Because Lovastatin regulates the synthesis of cholesterol and dietary supplement ingredients may work through other mechanisms, such as phytosterols ™ ability to decrease cholesterol absorption, further research should be done to determine if treatment of high LDL-C levels using supplements as an adjuvant to statin treatment would provide better cholesterol management, said Brandon Metzger, Ph.D., research scientist at Standard Process and lead author of the paper.

Dietary changes are well accepted as methods to improve blood cholesterol levels. In the 2004 update to their clinical guidelines, the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommended incorporating plant phytosterols into the diet and increasing soluble fiber. Growing research also suggests that polyphenols can affect cholesterol levels. Polyphenol compounds are antioxidants that are present in fruits, vegetables, and some nuts.

The study, A comparison of pectin, polyphenols, and phytosterols, alone or in combination, to lovastatin for reduction of serum lipids in familial hypercholesterolemic swine is available from the Journal of Medicinal Food.