Protocol · Cardiovascular
Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol & Triglycerides) Protocol
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Berberine 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 Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol & Triglycerides).
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
6 supplements · 5 graded · 2 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Amount listed: 2–4 g EPA/DHA daily (for triglycerides) | Reduces triglyceride synthesis in liver, increases VLDL clearance, and modestly raises HDL
| Grade D for Apolipoprotein A81 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Omega-3 Fatty Acids (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Berberine | Amount listed: 500 mg 2–3× daily with meals | Inhibits PCSK9 to increase LDL receptor expression, activates AMPK to reduce lipid synthesis
| Grade B for Apolipoprotein B127 people | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Soluble Fiber (Beta-glucan/Psyllium) | Amount listed: 5–15 g daily (including 3 g beta-glucan) | Binds bile acids in intestine, forcing liver to use cholesterol for new bile acid synthesis
| Grade C for Blood glucose1 study · 58 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Soluble Fiber (Beta-glucan/Psyllium) (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Plant Sterols/Stanols | Amount listed: 2–3 g daily with meals | Compete with cholesterol for intestinal absorption, reducing dietary and biliary cholesterol uptake | Not graded yet | ||
| Red Yeast Rice | Amount listed: 1,200–2,400 mg daily (providing 3–10 mg monacolin K) | Contains monacolin K (natural lovastatin) that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase
| Grade D for Apolipoprotein A1,012 people | ||
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | Amount listed: 1–2 g daily (extended-release, with monitoring) | Inhibits lipolysis in adipose tissue, reduces VLDL secretion, and raises HDL significantly
| Grade C for Apolipoprotein A1 study · 157 people | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
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
The supplement in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade B
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal blood lipid levels—high LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol'), high triglycerides, or low HDL cholesterol ('good cholesterol'). These abnormalities significantly increase cardiovascular disease risk. While statins are the gold standard for high LDL, several supplements have strong evidence for improving lipid profiles, especially for those who can't tolerate statins or need additional lipid-lowering.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids are the most effective supplement for lowering triglycerides. At doses of 2-4g daily, they can reduce triglycerides by 15-30%. The REDUCE-IT trial showed that high-dose EPA (4g/day) also reduced cardiovascular events. They work by reducing the liver's production of triglyceride-rich VLDL particles. Effects on LDL and HDL are modest.
- Berberine is remarkably effective for dyslipidemia—it can lower LDL cholesterol by 20-25%, similar to a low-dose statin. It works through a unique mechanism: inhibiting PCSK9, which increases the number of LDL receptors on liver cells that remove LDL from the blood. It also activates AMPK, reducing cholesterol and triglyceride synthesis.
- Soluble Fiber (Beta-glucan/Psyllium) lowers LDL cholesterol by binding bile acids in the intestine. The liver must then use cholesterol to make new bile acids, reducing circulating LDL. The FDA allows health claims for oat beta-glucan—3g daily can lower LDL by 5-10%.
- Plant Sterols/Stanols are structurally similar to cholesterol and compete with it for absorption. Taking 2-3g daily with meals can reduce LDL by 6-15%. They're often added to margarine spreads and yogurt drinks.
- Red Yeast Rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the statin lovastatin. It can lower LDL by 15-25%. However, quality varies widely between products—some contain little active ingredient, others have high levels plus potential contaminants.
- Niacin (Vitamin B3) is the most effective supplement for raising HDL—it can increase HDL by 15-35%. It also lowers triglycerides and LDL. However, it causes flushing in most people, and the extended-release form is better tolerated.
Expected timeline: Omega-3 effects on triglycerides visible in 4-6 weeks. LDL reductions from berberine, fiber, and sterols appear in 4-8 weeks. Retest lipid panel after 8-12 weeks of supplementation.