A supplement containing hydroxytyrosol, an antioxidant compound found most abundantly in olives, was shown in a recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published this year to significantly reduce LDL cholesterol. Specifically, the supplement used in the clinical trial contained an ingredient called HTEssence, manufactured by Wacker.
 
As a follow-up to a preliminary trial substantiating this claim, which was published in 2018 and recruited a total of 29 participants, the newly-published study recruited 92 healthy volunteers who were prescribed 30 mg of hydroxytyrosol per day for a total of 12 weeks, compared to the previous trial’s 4-week duration. It was published in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences. 
 
Both studies provided evidence that significant reductions on LDL cholesterol are possible to achieve with hydroxytyrosol supplementation. In the first four-week study involving 29 participants, blood concentrations of LDL cholesterol were reduced by an average of 9.4 mg/dL, however, the small population size warranted further substantiation. In the second clinical trial, a statistically significant reduction in the same metric was seen, with an average of 8.5 mg/dL.
 
LDL cholesterol concentration is highly influenced by nutrition, and is one of the most significant risk factors for developing coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis. The U.S. NCEP (National Cholesterol Education Program) estimates that a 1% reduction in LDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of heart disease by approximately 1%.
 
The authors of the study noted that it would be worthwhile for future research to investigate whether hydroxytyrosol could have an effect on systemic inflammation, by measuring the concentrations of certain inflammatory markers.
 
“Given that systemic inflammation play a crucial role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, the favorable changes of inflammatory markers may also represent an anti-atherogenic effect, beyond LDL cholesterol reduction,” the authors said, also noting that significant differences in LDL cholesterol were observed by week 6 of the study, and the ingredient had a high tolerability and safety profile.
 
Wacker reports that its patented process makes it possible to synthesize a “nature-identical” substance of high purity, and with a standardized hydroxytyrosol content in the form of either a formless water-soluble powder or in liquid form. It is suitable for use in functional foods, dietary supplements, and beverages.