The following is a summary of “Comparative Effects of Low-Dose Rosuvastatin, Placebo, and Dietary Supplements on Lipids and Inflammatory Biomarkers,” published in the January 2023 issue of Cardiology by Laffin, et al.

Supplements were often used by people with lipid-lowering therapeutic reasons. However, there was little proof of their ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), especially when compared to statins.

For a study, researchers sought to examine the effects on lipid and inflammatory biomarkers of a low-dose statin, a placebo, and six popular supplements.

An adult population without a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with an LDL-C range of 70 to 189 mg/dL and an elevated 10-year risk of ASCVD participated in this single-center, prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical research. The participants were randomly assigned to receive red yeast rice, fish oil, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, plant sterols, or rosuvastatin 5 mg daily. The main objective was the percentage change in LDL-C from baseline for rosuvastatin 5 mg daily compared to placebo and each supplement after 28 days. Analyses of covariance were used to analyze the primary endpoint in a hierarchical manner, starting with rosuvastatin and comparing it to a placebo before moving on to each supplement in the prescribed order.

About 190 people finished the study in total. Rosuvastatin had a larger percentage LDL-C decrease than all other supplements combined and the placebo (P< 0.001). LDL-C was reduced by −35.2% (95% CI: −41.3% to −29.1%; P < 0.001) with rosuvastatin compared to placebo. In comparison to the placebo, none of the dietary supplements showed a discernible reduced in LDL-C. In all research groups, adverse event rates were comparable.

Rosuvastatin 5 mg daily significantly reduced LDL-C more than placebo, fish oil, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, plant sterols, and red yeast rice in those with a higher 10-year risk for ASCVD.

Reference: jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.10.013