Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Cholesterol Pro Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Protocol For Life Balance

Cholesterol Pro label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Botanical With Nutrients
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 9, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Cholesterol Pro against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Cholesterol Pro is a dietary supplement by Protocol For Life Balance with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart and metabolic health, anxiety and stress (aromatherapy).Based on those ingredients, 410 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has two active ingredients. Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract is a concentrated form of compounds from bergamot citrus peel.

CardioAid Plant Sterols are plant-derived compounds — we don't hold data on them, so we can't tell you more about their role here. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients (cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, silica, and a vegetarian coating) that help bind and deliver the active compounds.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support serum lipid and cholesterol levels.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hyperlipidemia, Metabolic syndrome, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Cardiovascular risk.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Bergamot is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hyperlipidemia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Bergamot is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Obesity, Metabolic syndrome.

Bergamot extract is rated Possibly Effective for high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) — the evidence suggests promise, but it's not conclusive. For mental alertness, it's rated Possibly Ineffective.

The evidence for its use in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and autism spectrum disorder is considered insufficient to say either way. CardioAid Plant Sterols — we hold no effectiveness data for that ingredient.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Bergamot

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Bergamot extract taken by mouth appears generally well tolerated short-term, though one person in a clinical trial reported heartburn. The safety picture changes if you apply it to your skin or swallow the essential oil — topical bergamot can cause blisters, redness, skin lesions, and sun sensitivity, especially in fair-skinned people, and the essential oil can be toxic if swallowed.

The safety data advises against bergamot supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to know it's safe.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Bergamot

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Bergamot.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 410 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this product, double-check if you're on any photosensitizing drugs (medications that increase sun sensitivity) — combining them with bergamot is a Moderate concern. Also check any antidiabetes medications; bergamot may raise the risk of low blood sugar.

CardioAid Plant Sterols has no documented interactions in our data, but we could not verify that ingredient independently.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Cholesterol Pro may help with high cholesterol, but the evidence is preliminary. If you take any antidiabetes drugs or photosensitizing medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start — this product could affect how they work.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your healthcare provider first.

Use the interaction checker below with your exact medications.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Cholesterol Pro, straight from the product label.

Brand Protocol For Life Balance
Barcode (UPC) 707359135116
Net contents 90 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2017
DSLD ID 73423
Product type Botanical With Nutrients
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
45
UPC/BARCODE
707359135116
IngredientAmount% DV
Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract500 mg--
CardioAid Plant Sterols800 mcg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Silica, Vegetarian Coating

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 2 tablets twice daily with food for 30 days. Thereafter, as a maintenance dose, take 2 tablets daily with food.

Formula

How It Works: Clinical Strength Cholesterol Pro features two ingredients that have been scientifically tested for their effects on serum lipid levels.* Bergamonte, a standardized polyphenolic extract derived from Bergamot (Citrus bergamia), has a unique profile of citrus bioflavonoid constituents. Bergamonte has been shown in clinical studies to help to maintain serum cholesterol levels already within the healthy range and may also support normal blood sugar management.* CardioAid, a proprietary plant sterol combination of Beta Sitosterol, Campesterol and Stigmasterol, has also been demonstrated to support healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range and promotes overall cardiovascular health.*

With bergamot extract

Contains soy.

Precautions

Cautions/Interactions: Certain Bergamot constituents may interact with some photosensitizing medications. This product may also interact with cholesterol-lowering medications. Ezetimibe inhibits intestinal absorption of beta-sitosterol. Therefore, this product should not be used in combination with Ezetimibe. Pregnant/lactating women or those currently taking other medications should consult with a healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Do not eat freshness packet. Keep in bottle.

Contains soy.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Clinical strength

~ Supports healthy cholesterol levels already within in the normal range* ~ Supports a healthy cardiovascular system*

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Vegetarian/Vegan

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Bergamonte is a trademark of HP Ingredients. CardioAid is a registered trademark of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company.

General

CODE P3511 V7

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Cholesterol Pro label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container45 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract

Interacts with
410 drugs
500 mg per serving Form: Bruteridine, Flavanones, Melitidine

Bergamot is a Mediterranean citrus fruit, and its standardized extract is most often used to support cholesterol and heart health, with some early but...

Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract monograph & interactions

CardioAid Plant Sterols

800 mcg per serving Form: Beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Stigmasterol

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Croscarmellose Sodium, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Silica, Vegetarian Coating. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Cholesterol Pro?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
410Drugs
410 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract 410

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Cholesterol Pro interact with 410 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Cholesterol Pro interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Cholesterol Pro with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract2 drug types · 410 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking bergamot with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research suggests that bergamot juice has hypoglycemic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Photosensitizing Drugs

Theoretically, topical bergamot essential oil might increase the risk of side effects when used along with photosensitizing drugs.
Bergamot contains bergapten, which has photosensitizing effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bergamonte Citrus Bergamot Polyphenolic extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Cholesterol Pro, from the product label.

