Current 28 - Rosuvastatin Better Than Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol

Summary

Statins are more effective in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) than common supplements, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study compared the lipid-lowering effects of a daily dose of rosuvastatin 5 mg versus six commonly used supplements: fish oil, cinnamon, garlic, turmeric, plant sterols, and red yeast rice.¹

Study participants had a baseline LDL-C between 70 and 189 mg/dL and a calculated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score of 5% to 20%. Participants were randomized to one of eight treatment groups (statin vs. placebo vs. each supplement). After 28 days of treatment, the percent reduction of LDL-C from baseline was -37.9% with rosuvastatin and -2.6% with placebo, and for the supplements ranged from -6.6% to +5.1%, p < 0.001. Adverse events were similar across all groups. Study limitations included a short study interval, a small sample size (n=190), and a lack of diversity in demographics (89% of participants were non-Hispanic White).

When faced with a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia or elevated heart disease risk, many patients seek out supplements, which are usually marketed as heart-healthy, despite a lack of evidence of efficacy.² These study findings can be included in patient discussions about the risks and benefits of rosuvastatin versus common supplements.

Sources

¹Laffin LJ, Bruemmer D, Garcia M, et al. Comparative effects of low-dose rosuvastatin, placebo, and dietary supplements on lipids and inflammatory biomarkers. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023;81(1):1-12. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2022.10.013.

²Tarn DM, Pletcher MJ, Tosqui R, et al. Primary nonadherence to statin medications: survey of patient perspectives. Prev Med Rep. 2021;22:101357. doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101357.