people
Apolipoprotein A	Improves (the measure goes up)		8 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		8 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		8 people
LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)		8 people
Myeloperoxidase	Improves (the measure goes up)		8 people

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): improves
Weight: improves

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect	6 studies	61 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	61 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	61 people

Vitamin E

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers: improves
Total cholesterol: improves

Vitamin E: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	35 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	70 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	35 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	35 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			35 people

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
Total cholesterol: improves
Heart Attack Risk: changes; see studies

Niacin (Vitamin B3): outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Cardiovascular Disease Mortality No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	2,840 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	2,840 people
Heart Attack Risk	Changes; see studies			2,840 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			2,840 people

Cocoa Extract

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Platelet Aggregation: changes; see studies

Cocoa Extract: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	28 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		13 studies	28 people
Platelet Aggregation	Changes; see studies		2 studies	28 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			28 people

Rose Hip

Adiponectin
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): improves
Glycemic Control: improves

Rose Hip: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Adiponectin No effect		NoneNo effect		31 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	31 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	31 people
Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
HbA1c	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			31 people
Insulin	Changes; see studies			31 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			31 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people

L-Carnitine

Apolipoprotein A
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): improves
Total cholesterol: improves

L-Carnitine: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Apolipoprotein A No effect		NoneNo effect		47 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)		12 studies	47 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)		6 studies	47 people
Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)		4 studies	47 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	75 people
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers	Improves (the measure goes down)		3 studies	75 people
Interleukin 6	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	47 people
TNF-Alpha	Improves (the measure goes down)		2 studies	47 people
Blood Pressure	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	75 people
Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	75 people
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	47 people
Myeloperoxidase	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	75 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	75 people
Apolipoprotein B	Improves (the measure goes down)			47 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			47 people
Superoxide Dismutase Activity	Improves (the measure goes up)			47 people
Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC)	Improves (the measure goes up)			75 people

Creatine

Homocysteine: improves

Creatine: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Homocysteine	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	19 people

Black seed

Vascular Function: improves

Black seed: outcomes studied for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Vascular Function	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	146 people

Key findings

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Probiotics
Blood glucoseCurcuminImproves (the measure goes down)
Anti-Oxidant Enzyme ProfileCoenzyme Q10Improves (the measure goes up)

The Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) protocol

2 primary supplements · 2 supporting supplements

Omega-3 Fatty Acids2–4 g EPA/DHA daily
Coenzyme Q10100–300 mg daily

See the full protocol

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Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.

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Studies cited

8 studies from PubMed

Comparison of isocaloric very low carbohydrate/high saturated fat and high carbohydrate/low saturated fat diets on body composition and cardiovascular riskNutr Metab · PMID 16403234
The effects of time-released garlic powder tablets on multifunctional cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary artery diseaseLipids Health Dis · PMID 20958974
Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) oil on exercise tolerance in patients with coronary artery diseaseIndian J Physiol Pharmacol · PMID 15881870
Effect of ingestion of purple grape juice on endothelial function in patients with coronary heart diseaseAm J Cardiol · PMID 11524068
The antiinflammatory effects of purple grape juice consumption in subjects with stable coronary artery diseaseArterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol · PMID 15528483
Antioxidant effect of virgin olive oil in patients with stable coronary heart disease: a randomized, crossover, controlled, clinical trialAtherosclerosis · PMID 15939067
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Vegan Diet Versus the American Heart Association-Recommended Diet in Coronary Artery Disease TrialJ Am Heart Assoc · PMID 30571591
Plant-based, no-added-fat or American Heart Association diets: impact on cardiovascular risk in obese children with hypercholesterolemia and their parentsJ Pediatr · PMID 25684089

Evidence by supplement

Key findings

The Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) protocol

Shop the evidence-backed picks

Studies cited

Related conditions

Supplement stack for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)