Lipitor is a brand name for the drug atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. It works by blocking an enzyme that the liver needs to produce cholesterol. According to Drug Patent Watch [1], Lipitor was approved by the FDA in 1996 and has been one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States since then. However, the question remains whether Lipitor is necessary when eating a plant-based diet.

A study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information [2] found that a plant-based diet can effectively lower cholesterol levels. The study followed 198 patients with high cholesterol who were put on a plant-based diet for four weeks. The results showed that the participants' total cholesterol levels decreased by an average of 35.7 mg/dL, and LDL cholesterol levels decreased by an average of 28.6 mg/dL. The study concluded that a plant-based diet can be an effective alternative to medication for managing high cholesterol levels.

However, it is important to note that not everyone may be able to manage their cholesterol levels with diet alone. WebMD [3] notes that medication may be necessary for people who have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol or who have other risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking or a family history of heart disease. In addition, some people may not be able to make significant enough dietary changes to lower their cholesterol levels.

In conclusion, a plant-based diet can be an effective way to lower cholesterol levels, but it may not be enough for everyone. Lipitor and other cholesterol-lowering medications may still be necessary for some people, especially those with genetic predispositions or other risk factors for heart disease.

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LIPITOR
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3662288/
[3] https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/when-your-doctor-orders-cholesterol-lowering-medications