Dietary Recommendations for Cholesterol Management

Established Dietary Approaches

The American Heart Association recommends that individuals with elevated LDL cholesterol limit saturated fatty acids and trans-unsaturated fatty acids to <10% and preferably to <7% of energy intake 2, 3
Dietary cholesterol intake should be limited to <300 mg/day, with further restriction to <200 mg/day for those with LDL cholesterol ≥100 mg/dl, as suggested by the American Diabetes Association 4
The American Diabetes Association recommends that LDL cholesterol lowering can be enhanced by adding plant stanols/sterols (2 g/day) and increasing soluble (viscous) fiber (10-25 g/day) 2, 3
For every gram increase in soluble fiber, LDL cholesterol would be expected to decrease by an average of 2.2 mg/dl, according to the American Diabetes Association 5

The American Heart Association suggests that when saturated fat is replaced with carbohydrates or monounsaturated fats, most studies show improvements in plasma LDL cholesterol 3
For every 1% of energy from saturated fat that is replaced by 1% of energy from carbohydrate, MUFA, or PUFA, LDL-C is lowered by an estimated 1.2, 1.3, and 1.8 mg/dL, respectively, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology 1
The American Diabetes Association recommends incorporation of two to three servings of fish per week to provide dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fat for cardiovascular health 3

Current dietary guidelines for cholesterol management do not specifically mention black or red rice as recommended foods for cholesterol lowering, as stated by the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association 1, 2, 6

The American Diabetes Association recommends focusing on established dietary approaches for cholesterol management, including limiting saturated and trans fats, increasing soluble fiber, and incorporating plant stanols/sterols 2, 3
The American Heart Association suggests that while black and red rice may be incorporated into a heart-healthy diet, they should not be relied upon as primary interventions for cholesterol management 1, 2
The American College of Cardiology recommends that for significant cholesterol lowering, consider evidence-based approaches such as reducing saturated fat intake, increasing physical activity, and if necessary, pharmacological interventions 1, 2