Lipitor is a brand name for atorvastatin, a medication used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Atorvastatin works by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver [2]. While there is no direct evidence that Lipitor should be avoided on a vegan diet, there are some considerations that may be relevant.

First, vegans typically consume a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which are the primary dietary sources of cholesterol. Therefore, vegans may have lower cholesterol levels to begin with, which could make the use of atorvastatin unnecessary [3].

Second, some research suggests that a vegan diet may have cholesterol-lowering effects that are comparable to those of atorvastatin. For example, a 2019 study found that a vegan diet was effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels in overweight adults [1].

Third, some people may prefer to avoid medications altogether and rely on dietary changes to manage their cholesterol levels. However, it is important to note that high cholesterol levels can be a significant risk factor for heart disease, and in some cases, medication may be necessary to manage this risk [2].

In summary, while there is no direct evidence that Lipitor should be avoided on a vegan diet, some vegans may have lower cholesterol levels to begin with and may be able to manage their cholesterol levels through dietary changes alone. However, for those with high cholesterol levels, medication may be necessary to manage the risk of heart disease.

Sources:
1. Kahleova, H., Levin, S., Barnard, N. D. (2019). Vegetarian dietary patterns and cardiovascular disease. Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases, 61(1), 54-61. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2018.05.002
2. Medical News Today. (2021). Atorvastatin oral tablet. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/atorvastatin-oral-tablet
3. Healthline. (2021). Atorvastatin oral tablet: Side effects, dosage, uses, and more. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/atorvastatin-oral-tablet