3 Unsafe Supplements To Avoid At All Costs Because They’re So Bad For Cholesterol—And What To Take Instead: ‘Be Cautious’

July 15, 2025 by Faith Geiger

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In many cases, supplements can help improve your health. However, it’s always important to keep in mind that anything you put into your body comes with potential downsides. If you choose the wrong ones, don’t stick to recommend doses, or ignore the potential for harmful interactions, supplements could ultimately take a toll on your wellbeing and safety. If you’re dealing with high cholesterol, in particular, experts say there are a few choices you’re better off avoiding.

“If you have high cholesterol, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements,” says Dr. Wesley Buckle, ND, a licensed naturopathic doctor at The Oasis Addiction Treatment Center. “Some supplements can interfere with medications for cholesterol. Others can raise cholesterol levels.” According to him, supplements containing monacolin K, anabolic supplements for muscle gain, and high-dose vitamin A all raise red flags for your cholesterol. Learn more about the risks of each below.

1. Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin K)

Supplements that contain monacolin K, such as red yeast rice, are one choice you may want to avoid if you have high cholesterol. Monacolin K is a compound that’s nearly identical to the prescription drug lovastatin. That means if you’re already taking lovastatin, you could be doubling your dose without realizing it.

"When taken together [with cholesterol meds], it increases the risk of serious side effects like liver and kidney damage," Dr. Buckle warns. Yikes! Better safe than sorry.

If you’re looking to manage cholesterol naturally, opt for omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or flaxseed. These healthy fats can help lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation without putting your safety on the line.

2. Anabolic Supplements for Muscle Gain

Fitness fanatics may be enticed by supplements promising rapid muscle growth, but these could do serious damage to your heart. Many anabolic supplements—especially ones that are unregulated or sold online—could be dangerous for your cholesterol levels, Dr. Buckel warns.

"These can potentially raise triglycerides and LDL ('bad' cholesterol)," he explains. "It also lowers HDL or 'good' cholesterol." That's the opposite of what you want for a healthier heart!

Instead of reaching for these risky options, a better way to support your fitness goals and heart health is to prioritize soluble fiber. In addition to adding high-fiber foods to your diet, you could take a psyllium husk supplement, which aids digestion and satiety while reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

3. High-Dose Vitamin A

You may think you're doing your body a favor by loading up on vitamins—but too much of a good thing can become a bad thing. This is especially true of vitamin A, which could impact your cholesterol in high doses.

"High-dose vitamin A can increase HDL and triglyceride levels," Dr. Buckle explains. That may not sound bad at first, but for people with cholesterol concerns, those shifts can actually increase cardiovascular risk.

Instead of overloading on vitamin A, stick to a balanced multivitamin—or better yet, get your nutrients from a whole-food diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.

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