ApoB is a protein that is found on the bad cholesterol particles in your blood. Every single particle that can clog your arteries has exactly one ApoB protein attached to it.
Your liver creates these particles to carry fat around your body for energy. If your liver makes too many (often due to genetics, diet, or insulin issues) or if your body is slow at clearing them out, they build up in your blood.
Why does ApoB matter?
Standard cholesterol tests measure the weight of the cholesterol (LDL-C). ApoB counts the number of particles.
Because plaque formation in arteries is driven by the number of particles that penetrate the arterial wall, ApoB is considered a more accurate predictor of cardiovascular risk than LDL-cholesterol alone. Large meta-analyses show that each 10 mg/dL reduction in ApoB is associated with roughly a 6–10% lower risk of major cardiovascular events.
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Niacin reduces hepatic secretion of ApoB-containing lipoproteins and increases intracellular degradation of ApoB. It also lowers triglycerides.
- A 2024 meta-analysis found that therapeutic-dose niacin (500–3000 mg/day) reduced ApoB by approximately 24 mg/dL. In some studies, niacin reduced ApoB by about 20–25%.
Pomegranate
- Pomegranate is rich in polyphenols (especially punicalagins and ellagic acid), which reduce oxidative stress and improve endothelial function.
- May lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and reduces LDL oxidation by as much as 20% in some studies.
- Decreases ApoB secretion from the liver and increases Apo-A1, which is found on good cholesterol.
- Increases LDL receptor activity, which improves cholesterol clearance.
L. reuteri
- L. reuteri NCIMB 30242 has been shown in human trials to lower ApoB by 8-9% and LDL-C by approximately 9-12% relative to placebo.
References: European Journal of Preventative Cardiology. 2020 Aug The British Journal of Nutrition. 2024 Apr 14 Journal of Functional Foods. 2023 Sep
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2000 May Molecules. 2021 Jun 25 European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2012
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
