High Triglycerides (Hypertriglyceridemia)
Supplements studied for high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).
Overview
Three supplements are indexed for high triglycerides (50 studies). Fish Oil dominates with high effect size, very high evidence, very high trust, WA 88 (46 studies). Prescription fish oil at about 4 g daily may lower triglycerides by 20–30% in very high levels; over-the-counter products often require much higher capsule counts for similar effects.
Inulin (WA 52; low effect size, high evidence, medium trust; 3 studies) shows mixed results for modest triglyceride lowering. Lysine (WA 32; very low effect size, low evidence, medium trust; 1 study) did not change triglycerides over 12 weeks and slightly lowered HDL versus placebo. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below.
Effect graph
Relevant supplements
Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.
Studies
Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.
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Fish OilView supplement →
Proven purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Oral prescription fish oil helps lower triglyceride levels, especially in people with very high triglycerides (over 500 mg/dL).
- Typical prescription doses are 4 grams daily, which can lower triglycerides by 20% to 30%.
- Over-the-counter fish oil supplements can also reduce triglycerides but often need to be taken in very high amounts—up to 12 standard capsules daily—to work as well as prescription products.
- Fish oil works best in people with very high triglycerides, and sometimes it’s not as effective as other medications called fibrates.
- Early research also suggests fish oil may help with fatty liver and liver enzymes.
- There is less evidence about its effects in children and teens.
Browse 46 studies·6 meta-analyses
MetaEffects of fish oil supplementation on glucose control and lipid levels among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2020
A meta-analysis of 12 T2DM RCTs found fish oil did not improve fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin, or HOMA-IR, though triglycerides were modestly reduced with supplementation.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 1–6 months
- Population
- Diabetic patients
RCTOmega-3 Fatty Acids for the Management of Hypertriglyceridemia: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association2019
A scientific advisory from the American Heart Association in 2019 has proposed that 4 g/day (>3 g/day total EPA + DHA or EPA-only) omega-3 fatty acids is effective and safe for reducing triglycerides, either alone or with other lipid-lowering agents. This is an update to a 2002 recommendation of 2-4 g/day. In patients with high triglycerides treated with a statin, taking 4 g/day omega-3 fatty acids as EPA (Icosapent Ethyl, Australia: Vazkepa, USA: Vascepa) was associated with a 25% reduction in major cardiovascular events. [10549]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Hypertriglyceridemic patients
MetaOmega-3, omega-6, and total dietary polyunsaturated fat for prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials2019n=121
A meta-analysis of 83 randomised controlled studies (n = 121,070) found that supplementation of omega-3 had little to no effect on the likelihood of type 2 diabetes diagnosis (17 studies with 56,643 patients) and had no effect on glucose metabolism. Doses above 4.4 g/day omega-3 PUFA may lead to negative outcomes. [10665]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 4.4 g/day
- Population
- Pregnant women
- Participants
- 121
- Ages
- 18+
GuideCardiovascular disease and omega-3s: Prescription products and fish oil dietary supplements are not the same2017
A review highlighting the disparity between prescription omega-3 products and dietary supplements has suggested that supplements should not be considered a substitute for prescription omega-3 products. Dietary supplements vary greatly in concentration, stability and quality control. Dietary supplements containing DHA may raise LDL-C and are not a substitute for EPA only icosapent ethyl, which do not raise LDL-C. Fish oil supplements, whilst generally safe for health promotion, are not regulated to the same extent as prescription products. [10550]
The clinical relevance of omega-3 fatty acids in the management of hypertriglyceridemia2016
A review of different omega-3 fatty acid formulations found that OM3FA ethyl esters (OM3EE), icosapent ethyl (EPA, Vascepa) and omega-3 carboxylic acids (OM3CA) when taken at approved doses, were effective for significantly reducing triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein levels in those with very high triglycerides (500 mg/dL). Whilst formulations containing DHA may increase LDL cholesterol, this was not accompanied by an increase in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, a more reliable indicator of cardiovascular risk. [10551]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 500 mg/day
- Population
- Adults
RCTA double-blind randomized trial of fish oil to lower triglycerides and improve cardiometabolic risk in adolescents2014n=42
An 8-wk study of 42 children with hypertriglyceridemia given 4 g/day fish oil found a reduction in triglycerides that was not significant, a reduction in large VLDL particles and no effect on LDL particle number or size compared to placebo. [10552]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Children/adolescents
- Participants
- 42
- Avg age
- ~14
MetaEffects of omega-3 fatty acids on serum markers of cardiovascular disease risk: a systematic review2006
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 21 trials found that fish oil on average, led to the following dose-dependent effects: Triglycerides: -27 mg/dL (95% CI: -33 to -20) HDL-C: +1.6 mg/dL (95% CI: +0.8 to +2.3) LDL-C: +6 mg/dL (95% CI: +3 to +8), no effect on total cholesterol or glucose control.
