Best Supplements for HDL Cholesterol (2026) – Top 10 Reviewed

Raising HDL cholesterol—often called “good” cholesterol—is an important part of cardiovascular health. While HDL is harder to increase than LDL is to lower, certain supplements can help boost these beneficial lipoproteins that protect your heart. This guide covers the most effective supplements for supporting healthy HDL cholesterol levels.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Omega-3 Fish Oil — clinically proven HDL support
• Best Value: Niacin Supplements — most cost-effective HDL booster
• Best Premium: Citrus Bergamot — dual LDL/HDL optimization

Quick Comparison

Product	Key Ingredients	Form	Servings	Best For
Designs for Health OmegAvail	1600mg EPA/DHA	Softgels	60	Omega-3 HDL support
BergaMet Citrus Bergamot	1200mg, 80% polyphenols	Capsules	60	Dual cholesterol support
DAVINCI Omega-3 1000	1000mg fish oil	Softgels	90	Cholesterol maintenance
Cholesterol Command Bergamot	47% polyphenol fraction	Capsules	60	Polyphenol support
Citrus Bergamot 150:1	1200mg bergamot extract	Capsules	60	High concentration
Luma Nutrition Omega 3	2500mg, 2000mg EPA/DHA	Softgels	60	Extra strength
Metagenics OmegaGenics EPA	1200mg EPA	Softgels	60	High EPA formula

1. Designs for Health OmegAvail Hi-Po — Best Overall

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Designs for Health delivers 1,600mg of EPA/DHA in triglyceride form for superior absorption and HDL support.

This professional-grade omega-3 supplement provides the high doses shown in clinical studies to raise HDL cholesterol levels. The triglyceride (TG) form offers better bioavailability than ethyl ester forms. Each serving supports heart, brain, and overall cardiovascular health while helping optimize cholesterol ratios.

What We Like

• High-potency 1,600mg EPA/DHA
• Triglyceride form for better absorption
• Professional-grade purity standards

What Could Be Better

• Premium pricing
• Larger softgel size

Bottom Line: Designs for Health provides clinical-level omega-3 dosing in the most bioavailable form for optimal HDL support.

2. BergaMet Citrus Bergamot — Best Dual Action

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BergaMet delivers 1,200mg of 170:1 citrus bergamot extract with 80% polyphenols for balanced cholesterol optimization.

Clinical studies show bergamot not only helps reduce LDL cholesterol but can also increase HDL cholesterol levels. The unique polyphenol compounds in bergamot support both aspects of cholesterol balance. This Italian Calabrian bergamot extract provides therapeutic levels of the active compounds.

What We Like

• Supports both HDL increase and LDL decrease
• High 80% polyphenol content
• Authentic Italian bergamot source

What Could Be Better

• Effects develop gradually over weeks
• Higher cost for quality extract

Bottom Line: BergaMet provides comprehensive cholesterol support with proven effects on both HDL and LDL levels.

3. DAVINCI Labs Omega-3 1000 — Best Value

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DAVINCI Labs provides 1,000mg of pharmaceutical-grade fish oil to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

This affordable omega-3 supplement delivers the essential fatty acids that support HDL cholesterol production. The formula is molecularly distilled for purity and tested for heavy metals and contaminants. Each softgel provides balanced EPA and DHA for comprehensive cardiovascular support.

What We Like

• Excellent value pricing
• 90 softgels provide extended supply
• Pharmaceutical-grade purity

What Could Be Better

• Lower potency than premium options
• May require multiple softgels for therapeutic dose

Bottom Line: DAVINCI offers quality omega-3s at an accessible price point for daily HDL cholesterol maintenance.

4. Cholesterol Command Citrus Bergamot — Best Polyphenol Formula

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Cholesterol Command features 47% bergamot polyphenol fraction (BPF) for targeted cholesterol ratio optimization.

This concentrated bergamot superfruit formula focuses on the active polyphenol compounds shown to improve HDL-to-LDL cholesterol ratios. The high BPF percentage ensures therapeutic levels of the beneficial compounds. Research suggests bergamot polyphenols can increase HDL while reducing LDL simultaneously.

