Protocol · Cardiovascular
Atherosclerosis Protocol
Berberine and Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) are the core of this stack, with 4 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Atherosclerosis.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · 2 graded · 1 confirmed study
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Berberine | Amount listed: 500 mg three times daily | Activates AMPK to reduce LDL cholesterol, inhibits PCSK9, and reduces arterial inflammation
| Grade C for C-Reactive Protein (CRP)120 people | ||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA/DHA daily | Reduces triglycerides, stabilizes plaque, and decreases vascular inflammation | Not graded yet | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Aged Garlic Extract | Amount listed: 1,200–2,400 mg daily | Reduces arterial plaque progression and improves endothelial function via H2S signaling | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Aged Garlic Extract (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Vitamin K2 (MK-7) | Amount listed: 180–200 mcg daily | Activates matrix Gla protein (MGP) to prevent arterial calcification | Not graded yet | ||
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | Amount listed: 1,000–2,000 mg daily (extended-release) | Raises HDL cholesterol, lowers LDL and Lp(a), and has anti-inflammatory effects
| Grade C for Apolipoprotein A1 study · 3,196 people | ||
| Coenzyme Q10 | Amount listed: 200–300 mg daily | Protects LDL from oxidation and supports endothelial function | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
Support alongside medical care. These supplements are not a treatment for Atherosclerosis. If you are being treated for it, talk to your clinician before adding one: supplements can interact with medicines.
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade C
- Grade C
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Atherosclerosis is the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaques in arteries, driven by inflammation, oxidized LDL, and arterial calcification. This protocol targets all three mechanisms.
- Berberine is as effective as statins for lowering LDL cholesterol (15-20% reduction) but works through different mechanisms—it activates AMPK and increases LDL receptor expression. It also reduces arterial inflammation.
- Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) reduce triglycerides by 25-30%, stabilize existing plaques (making them less likely to rupture), and reduce the inflammation that drives plaque formation. The REDUCE-IT trial showed high-dose EPA reduced cardiovascular events by 25%.
- Aged garlic extract has been shown in CT imaging studies to slow plaque progression by 80% compared to placebo over 12 months.
- Vitamin K2 directs calcium away from arteries and into bones. Low K2 status is associated with arterial calcification.
- Niacin raises HDL ("good" cholesterol) and is the only agent that significantly lowers Lp(a), an independent risk factor.
- CoQ10 protects LDL particles from oxidation—it's oxidized LDL that gets deposited in artery walls.
Expected timeline: Lipid improvements in 4-8 weeks. Plaque stabilization/regression requires 12+ months of consistent use.