- Effect
- Benefit
Efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids, atorvastatin and orlistat in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with dyslipidemia2004
In NAFLD patients with dyslipidemia over 24 weeks, omega-3 fatty acids 5 mL three times daily lowered transaminases and resolved fatty liver in 35%, less than atorvastatin (61%) or orlistat (86%).
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 5 mL 3×/day
- Population
- NAFLD patients
RCTModerate fish-oil supplementation reverses low-platelet, long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status and reduces plasma triacylglycerol concentrations in British Indo-Asians2004
In 84 British Indo-Asian and European adults over 12 weeks, 4 g/day fish oil (1.5 g EPA + 1.0 g DHA) lowered plasma triglycerides and raised platelet EPA/DHA versus olive oil, correcting baseline n-3 deficits in Indo-Asians.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Adults
RCTAn omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrate administered for one year decreased triglycerides in simvastatin treated patients with coronary heart disease and persisting hypertriglyceridaemia2001n=46
In 46 simvastatin-treated CHD patients with hypertriglyceridemia, Omacor omega-3 concentrate 4 g/day for up to 48 weeks sustained 20–30% triglyceride reductions (p<0.005) with good tolerability.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 24 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 46
RCTEfficacy of Concentrated n-3 Fatty Acids in Hypertriglyceridaemia : A Comparison with Gemfibrozil2001n=89
A 12-wk study of 89 patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (>4.5 mmol/L) comparing the efficacy of 4 g/day omega-3 fatty acids (Omacor EPA/DHA) and 1200 mg/day gemfibrozil found that gemfibrozil led to a larger reduction in mean triglycerides (-51.2% vs. -28.9%) and far greater increases in HDL-C compared to fish oil (+27.9% vs. 1.2%). [10554]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Hypertriglyceridemic patients
- Participants
- 89
Systematic reviewFish oil in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus2001n=823
A study and update to a prior systematic review (searching new studies from September 1998 to September 2000) and meta-analysis of 18 studies (mean 12 weeks duration) including 823 subjects found that fish oil (3 to 18 g/day) demonstrated a statistically significant dose-dependent effect on lowering triglycerides (-0.56 mmol/l [95% CI -0.71 to -0.40]) and raising LDL cholesterol (0.21 mmol/l [0.02 to 0.41]) with a stronger triglyceride-lowering effect in hypertriglyceridemic subjects [10671][10670]. [View on PubMed] This study was re-updated in 2008 [10669].
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 18 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 823
RCTApoE polymorphism and fish oil supplementation in subjects with an atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype2000n=55
In 55 men with atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype, fish oil 3 g EPA+DHA/day for 6 weeks lowered fasting triglycerides 35%, postprandial TG area 26%, and LDL-3 fraction 26% versus olive oil placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 3 g EPA + DHA/day
- Participants
- 55
- Ages
- 34–69
RCTDietary supplementation with marine omega-3 fatty acids improve systemic large artery endothelial function in subjects with hypercholesterolemia2000n=15
A four-month study of 30 patients with hypercholesterolemia (> 6.5mmol/litre) who had previously followed a low-fat diet for 3 months found fish oil (4 g/day) significantly reduced triglycerides and improved flow-mediated dilation. [10555]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Hypercholesterolemic patients
- Participants
- 15
RCTEffect of a fish-oil concentrate on serum lipids in postmenopausal women receiving and not receiving hormone replacement therapy in a placebo-controlled, double-blind trial2000n=36
A 4-wk study of 36 postmenopausal women (Receiving & not receiving HRT) found that omega-3 fatty acids (2.4 g EPA + 1.6 g DHA per day) is associated with a 26% lower serum triacylglycerol concentration and a 28% lower ratio of serum triacylglycerol to HDL cholesterol, indicating a reduced risk of coronary heart disease in this patient population. [10556]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 2.4 g EPA + 1.6 g DHA/day
- Population
- Postmenopausal women
- Participants
- 36
Narrative reviewEffect of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fasting and postprandial triacylglycerol metabolism2000
A review concluded long-chain n-3 fatty acids improve fasting and postprandial triglyceride metabolism, potentially reducing small dense LDL and postprandial cardiovascular risk factors.
