Prof. Jeanine Roeters van Lennep provides a brief update on the new 2025 update to guidelines on Supplements Vitamins, LDL Cholesterol and CVD
Prof. Jeanine Roeters van Lennep. Professor Cardiovascular Prevention at Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The Focused Update also reviewed available evidence since 2019 on the use of supplements and vitamins to reduce LDL cholesterol. No evidence of a supplement or vitamin that is both safe and effective was found, so the Focused Update does not support the use of dietary supplements or vitamins to lower LDL cholesterol levels with the aim of reducing cardiovascular risk. “We know that some patients worry about taking statins, often due to misinformation that they have read online. This causes some people to seek out alternative remedies such as supplements and vitamins,” Prof Jeanine Roeters van Lennep said.
“We searched the available evidence and did not find any supplements or vitamins that are both safe and effective with a significant beneficial effect on cardiovascular prognosis. In fact, one of the supplements, red rice yeast, has been banned by the European Union at dosages that could potentially have an effect on LDL cholesterol after it was linked to deaths. We urge anyone concerned about their cholesterol levels to speak to a medical professional for advice rather than taking any chances with their health,” Prof Jeanine Roeters van Lennep concluded. The Focused Update endorses previous guidance that a healthy dietary habit, such as consuming low levels of saturated fat, wholegrain products, vegetables, fruit and fish, can lower LDL cholesterol levels.
