Coronary heart disease
Supplements studied for coronary heart disease.
Overview
Coronary heart disease prevention research here emphasizes dietary fibers and fats. Beta-Glucan from oats and barley at about 3.6 g daily within a low saturated-fat diet may lower LDL cholesterol and heart disease risk. Oats similarly require roughly 3.6 g daily fiber intake for reliable benefit signals.
Oleic-acid–rich oils such as olive, high-oleic sunflower, and canola may reduce heart disease risk when replacing saturated fats. Black Tea associations with CHD are uncertain and may differ in healthy versus affected populations. Berberine evidence comes mainly from combination products improving lipids in statin-intolerant patients. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
| Oats | ★★★★★ | High |
| Oleic Acid | ★★★★★ | Medium |
| Beta-Glucan | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Berberine | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Reishi | ★★★★★ | Low |
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
7 supplements for and rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.
OatsView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Eating more oats, which contain fiber, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
- However, a minimum intake of around 3.6 grams of fiber per day is needed to see a reliable benefit.
Browse 14 studies·2 meta-analyses
RCTThe Prebiotic Effects of Oats on Blood Lipids, Gut Microbiota, and Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Subjects Compared With Rice: A Randomized, Controlled Trial2021n=210
In 210 mildly hypercholesterolemic Chinese adults, 80 g/day oats for 45 days reduced total and non-HDL cholesterol more than rice and shifted gut microbiota toward taxa linked to lower LDL.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 45 days
- Dose
- 80 g/day oats
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 210
- Ages
- 18–65
RCTOats and soy in lipid-lowering diets for women with hypercholesterolemia: is there synergy?2001n=127
In 127 postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia, oats plus soy did not show clear synergy beyond Step I diet effects on total or LDL cholesterol over 6 weeks.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 2 servings/day oats
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 127
MetaCholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis1999
A meta-analysis of 67 controlled trials found 2–10 g/day soluble fiber (pectin, oat bran, guar, psyllium) significantly lowered total cholesterol (~0.045 mmol/L per g) and LDL cholesterol (~0.057 mmol/L per g).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 2–10 g/day
- Population
- Adults
ObservationalDietary fiber, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in young adults1999n=2,909
In 2,909 CARDIA participants followed 10 years, higher dietary fiber intake was linearly associated with lower body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, and fasting insulin in both black and white young adults.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 10 years
- Population
- Young adults
- Participants
- 2,909
- Ages
- 18–30
GuideFiber, lipids, and coronary heart disease. A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee, American Heart Association1997
An American Heart Association scientific statement summarized evidence that dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, improves lipid profiles and may lower coronary heart disease risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
RCTIntake of dietary fiber and risk of coronary heart disease in a cohort of Finnish men. The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study1996n=635
In 21,930 Finnish smoking men followed 6.1 years, highest total fiber intake (median 34.8 g/day) was associated with 31% lower coronary death risk versus the lowest quintile (16.1 g/day), independent of other risk factors.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6.1 years
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 635
- Ages
- 50–69
ObservationalVegetable, fruit, and cereal fiber intake and risk of coronary heart disease among men1996n=43,757
In 43,757 US male health professionals followed 6 years, men in the highest fiber quintile (28.9 g/day) had 41% lower fatal CHD risk than those in the lowest quartile (12.4 g/day).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 years
- Dose
- 28.9 g/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 43,757
- Ages
- 40–75
ObservationalOats and buckwheat intakes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in an ethnic minority of China1995n=850
In 850 Yi adults in China, 100 g/day oats intake was associated with lower BMI, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol; 100 g/day buckwheat with lower total and LDL cholesterol.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 100 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 850
RCTOat beta-glucan reduces blood cholesterol concentration in hypercholesterolemic subjects1994n=20
In 19 hypercholesterolemic adults, 2.9 g/day purified oat beta-glucan for 4 weeks reduced fasting total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by 9% each versus baseline; levels returned after stopping supplementation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 5.8 g/day beta-glucan