- Dose
- 1 g n-3 PUFA/day
- Population
- Adults
Controlled trialEffect of n-3 fatty acids on the composition and binding properties of lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemic patients2000
In 14 hypertriglyceridemic patients, fish oil 3 g EPA+DHA/day for 4 weeks lowered VLDL lipids and apoE but raised LDL cholesterol and apoB, normalizing VLDL subfraction distribution.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 3 g EPA + DHA/day
- Population
- Hypertriglyceridemic patients
Fish oil and cardiovascular disease: lipids and arterial function2000
A review concluded fish oil modifies cardiovascular risk through triglyceride lowering, improved postprandial lipemia, and better endothelial function and arterial compliance, despite possible LDL increases.
- Effect
- Benefit
Systematic reviewFish oil supplementation in type 2 diabetes: a quantitative systematic review2000n=823
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies (832 participants) found that fish oil supplementation led to a reduction in triglycerides and an increase in LDL cholesterol with no effect on fasting glucose. A greater reduction in triglycerides was found in studies that included subjects with higher triglyceride levels and those using higher dosages. [10670]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 18 g/day
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 823
Postprandial chylomicrons and VLDLs in severe hypertriacylglycerolemia are lowered more effectively than are chylomicron remnants after treatment with n-3 fatty acids2000n=12
In 12 men with severe hypertriglyceridemia, 3.4 g/day fish oil for 6 weeks reduced fasting VLDL-TG 44% and postprandial chylomicrons and VLDL by 36–64% after a fat load.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 3.4 g/day
- Population
- Hypertriglyceridemic patients
- Participants
- 12
RCTLong-term effects of fish oil on lipoprotein subfractions and low density lipoprotein size in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridemia1999n=8
A study of 16 non-insulin dependent diabetic patients with hypertriglyceridemia (plasma triglyceride 2.25 – 5.65 mmol/l) found a reduction in triglycerides but no improvement in LDL cholesterol. [10672]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 8
The effect of fish oil on hypertension, plasma lipids and hemostasis in hypertensive, obese, dyslipidemic patients with and without diabetes mellitus1999n=19
In obese hypertensive dyslipidemic patients with and without diabetes, fish oil 4.5 g/day similarly lowered blood pressure (~12–16 mmHg systolic) and triglycerides, but improved hemostasis only in nondiabetic subjects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 4.5 g/day
- Population
- Type 2 diabetes patients
- Participants
- 19
- Avg age
- ~57
MetaFish oil and glycemic control in diabetes. A meta-analysis1998n=425
A meta-analysis of 26 studies (mean = 8 weeks, n = 425; M = 323, F = 102) found that fish oil supplementation (2.7 g – 21.6 g/day) reduced mean triglyceride concentrations by -0.60 mmol/l (95% CI, -0.84 to -0.33, P < 0.01) and increased mean serum LDL cholesterol by 0.18 mmol/l (95% CI, 0.04-0.32, P = 0.01) in IDDM and NIDDM patients. Fasting blood glucose levels trended towards an increase in NIDDM patients (0.43 mmol/l [95% CI, 0.00-0.87], P = 0.06), and significantly decreased in IDDM patients (-1.86 mmol/l [95% CI, -3.1 to -0.61], P < 0.05). In NIDDM subjects, for each 1 g/day increase in EPA, LDL-C increased by 0.14 mmol/l (95% CI, 0.002-0.28, P<0.05), and serum triglycerides fell by 0.35 mmol/l (95% CI, -0.63 to -0.09, P<0.05). In NIDDM subjects, for each 1 g/day increase in DHA, fasting glucose concentrations increased by 0.75 mmol/l (95% CI, 0.16-132), HbA1c increased by 0.6% (95% CI, 0.06-1.15, P<0.05) and serum triglycerides decreased by 0.47 mmol/l (95% CI, -0.92 TO -0.02, P<0.05). [10673]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 21.6 g/day
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 425
RCTModerate intake of n-3 fatty acids for 2 months has no detrimental effect on glucose metabolism and could ameliorate the lipid profile in type 2 diabetic men. Results of a controlled study1998
A study of 12 type-2 diabetics with elevated plasma triacylglycerols found that 2 months of 6 g/day fish oil reduced plasma triacylglycerol levels more than sunflower oil, and decreased mRNA of both lipoprotein lipase and hormone sensitive lipase in abdominal adipose tissue with no effect on glycemic control or insulin activity. [10561]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 2 months