What We Like

• High 47% polyphenol fraction
• Supports favorable cholesterol ratios
• Clinically studied bergamot levels

What Could Be Better

• Single-ingredient approach
• Requires consistent long-term use

Bottom Line: Cholesterol Command delivers concentrated bergamot polyphenols for optimizing both HDL and LDL cholesterol.

5. Citrus Bergamot 150:1 Extract — Best High Concentration

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This bergamot supplement provides 1,200mg per serving with 150:1 extraction ratio and 80% polyphenols.

The highly concentrated extract maximizes the polyphenol content shown to support healthy cholesterol balance. Studies indicate bergamot’s unique flavonoids can help increase HDL cholesterol while providing antioxidant protection for cardiovascular health. This formula delivers research-level polyphenol concentrations.

What We Like

• 150:1 concentration for maximum potency
• Research-backed 80% polyphenol content
• Supports HDL increase naturally

What Could Be Better

• May cause initial digestive adjustment
• Results require 6-8 weeks

Bottom Line: This high-concentration bergamot delivers clinical-level polyphenols for comprehensive HDL cholesterol support.

6. Luma Nutrition Omega 3 Fish Oil — Best Extra Strength

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Luma Nutrition delivers an impressive 2,500mg total fish oil with 2,000mg of EPA and DHA per serving.

This extra-strength formula provides the higher omega-3 doses associated with significant HDL cholesterol improvements in clinical studies. The concentrated EPA and DHA support heart health, brain function, and favorable cholesterol ratios. Each serving delivers pharmaceutical-grade purity.

What We Like

• Extra-strength 2,500mg total omega-3
• High 2,000mg EPA/DHA content
• Comprehensive cardiovascular support

What Could Be Better

• Larger softgel size
• Higher price reflects premium potency

Bottom Line: Luma Nutrition provides maximum-strength omega-3s for serious HDL cholesterol optimization.

7. Metagenics OmegaGenics EPA 1200 — Best High EPA

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Metagenics delivers 1,200mg of high-potency EPA per serving for targeted cardiovascular and cholesterol support.

This EPA-focused formula emphasizes the omega-3 fatty acid most strongly associated with HDL cholesterol benefits. High EPA levels support heart health, brain function, and healthy inflammatory response. The concentrated formula allows you to take fewer softgels while achieving therapeutic omega-3 levels.

What We Like

• High-potency 1,200mg EPA
• Professional-grade quality
• Supports heart, brain, and joints

What Could Be Better

• Lower DHA content
• Premium pricing for concentrated formula

Bottom Line: Metagenics provides concentrated EPA for those seeking targeted omega-3 support for HDL cholesterol.

How to Choose the Best HDL Cholesterol Supplement

Raising HDL cholesterol requires a different approach than lowering LDL. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are among the most effective supplements for increasing HDL levels, with studies showing 1,000-2,000mg of EPA plus DHA daily can raise HDL by 3-9%. Look for high-potency fish oils providing at least 1,000mg of combined EPA/DHA per serving for meaningful effects.

Niacin (vitamin B3) is one of the most potent HDL-raising supplements available, capable of increasing HDL cholesterol by 15-35% at prescription doses. However, high-dose niacin (500mg and above) can cause uncomfortable flushing and should only be used under medical supervision. Lower doses of 100-250mg can provide modest HDL benefits with fewer side effects.

Citrus bergamot offers a unique dual action, helping to reduce LDL while simultaneously supporting HDL increases. Look for bergamot extracts with at least 38-40% polyphenol content, ideally sourced from Calabrian bergamot. Doses of 500-1,500mg daily have shown favorable effects on cholesterol ratios in clinical studies.

Consider the form of omega-3 supplements. Triglyceride (TG) form and re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) form are better absorbed than ethyl ester (EE) form. While EE form is often cheaper, you may need to take more to achieve the same blood levels of EPA and DHA. Check product labels for the specific form used.

Prioritize quality and purity certifications. Look for omega-3 supplements that are third-party tested for mercury, PCBs, and other contaminants. Organizations like IFOS (International Fish Oil Standards) and USP provide independent verification of purity and potency. For bergamot, look for products that specify their extraction ratio and polyphenol percentage.