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 20
RCTOat products and lipid lowering. A meta-analysis1992
A meta-analysis of 10 oat trials found blood total cholesterol fell by 0.13 mmol/L (~5.9 mg/dL) with oat products; larger reductions occurred when baseline cholesterol was ≥5.9 mmol/L and soluble fiber dose was ≥3 g/day.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Adults
RCTLipid responses of hypercholesterolemic men to oat-bran and wheat-bran intake1991n=20
In 20 hypercholesterolemic men on a metabolic ward, 21 days of oat bran lowered total cholesterol by 12.8% and LDL by 12.1%, while matched wheat bran had no significant lipid effect.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 21 days
- Population
- Patients with dyslipidemia
- Participants
- 20
RCTThe hypocholesterolemic effects of beta-glucan in oatmeal and oat bran. A dose-controlled study1991n=156
In 156 hypercholesterolemic adults, 6 weeks of 56–84 g/day oatmeal or oat bran reduced LDL cholesterol by 10–16% versus farina control; 56 g oat bran lowered LDL more than 56 g oatmeal, supporting a beta-glucan dose effect.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 28–84 g/day oatmeal or oat bran
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 156
ObservationalDietary fiber and reduced ischemic heart disease mortality rates in men and women: a 12-year prospective study1987n=859
In 859 southern Californians aged 50–79 followed 12 years, dietary fiber ≥16 g/day was associated with 67% lower ischemic heart disease mortality in men and 63% lower in women versus lower intake.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 years
- Dose
- 16 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 859
- Ages
- 50–79
RCTSerum lipid response to oat product intake with a fat-modified diet1986n=208
In 208 adults on a fat-modified diet, adding 60 g/day oat bran or oatmeal for 6 weeks further lowered mean serum cholesterol by 5.6–6.5 mg/dL beyond diet alone (p<0.05).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 60 g/day oat bran or oatmeal
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 208
- Ages
- 30–65
Oleic AcidView supplement →
Consider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Oils high in oleic acid, like olive oil and some sunflower and canola oils, may help lower the risk of heart disease, especially when used instead of fats high in saturated fat. The U.S. FDA says that about 1.5 tablespoons (20 grams) of high-oleic oil daily can reduce heart disease risk if you don’t eat more calories overall. Studies show these oils reduce heart disease risk by around 9% to 35% when they replace less healthy fats. Some research also found that daily use of high-oleic canola oil improves heart disease risk scores in people at high risk of heart disease.
- However, measuring oleic acid in the blood doesn’t clearly show heart disease risk because the body makes oleic acid and blood levels don’t always reflect what you eat. Overall, choosing oils rich in oleic acid instead of saturated fats is likely heart healthy, but blood tests for oleic acid aren’t a reliable guide.
Browse 6 studies·1 meta-analysis
RCTDiets Enriched with Conventional or High-Oleic Acid Canola Oils Lower Atherogenic Lipids and Lipoproteins Compared to a Diet with a Western Fatty Acid Profile in Adults with Central Adiposity2019n=75
In 119 adults with central obesity, 6 weeks of canola or high-oleic canola oil diets lowered atherogenic lipids and apolipoproteins vs a Western fatty acid profile control.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 75
- Avg age
- ~44
ObservationalCirculating oleic acid levels are related to greater risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis2018n=6,568
In 6568 MESA participants followed 13 years, top-quartile plasma oleic acid was associated with higher rates of coronary artery calcium, aortic valve calcification, and carotid plaque.
- Participants
- 6,568
ObservationalRelation between plasma phospholipid oleic acid and risk of heart failure2018
In a nested case-control of men from the Physicians' Health Study, plasma phospholipid oleic acid was not significantly associated with incident heart failure across quartiles.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Patients with heart failure
- Avg age
- ~59
RCTDHA-enriched high-oleic acid canola oil improves lipid profile and lowers predicted cardiovascular disease risk in the canola oil multicenter randomized controlled trial2014n=130
In 130 adults with abdominal obesity in a 5-diet crossover, DHA-enriched high-oleic canola oil improved lipid profiles and predicted 10-year CVD risk compared with conventional canola and other test oils.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 60 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 130
ObservationalOlive oil consumption, plasma oleic acid, and stroke incidence: the Three-City Study2011n=7
In 7625 French adults from the Three-City Study, olive oil intake >0.5 tablespoon/day was associated with 41% lower stroke risk vs nonuse; higher plasma oleic acid also predicted lower stroke.