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Type 2 diabetes patients
RCTOne-year treatment with ethyl esters of n-3 fatty acids in patients with hypertriglyceridemia and glucose intolerance: reduced triglyceridemia, total cholesterol and increased HDL-C without glycemic alterations1998n=868
A study found that long-term (12 months) 2 g/day omega-3 fatty acid supplementation led to a significantly greater reduction in total cholesterol (-3.8%) & increased HDL cholesterol (+7.4%) compared to 6-months. [10562]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 2 g/day
- Population
- Type 2 diabetes patients
- Participants
- 868
RCTDietary fish oil (4 g daily) and cardiovascular risk markers in healthy men1997n=19
A 4-wk study of 47 healthy males (29 to 60 y/o) found that 4 g/day fish oil (equivalent to one to two weekly servings of fatty fish) led to a 30% reduction in plasma triglycerides but had no significant effect on blood coagulation compared to placebo. [10564]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 19
- Ages
- 29–60
RCTn-3 fatty acids and serum lipoproteins: human studies1997n=36
A review of human trials found marine EPA/DHA lowers triglycerides and may raise LDL 5–10%, while plant alpha-linolenic acid at typical doses does not replicate marine n-3 lipoprotein effects.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- <7 g n-3 fatty acids/day
- Participants
- 36
RCTA comparison of the effects of n-3 fatty acids from linseed oil and fish oil in well-controlled type II diabetes1996n=11
A 3-month study of 11 type 2 diabetic patients found neither fish oil or linseed oil (both 35 mg/kg body weight/day) significantly affected glycemic control, cholesterol or insulin secretion. Fish oil reduced triglyceride levels and exhibited a trend towards decreased insulin sensitivity. [10676]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 35 mg/kg
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 11
RCTEffect of dietary fish oil supplementation on peroxidation of serum lipids in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus1996
An 18-week crossover trial of 23 type 2 diabetes patients (m = 20, f = 3) who were otherwise healthy found that 6 weeks of 10 g/day fish oil supplementation (1.8 g EPA + 1.2 g DHA, Maxepa) could exacerbate lipid peroxidation and did not change plasma cholesterol compared to placebo (olive oil). [10677]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 10 g/day
- Population
- Diabetic patients
RCTLong-term effects of fish oil on insulin resistance and plasma lipoproteins in NIDDM patients with hypertriglyceridemia1996n=8
A 6-month study of 16 type 2 diabetes patients with hypertriglyceridemia (2.25-5.65 mmol/l) given either fish oil (n = 8, 2.6 g/day EPA + DHA for 2 months, then 1.7 g/day for 4 months) or placebo (n=8) found a significant reduction in plasma triglycerides, VLDL-TG, fasting NEFA concentrations and no significant changes in blood glucose control. [10675]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 2.7 g/day
- Population
- Type 2 diabetes patients
- Participants
- 8
RCTNormal subjects consuming physiological levels of 18:3(n-3) and 20:5(n-3) from flaxseed or fish oils have characteristic differences in plasma lipid and lipoprotein fatty acid levels1996n=15
A 3-month study of 26 healthy participants found that fish oil (35 mg/kg/day) reduced triglyceride levels but did not affect cholesterol levels. [10565]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 35 mg/kg
- Population
- Healthy adults
- Participants
- 15
RCTA comparison of fish oil or corn oil supplements in hyperlipidemic subjects with NIDDM1995n=40
In 40 NIDDM patients with hyperlipidemia over 12 weeks, 9–18 g/day fish oil significantly lowered VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides versus corn oil, with a transient LDL rise at 6 weeks.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 18 g/day
- Population
- Type 2 diabetes patients
- Participants
- 40
- Avg age
- ~54
RCTLong-term metabolic effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with coronary artery disease1995n=260
A study of 260 postoperative (bypass surgery) patients with coronary artery disease given 4 g/day fish oil (3.4 g total DHA + EPA) found no effect on insulin or glucose concentrations but did find a 19.1% reduction in serum triglycerides compared to a control group. [10566]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- CAD patients
- Participants
- 260
RCTEffects of a new fish oil concentrate on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia1994n=79
