Psyllium trials found lower LDL and total cholesterol, with other lipid changes uncertain
A pooled analysis of randomized trials found improvements in some blood lipids, but results varied widely and did not establish an effect on cardiovascular events.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The abstract reports that psyllium lowered LDL and total cholesterol across the included trials. Changes in triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were not statistically significant, so those effects remain uncertain. These are findings about blood lipid measurements; the abstract does not report whether supplementation changed heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular outcomes.
Results differed substantially between trials. The abstract omits units for its pooled lipid estimates, control conditions and follow-up lengths, so the size and practical meaning of the changes cannot be fully assessed.
Which lipids changed
The researchers combined randomized trial results in adults, examining several components of the lipid profile. LDL and total cholesterol showed statistically significant reductions, while the uncertainty ranges for triglycerides and HDL included no difference.
What dose analyses showed
Analyses of dose and duration did not identify a statistically significant linear relationship with lipid changes. That does not establish an optimal amount, an ideal treatment length, or equivalent effects across all regimens.
The original publication
Psyllium supplementation and lipid profiles: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Gholami Z, Paknahad Z
Genes Nutr · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41366295
- Record checked
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