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 7
MetaQuantitative effects on cardiovascular risk factors and coronary heart disease risk of replacing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils with other fats and oils2009
A modeling meta-analysis estimated replacing trans-fat–containing oils with oleic-acid-rich fats reduces total and LDL cholesterol and coronary heart disease risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1.39–1.11 mg
Beta-GlucanView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Eating foods rich in beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber found in oats and barley, can reduce the risk of heart disease.
- To get these benefits, people should eat about 3.6 grams of beta-glucan daily as part of a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- This amount helps lower "bad" LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.
- Beta-glucans work by helping the body remove cholesterol and improving gut health.
- Some studies also suggest they may slightly lower blood pressure.
Browse 15 studies·2 meta-analyses
MetaCholesterol-lowering effects of dietary fiber: a meta-analysis1999
A meta-analysis of 67 controlled trials found 2–10 g/day soluble fiber (pectin, oat bran, guar, psyllium) significantly lowered total cholesterol (~0.045 mmol/L per g) and LDL cholesterol (~0.057 mmol/L per g).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 2–10 g/day
- Population
- Adults
ObservationalDietary fiber, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in young adults1999n=2,909
In 2,909 CARDIA participants followed 10 years, higher dietary fiber intake was linearly associated with lower body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, and fasting insulin in both black and white young adults.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 10 years
- Population
- Young adults
- Participants
- 2,909
- Ages
- 18–30
FDA: "soluble fiber from whole oats" and claims on foods relating to the consumption of soluble fiber from whole oats to reduced risk of heart disease are justified1997
The U.S. FDA concluded that health claims linking soluble fiber from whole oats to reduced heart disease risk are scientifically justified for qualified food products.
- Effect
- Benefit
GuideFiber, lipids, and coronary heart disease. A statement for healthcare professionals from the Nutrition Committee, American Heart Association1997
An American Heart Association scientific statement summarized evidence that dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, improves lipid profiles and may lower coronary heart disease risk.
- Effect
- Benefit
RCTIntake of dietary fiber and risk of coronary heart disease in a cohort of Finnish men. The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study1996n=635
In 21,930 Finnish smoking men followed 6.1 years, highest total fiber intake (median 34.8 g/day) was associated with 31% lower coronary death risk versus the lowest quintile (16.1 g/day), independent of other risk factors.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 1 g/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 635
- Ages
- 50–69
ObservationalVegetable, fruit, and cereal fiber intake and risk of coronary heart disease among men1996n=43,757
In 43,757 US male health professionals followed 6 years, men in the highest fiber quintile (28.9 g/day) had 41% lower fatal CHD risk than those in the lowest quartile (12.4 g/day).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 28.9 g/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 43,757
- Ages
- 40–75
ObservationalGreater dietary oat and buckwheat intakes prevent and treat both hypertension and hypercholesterolemia in an ethnic minority of China1995n=850
In 850 Yi adults in China, 100 g/day oats intake was associated with lower BMI, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol; 100 g/day buckwheat with lower total and LDL cholesterol.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 100 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 850
RCTOat beta-glucan reduces blood cholesterol concentration in hypercholesterolemic subjects1994n=20
In 19 hypercholesterolemic adults, 2.9 g/day purified oat beta-glucan for 4 weeks reduced fasting total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by 9% each versus baseline; levels returned after stopping supplementation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 2.9 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 20
RCTOat products and lipid lowering. A meta-analysis1992
