How much bergamot juice should I take for cholesterol?

October 26, 2025 •

3 min read

Multiple clinical studies have shown that bergamot polyphenolic fraction can significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. Given this, the question arises: how should one approach using bergamot for cholesterol management and what forms are most effective?

Quick Summary

This article explores the effectiveness of bergamot for managing cholesterol levels. It examines clinical findings, distinguishing between bergamot juice and more concentrated extracts, and outlines important considerations for supplementation.

Key Points

Standardized Extract is Often Preferred: For potentially consistent and reliable cholesterol-supporting effects, many studies have used standardized bergamot extract (BPF) over juice, as it provides a predictable level of active polyphenols.
Clinical Studies Use Various Amounts: Research on standardized bergamot extract for cholesterol has explored different daily amounts.
Juice Concentration Varies: Bergamot juice lacks a standardized flavonoid concentration, making it difficult to determine a precise level for cholesterol management.
Consult a Doctor: Always talk to a healthcare professional before considering bergamot, especially if you are taking other cholesterol medication like statins.
Combine with Healthy Habits: For potentially greater benefits, use bergamot as a supplement alongside a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, not as a replacement.
Monitor Results Over Time: It can take time, sometimes ranging from 30 to 180 days of consistent supplementation, to potentially see significant changes in cholesterol levels.

Understanding Bergamot's Impact on Cholesterol

Bergamot, a citrus fruit from Southern Italy, is rich in bioactive compounds called flavonoids, including brutieridin and melitidin, which have shown promising effects in regulating cholesterol levels. These flavonoids are believed to work in a way similar to statin medications by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme crucial for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This action helps to reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing 'good' HDL cholesterol, promoting overall cardiovascular health.

The Difference Between Bergamot Juice and Extract

When considering supplementation, it's important to understand the difference between bergamot juice and standardized extracts. While bergamot juice contains beneficial polyphenols, the concentration can vary significantly, making a precise amount challenging. Most clinical trials demonstrating significant cholesterol-lowering effects have used concentrated, standardized bergamot extracts, often referred to as Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF). These extracts provide a consistent, and higher, level of active flavonoids than an equivalent volume of juice, making them potentially more reliable for therapeutic purposes.

Using Bergamot for Cholesterol: Clinical Findings

Based on clinical research, standardized bergamot extract has been used in studies for cholesterol support. Research has explored different amounts for individuals with varying lipid levels, often under medical supervision.

Studies involving bergamot juice have also been conducted, though the outcomes can be less consistent due to the natural variation in flavonoid content. For instance, one animal study used bergamot juice daily, which showed a significant decrease in cholesterol in rats. However, directly applying findings from animal studies to humans is not straightforward. For context, clinical trials focusing on extract have shown notable results:

A study involving 237 patients found that BPF daily significantly improved lipid profiles over 30 days.
Another trial showed bergamot flavonoids daily improved cholesterol markers over six months in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia.

Comparison of Bergamot Forms for Cholesterol Management


Feature	Bergamot Juice	Standardized Bergamot Extract (BPF)
Polyphenol Concentration	Highly variable	Concentrated and standardized
Consistency	Inconsistent due to natural variations	Reliable, precise potential for active compounds
Taste	Very bitter and sour, often mixed	Tasteless in capsule/tablet form
Research Support	Limited human trial data for specific usage amounts	Extensive human clinical trial data
Potential Efficacy	Potential, but less predictable	Documented and studied in trials
Ease of Use	Requires sourcing fresh juice, mixing	Convenient capsules or tablets

How to Approach Using Bergamot Effectively

For those wanting to incorporate bergamot, here are some practical tips:

Prioritize Extract: For a potentially more reliable approach to supporting cholesterol, standardized extracts (capsules or tablets) are often suggested over juice due to their consistent and concentrated levels of active compounds, as seen in many studies.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Discuss the appropriate amount and form of bergamot with your doctor before starting.
Timing: Taking a supplement with meals may help improve absorption and minimize potential digestive discomfort, such as heartburn.
Consistency is Key: Consistent daily intake is generally necessary to potentially see results, with studies often showing effects after a period of time, such as 1-6 months.
Combine with Lifestyle Changes: Bergamot can be a part of a comprehensive approach. Pair it with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes for the best overall results.

Safety and Precautions

While bergamot is generally well-tolerated, consulting a healthcare provider is essential, especially if you are taking other medications for cholesterol or have underlying health conditions. Bergamot can potentially interact with certain medications and should not be used as a replacement for prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs without medical guidance. Mild side effects, like heartburn or digestive issues, are possible.

Conclusion

While bergamot juice contains beneficial flavonoids, its variable concentration makes it a less consistent method for potentially achieving a therapeutic effect to lower cholesterol. Standardized bergamot extracts, or Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction (BPF), are the most studied and frequently used form for this purpose in clinical trials. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new supplement regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs and to determine the right approach. Combining a standardized bergamot extract with a healthy lifestyle offers a potential, natural approach to supporting cardiovascular health.

Clinical application of bergamot (Citrus bergamia) for reducing high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease markers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standardized bergamot extract (BPF) is generally favored in studies for potentially consistently supporting cholesterol levels, as it provides a reliable concentration of active flavonoids. The concentration of beneficial compounds in bergamot juice is highly variable.

Clinical trials most commonly use amounts of standardized bergamot extract (BPF) for managing cholesterol.

No, the amount of bergamot essential oil and polyphenols in Earl Grey tea is typically much lower than what is used in studies showing therapeutic effects on cholesterol levels.

Potential improvements in cholesterol levels have been observed in studies after consistently taking bergamot extract for periods ranging from 1 to 6 months.

Bergamot may potentially have a complementary effect with statins. However, using them together should only be done under the strict supervision of a healthcare provider.

The primary active compounds are flavonoids, such as brutieridin and melitidin, which may inhibit a key enzyme in cholesterol production and potentially boost HDL cholesterol.

Bergamot is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as heartburn or other digestive discomfort, especially when starting a new approach.