Effect of combining psyllium fiber with simvastatin in lowering cholesterol
Moreyra AE, Wilson AC, Koraym A
Published in Arch Intern Med, Vol. 165 (10), pp. 1161-6
Methodology
12-week blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial: simvastatin 20 mg plus placebo, simvastatin 10 mg plus placebo, or simvastatin 10 mg plus 15 g psyllium a day. Lipids measured at 4 and 8 weeks.
Key Findings
68 patients. After 8 weeks LDL fell by 63 mg/dL with simvastatin 10 mg plus psyllium versus 55 mg/dL with simvastatin 10 mg plus placebo (P = .03), and the psyllium combination matched simvastatin 20 mg alone. All treatments were well tolerated.
Conclusions
Psyllium added to simvastatin 10 mg lowered cholesterol as much as doubling the simvastatin dose.
Limitations
Small trial of 68 patients, one statin, 8-12 weeks, and lipid markers only.
Supplements Studied
as effective in lowering cholesterol as 20 mg of simvastatin alone
as effective in lowering cholesterol as 20 mg of simvastatin alone
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
Access Study
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.