A meta-analysis of 10 oat trials found blood total cholesterol fell by 0.13 mmol/L (~5.9 mg/dL) with oat products; larger reductions occurred when baseline cholesterol was ≥5.9 mmol/L and soluble fiber dose was ≥3 g/day.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3 g/day
- Population
- Adults
RCTLipid responses of hypercholesterolemic men to oat-bran and wheat-bran intake1991n=20
In 20 hypercholesterolemic men on a metabolic ward, 21 days of oat bran lowered total cholesterol by 12.8% and LDL by 12.1%, while matched wheat bran had no significant lipid effect.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 21 days
- Population
- Patients with dyslipidemia
- Participants
- 20
RCTThe hypocholesterolemic effects of beta-glucan in oatmeal and oat bran. A dose-controlled study1991n=156
In 156 hypercholesterolemic adults, 6 weeks of 56–84 g/day oatmeal or oat bran reduced LDL cholesterol by 10–16% versus farina control; 56 g oat bran lowered LDL more than 56 g oatmeal, supporting a beta-glucan dose effect.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 130–160 mg
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 156
ObservationalDietary fiber and reduced ischemic heart disease mortality rates in men and women: a 12-year prospective study1987n=859
In 859 southern Californians aged 50–79 followed 12 years, dietary fiber ≥16 g/day was associated with 67% lower ischemic heart disease mortality in men and 63% lower in women versus lower intake.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 16 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 859
- Ages
- 50–79
RCTSerum lipid response to oat product intake with a fat-modified diet1986n=208
In 208 adults on a fat-modified diet, adding 60 g/day oat bran or oatmeal for 6 weeks further lowered mean serum cholesterol by 5.6–6.5 mg/dL beyond diet alone (p<0.05).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 60 g/day oat bran or oatmeal
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 208
- Ages
- 30–65
Diet, prevalence and 10-year mortality from coronary heart disease in 871 middle-aged men. The Zutphen Study1984n=30
In 871 middle-aged Dutch men followed 10 years, higher vegetable protein, polysaccharides, and dietary fiber were inversely related to CHD mortality, though associations attenuated after adjusting for energy intake per kg body weight.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 30
Diet and heart: a postscript1977
In 337 middle-aged London men followed to 1976, high cereal fiber intake was independently associated with lower coronary heart disease rates; polyunsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio showed a non-significant protective trend.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Men
Black TeaView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if black tea lowers the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD).
- Some research suggests that tea in general may protect heart health, but black tea might not provide this benefit.
- In people with existing CHD, black tea drinking may be linked to worse outcomes, though in healthy people, regular black tea consumption is associated with a lower chance of developing CHD.
Browse 7 studies·1 meta-analysis
MetaDose-Response Relation between Tea Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Population-Based Studies2020
A meta-analysis of 39 cohort studies found each cup/day of tea associated with ~4% lower CVD mortality, ~2% lower CVD events, ~4% lower stroke risk, and ~1.5% lower all-cause mortality.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 280 mg/day
- Population
- Healthy adults
MetaBlack tea—helpful or harmful? A review of the evidence2007
A review of epidemiologic and clinical studies concluded ≥3 cups/day black tea relates to coronary heart disease risk reduction, with moderate caffeine intake improving mental performance and no credible evidence of harm at typical intakes.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 250 mg/day
ObservationalTea consumption and the prevalence of coronary heart disease in Saudi adults: results from a Saudi national study2003n=3,430
In 3,430 Saudi adults, drinking >6 cups/day tea (>480 mL) was associated with 51% lower CHD prevalence versus nondrinkers (OR 0.49) after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 3,430
- Ages
- 30–70
ObservationalCatechin intake might explain the inverse relation between tea consumption and ischemic heart disease: the Zutphen Elderly Study2001n=806
In 806 Zutphen elderly men, higher catechin intake (mainly from black tea) was inversely associated with ischemic heart disease mortality (RR 0.49 highest vs lowest tertile) but not stroke.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 47.8 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 806
