Reversing Artery Plaque: 8 Supplements Ranked by the Evidence | Simon Hill, MSc

Supplements for reversing atherosclerosis vary significantly in their clinical evidence and efficacy. High-dose purified EPA, specifically icosapent ethyl, stands out as the most effective intervention, with multiple imaging and outcome trials confirming its ability to shrink vulnerable plaque and reduce cardiovascular events. While aged garlic extract and vitamin K2 show potential for stabilizing plaque and slowing calcification, they currently lack definitive clinical outcome data. Conversely, niacin illustrates the danger of relying on biomarkers, as raising HDL levels fails to improve actual cardiovascular health. Other agents like berberine, natokinase, and pomegranate extract possess plausible mechanistic rationales but require more rigorous, large-scale human trials before they can be recommended as standard therapies. These supplements function best as potential, physician-supervised additions to, rather than replacements for, established medical treatments like statins.