A 14-wk multi-centre study of 79 patients with primary hypertriglyceridaemia and moderate to high cholesterol found that 4 g/day fish oil reduced serum triglycerides compared to a corn oil placebo. [10567]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Dose
- 4 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 79
- Ages
- 18–70
RCTLong-term effects of n-3 fatty acids on serum lipids and glycaemic control1994n=29
A study of 57 non-diabetic patients with moderate hypertriglyceridemia undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting found that 6 months of daily postoperative fish oil consumption led to reductions in triglycerides (median -33.2% vs. 11.1%), but no changes in cholesterol markers, insulin or c-peptide concentrations. [10568]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 3.4 g/day
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 29
RCTEffect of pravastatin and omega-3 fatty acids on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in patients with combined hyperlipidemia1993n=10
A two part study found that 6 g/day fish oil (3 g omega-3) given to 10 subjects led to a 30% reduction in triglycerides and non-significantly increased LDL-C after 6 weeks. To assess the efficacy of combined therapy, 29 participants were then given a combination of 40 mg/day pravastatin and 6 g/day fish oil for 12-weeks leading to significant reductions in average total cholesterol, triglyceridies, LDL-C and apoB. Neither therapy led to clinically significant muscle tenderness, elevated creatine phosphokinase or alanine aminotransferase. [10569]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Hyperlipidemic patients
- Participants
- 10
RCTMetabolic effects of omega-3 fatty acids in type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients1993n=20
A 3-week study of 20 mildly obese, normotriglyceidemic type 2 diabetes patients taking hypoglycemic agents found that 15 ml/day fish oil (3.1 g omega-3 FA) did not affect fasting or postprandial blood glucose, C-peptide concentrations and plasma insulin levels compared to placebo. [10678]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 3 weeks
- Dose
- 15 mL/day
- Population
- Diabetic patients
- Participants
- 20
RCT[Effect of short-term use of omega-3-type polyunsaturated fatty acids in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia]1992
A 12-week study of hypertriglyceridaemic patients receiving either fish oil (1.8 g EPA + 1.2 g DHA) or corn oil placebo found a reduction in triglyceride levels from fish oil supplementation. [10571]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Dose
- 1.8 g EPA + 1.2 g DHA/day
- Population
- Hypertriglyceridemic patients
RCTInfluence of supplementation with N-3 fatty acids on different coronary risk factors in men--a placebo controlled study1992n=58
A study of 58 healthy men (monks) given fish oil for 12 months found a dose-dependent reduction in triglycerides but no effect on cholesterol after 18 months (6 months observation). [10570]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 12 months
- Dose
- 2.24–3.37 g
- Population
- Men
- Participants
- 58
RCTInfluence of fish oil on blood lipids in coronary artery disease1991n=32
A study of 32 patients with coronary artery disease and dyslipidaemia found 2.4 – 3.2 g/day fish oil reduced serum triglycerides in a dose-dependent manner with greater reductions found in those with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (> 3.0 mmol/l). [10572]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 3.2 g/day
- Population
- CAD patients
- Participants
- 32
RCTEffects of fish-oil ingestion on cardiovascular risk factors in hyperlipidemic subjects in Israel: a randomized, double-blind crossover study1990
In 27 hyperlipidemic Israelis in a crossover trial, daily fish oil (~15 g) lowered triglycerides 40%, raised HDL 12%, and reduced plasma viscosity versus vegetable oil placebo.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Dose
- 15 g/day
- Population
- Adults
RCTEffects of two types of fish oil supplements on serum lipids and plasma phospholipid fatty acids in coronary artery disease1990n=89
A study involving 89 subjects with coronary heart disease given one of two fish oil preparations (ethyl ester and triglyceride) found that triglyceride fish oil was more effective for reducing triglyceride levels compared to ethyl ester preparations [10573]. Other literature suggests that triglycerides confer superior absorption (EPA: 68%, DHA: 57%) relative to ethyl esters (EPA: 20%, DHA: 21%). However, absorption of EPA, but not DHA from fish oil in triglyceride form is increased from 69% to 90% when taken with a high-fat meal [10574].