- Ages
- 65–84
ObservationalCoffee and tea consumption in the Scottish Heart Health Study follow up: conflicting relations with coronary risk factors, coronary disease, and all cause mortality1999n=11,000
In 11,000 Scottish adults followed 7.7 years, tea consumption showed inverse associations with coronary morbidity and mortality before adjustment; relationships became neutral or reversed after multivariable adjustment.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 11,000
- Ages
- 40–59
ObservationalAntioxidant flavonols and ischemic heart disease in a Welsh population of men: the Caerphilly Study1997n=334
In 1,900 Welsh men, flavonol intake was not inversely associated with IHD incidence; heavy tea drinkers (>1.2 L/day) had 2.4-fold higher total mortality, possibly related to milk added to tea.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 334
- Ages
- 45–59
ObservationalDietary antioxidant flavonoids and risk of coronary heart disease: the Zutphen Elderly Study1993n=805
In 805 Zutphen elderly men followed 5 years, highest flavonoid intake tertile (mainly from tea) had 58% lower coronary heart disease mortality (RR 0.42) than the lowest tertile, independent of major risk factors.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 5 years
- Dose
- 25.9 mg/day
- Population
- Older adults
- Participants
- 805
- Ages
- 65–84
BerberineView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- It is uncertain if berberine alone helps coronary heart disease.
- One study found that a supplement combining berberine with red yeast rice and other nutrients improved cholesterol levels better than a cholesterol-lowering drug (ezetimibe) in patients who couldn’t tolerate statins.
- Combining the supplement with ezetimibe or low-dose statins improved cholesterol even more.
- The main cholesterol-lowering effect is probably from red yeast rice, which acts like some prescription statins.
Browse 2 studies
RCTComparison of Low-Dose Statin Versus Low-Dose Statin + Armolipid Plus in High-Intensity Statin-Intolerant Patients With a Previous Coronary Event and Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (ADHERENCE Trial)2017n=100
An RCT of 100 statin-intolerant post-PCI coronary patients found low-dose statin plus Armolipid Plus (berberine-containing nutraceutical) achieved LDL <70 mg/dL in 70% versus none on statin alone.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Coronary artery disease patients
- Participants
- 100
RCTUsefulness of Nutraceuticals (Armolipid Plus) Versus Ezetimibe and Combination in Statin-Intolerant Patients With Dyslipidemia With Coronary Heart Disease2015n=86
An RCT of 100 statin-intolerant dyslipidemic CHD patients found Armolipid Plus alone or with ezetimibe improved LDL-C over 3–12 months with good tolerability versus ezetimibe monotherapy.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Population
- Patients with dyslipidemia
- Participants
- 86
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)View supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Evidence is insufficient for this condition.
Browse 1 study
RCTClofibrate and niacin in coronary heart disease1975
A randomized trial in patients with established coronary heart disease found that clofibrate and niacin in coronary heart disease..
- Population
- Patients With Established Coronary Heart Disease
ReishiView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research suggests that a specific reishi mushroom extract (Ganopoly) taken three times daily for 12 weeks may help reduce symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath in people with coronary heart disease.
- The evidence is not yet clear.
Browse 1 study
A Phase I/II Study of Ling Zhi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum (W.Curt.:Fr.) Lloyd (Aphyllophoromycetideae) Extract in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease2004
A phase I/II trial of Ganoderma lucidum extract in coronary heart disease patients; no abstract text was available to report specific outcomes.
- Population
- Patients with Coronary Heart Disease
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.
| Supplement | DEX | Studies | Meta-analyses | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beta-Glucan | ★★★★★56% | 15 | 2 | 33% |
| Oats | ★★★★★76% | 14 | 2 | 30% |
| Black Tea | ★★★★★52% | 7 | 1 | 15% |
| Oleic Acid | ★★★★★72% | 6 | 1 | 13% |
| Berberine | ★★★★★44% | 2 | 0 | 4% |
| Reishi | ★★★★★40% | 1 | 0 | 2% |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | ★★★★★44% | 1 | 0 | 2% |