Protocol For Life Balance

See all Protocol For Life Balance products
Name
Protocol For Life Balance
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.protocolforlife.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance: Common Questions

Does Cholesterol Pro by Protocol For Life Balance interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Cholesterol Pro has a known interaction with 410 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Cholesterol Pro contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my high cholesterol?
Bergamot extract is rated Possibly Effective for high cholesterol, so there's some promise in the research — but it's not a sure thing. Talk to your doctor about whether it fits into your overall cholesterol plan.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it during both pregnancy and breastfeeding because there isn't enough information to say it's safe. Speak with your doctor or midwife before taking it.
What are the side effects of bergamot?
Taken by mouth short-term, it's generally well tolerated — one person reported heartburn. On the skin, it can cause redness, blisters, and sun sensitivity, especially in fair-skinned people. Never swallow the essential oil; it can be toxic.
Can I take this in the sun?
Bergamot can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage, especially if you have fair skin. Avoid direct sun exposure or wear strong sun protection while taking this product, and definitely avoid it if you're also on photosensitizing medications.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes — it contains several inactive ingredients including cellulose, silica, magnesium stearate, calcium carbonate, and others that help hold the tablet together and deliver the active compounds.
What's CardioAid Plant Sterols for?
We don't hold data on this ingredient, so we can't tell you its specific role or effects. Your pharmacist may be able to give you more details.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Cholesterol Pro is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Cholesterol Pro label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Cholesterol Pro’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Bergamot

Interacts with 410 drugs

Bergamot is a Mediterranean citrus fruit, and its standardized extract is most often used to support cholesterol and heart health, with some early but promising research. The essential oil i...

Read the full Bergamot monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Cholesterol Pro's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 17 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Bergamot 17 references
  1. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Naganuma M, Hirose S, Nakayama Y, et al. A study of the phototoxicity of lemon oil. Arch Dermatol Res 1985;278:31-6. . PubMed
  4. Kaddu, S., Kerl, H., and Wolf, P. Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. J.Am.Acad.Dermatol. 2001;45(3):458-461. PubMed
  5. Finsterer, J. Earl Grey tea intoxication. Lancet 4-27-2002;359(9316):1484. PubMed
  6. Gruson, L. M. and Chang, M. W. Berloque dermatitis mimicking child abuse. Arch.Pediatr.Adolesc.Med. 2002;156(11):1091-1093. PubMed
  7. Weisenseel, P. and Woitalla, S. [Toxic mustard plaster dematitis and phototoxic dematitis after application of bergamot oil]. MMW.Fortschr.Med. 12-15-2005;147(51-52):53, 55.
  8. Placzek, M., Fromel, W., Eberlein, B., Gilbertz, K. P., and Przybilla, B. Evaluation of phototoxic properties of fragrances. Acta Derm.Venereol. 2007;87(4):312-316. PubMed
  9. Mollace, V., Sacco, I., Janda, E., Malara, C., Ventrice, D., Colica, C., Visalli, V., Muscoli, S., Ragusa, S., Muscoli, C., Rotiroti, D., and Romeo, F. Hypolipemic and hypoglycaemic activity of bergamot polyphenols: from animal models to human studies. F PubMed
  10. Morliere, P., Huppe, G., Averbeck, D., Young, A. R., Santus, R., and Dubertret, L. In vitro photostability and photosensitizing properties of bergamot oil. Effects of a cinnamate sunscreen. J.Photochem.Photobiol.B 1990;7(2-4):199-208. PubMed
  11. Young, A. R., Walker, S. L., Kinley, J. S., Plastow, S. R., Averbeck, D., Morliere, P., and Dubertret, L. Phototumorigenesis studies of 5-methoxypsoralen in bergamot oil: evaluation and modification of risk of human use in an albino mouse skin model. J.P PubMed
  12. Girard, J., Unkovic, J., Delahayes, J., and Lafille, C. [Phototoxicity of Bergamot oil. Comparison between humans and guinea pigs]. Dermatologica 1979;158(4):229-243.
  13. Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. II. Factors which affect the phototoxic reaction induced by bergamot oil and psoralen derivatives. Contact Dermatitis 1977;3(5):225-23 PubMed
  14. Zacher, K. D. and Ippen, H. [Contact dermatitis caused by bergamot oil]. Derm.Beruf.Umwelt. 1984;32(3):95-97.
  15. Yasui, Y. and Hirone, T. Action spectrum for bergamot-oil phototoxicity measured by sunburn cell counting. J.Dermatol. 1994;21(5):319-322. PubMed
  16. Zaynoun, S. T., Johnson, B. E., and Frain-Bell, W. A study of oil of bergamot and its importance as a phototoxic agent. I. Characterization and quantification of the photoactive component. Br.J.Dermatol. 1977;96(5):475-482. PubMed
  17. Bruno A, Pandolfo G, Crucitti M, Cedro C, Zoccali RA, Muscatello MRA. Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction Supplementation Improves Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Data From an 8-Week, Open-Label Pilot Study. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2017;37(4):468-71. PubMed

See these in context on the Bergamot monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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