Benefits of HDL Cholesterol Supplements

HDL cholesterol acts as a cardiovascular cleanup crew, transporting excess cholesterol from your arteries back to your liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels are associated with reduced heart disease risk, with every 1 mg/dL increase in HDL potentially reducing heart disease risk by 2-3%. Supplements that boost HDL help strengthen this protective mechanism.

Omega-3 fatty acids provide multiple cardiovascular benefits beyond just raising HDL. They help reduce triglycerides, support healthy blood pressure, decrease blood clotting risk, and reduce inflammation in blood vessels. The combined effects make omega-3s one of the most comprehensively beneficial supplements for heart health.

Bergamot polyphenols offer unique metabolic benefits. Beyond improving cholesterol ratios, bergamot has been shown to support healthy blood sugar metabolism and provide powerful antioxidant protection for arterial health. The polyphenols help prevent LDL oxidation, which is a key step in the development of arterial plaque.

Improving your HDL-to-LDL ratio is often more important than absolute cholesterol numbers. A healthy ratio of total cholesterol to HDL should be below 5:1, ideally below 3.5:1. Supplements that simultaneously raise HDL and lower LDL can dramatically improve this ratio, providing comprehensive cardiovascular protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to raise HDL cholesterol with supplements?

Most HDL-raising supplements require 6-12 weeks of consistent use to show measurable improvements. Omega-3 supplements typically show effects within 8-12 weeks. Bergamot may take 6-8 weeks. Niacin can work more quickly, sometimes showing effects within 4-6 weeks, but requires medical supervision at therapeutic doses.

What’s the most effective supplement for raising HDL?

Prescription-strength niacin (1,000-2,000mg daily) is the most potent HDL-raising agent, but requires medical supervision due to side effects. For over-the-counter options, high-dose omega-3 fish oil (2,000-4,000mg EPA/DHA daily) is most effective, typically raising HDL by 3-9%. Bergamot shows promise for dual cholesterol optimization.

Can exercise and supplements work together to raise HDL?

Yes, exercise and supplements have additive effects on HDL cholesterol. Regular aerobic exercise can raise HDL by 5-15%, while omega-3 supplements add another 3-9%. Combining both approaches provides the strongest results. Exercise enhances the activity of enzymes that help transport HDL cholesterol.

Is it possible to have HDL that’s too high?

While rare, extremely high HDL levels (above 100 mg/dL) may not provide additional benefits and in some cases might indicate dysfunctional HDL. The optimal HDL range is generally 40-60 mg/dL for men and 50-70 mg/dL for women. Focus on achieving healthy ranges rather than maximizing HDL indefinitely.

Do statins affect HDL cholesterol?

Statins primarily lower LDL cholesterol and have modest effects on HDL, typically increasing it by 5-10%. Some statins like atorvastatin and rosuvastatin may provide slightly better HDL increases. You can safely combine most HDL-raising supplements with statins, though always consult your doctor first.

Can alcohol raise HDL cholesterol?

Moderate alcohol consumption (1 drink daily for women, 2 for men) can raise HDL by 10-15%. However, the risks of alcohol consumption generally outweigh this benefit. Supplements like omega-3 and bergamot provide HDL benefits without alcohol’s negative health effects. Focus on evidence-based supplements instead.

How does bergamot compare to fish oil for HDL?

Bergamot and fish oil work through different mechanisms. Fish oil primarily raises HDL through omega-3 fatty acid pathways, while bergamot polyphenols affect cholesterol metabolism in the liver. Some people combine both for complementary effects. Bergamot may provide slightly better LDL reduction, while fish oil offers broader cardiovascular benefits.

Should I take CoQ10 with HDL supplements?

CoQ10 doesn’t directly raise HDL but provides complementary cardiovascular benefits. If you’re taking statins alongside HDL supplements, CoQ10 supplementation (100-200mg daily) is recommended since statins deplete CoQ10 levels. CoQ10 supports heart muscle energy production and provides antioxidant protection.

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