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 months
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- CAD patients
- Participants
- 89
RCTEffects of modest doses of omega-3 fatty acids on lipids and lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemic subjects. A randomized controlled trial1989
In 8 hypertriglyceridemic adults over 8 weeks, 4.6 g/day omega-3 versus corn oil lowered triglycerides 2.21 mmol/L, raised HDL 0.13 mmol/L, and increased LDL apoB 0.246 g/L.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Dose
- 4.6 g/day
- Population
- Adults
Controlled trialEffects of a low saturated fat, low cholesterol fish oil supplement in hypertriglyceridemic patients. A placebo-controlled trial1988n=11
A 6-week single-blind study of 11 patients with type IV isolated hypertriglyceridemia given 12 g/day fish oil found reductions in triglyceride levels (and an increase in the LDL-HDL ratio (4.0 +/- 0.9 to 4.7 +/- 1.4). Seven of the 11 patients had Type IIb hypercholesterolemia. [10575]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 6 weeks
- Dose
- 12 g/day
- Population
- Adults
- Participants
- 11
Effects of omega-3 fish oils on lipid metabolism, glycemic control, and blood pressure in type II diabetic patients1988
An 8-wk study of 22 type 2 diabetes patients found that fish oil supplementation significantly increased ApoB concentrations (avg 2.56 baseline to 2.8 mmol/L at 8 weeks) and decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. [10680]
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 8 weeks
- Population
- Diabetic patients
RCTOn the effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids (Maxepa) on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in patients with hyperlipidaemia1985n=25
A 3-month study in 25 subjects with high cholesterol found that both 16 g/day fish oil and 6 g/day (MaxEPA) led to dose-dependent reductions in triglycerides (28% – 58%) depending on basal triglyceride level. A separate study (16 g/day) found a significantly greater reduction in plasma triglycerides (-58%) and reduced plasma cholesterol concentration in those with type V hyperlipoproteinaemia (-34%). There was no change in plasma cholesterol in subjects with types IIa and IIb hyperlipoproteinemia. There was no change in the ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol. There was a significant reduction in very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-42%). 13 subjects given 6 g/day fish oil experienced a significant reduction in triglycerides (-33%) suggesting a dose-dependent effect from supplementation. [10576]
- Effect
- Benefit
- Duration
- 3 months
- Dose
- 6 g/day
- Population
- Hyperlipidemic patients
- Participants
- 25
InulinView supplement →
Reconsider purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Some studies suggest that inulin supplements may lower triglyceride (blood fat) levels slightly, especially in people with moderately high cholesterol.
- Other studies, however, show no benefit.
- The mixed results may be due to small study sizes and because some research tested a related ingredient instead of inulin.
Browse 3 studies·2 meta-analyses
RCTAssessing the effects of inulin-type fructan intake on body weight, blood glucose, and lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2021
A systematic review and meta-analysis found inulin-type fructans modestly reduced body weight, fasting glucose, and improved lipid markers across varied populations.
- Effect
- Benefit
MetaDietary fructans and serum triacylglycerols: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials2007
A meta-analysis of fructan RCTs found dietary inulin-type fructans significantly reduced serum triacylglycerols in adults.
- Effect
- Benefit
- Population
- Adults
Effects of inulin on lipid parameters in humans1999
Human trials of inulin at 14–20 g/day generally showed no significant changes in fasting total, LDL, or HDL cholesterol versus control.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Dose
- 20 g/day
LysineView supplement →
Do not purchase·★★★★★
How we scored this▸
- Early research shows that taking 1 gram of lysine daily for 12 weeks, with or without 50 mg of vitamin B6, did not change body weight, blood sugar, or triglyceride levels in men with high triglycerides.
- However, lysine slightly lowered "good" HDL cholesterol compared with placebo.
Browse 1 study
RCTEffect of lysine, vitamin B(6), and carnitine supplementation on the lipid profile of male patients with hypertriglyceridemia: a 12-week, open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled trial2012
In hypertriglyceridemic adults, lysine/vitamin B6/carnitine supplementation for 12 weeks improved triglycerides and selected lipoproteins versus baseline.
- Effect
- No Benefit
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Population
- Adults
Evidence visualised
Same ratings as above, aggregated so you can see coverage and imbalance.