Benefits
Healthy cholesterol
Plant sterols are well documented to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol when taken at about 2 grams per day, a benefit recognized in major reviews and by regulatory authorities.
Cardiovascular prevention
By lowering LDL cholesterol, plant sterols support long-term cardiovascular health as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Complements diet and statins
Plant sterols add to the cholesterol-lowering effect of a healthy diet and can complement cholesterol medication under medical guidance.
Mechanism of action
Blocked cholesterol absorption
Plant sterols compete with cholesterol for uptake into intestinal cells, reducing the amount of dietary and biliary cholesterol absorbed.
Increased cholesterol clearance
Lower absorption prompts the liver to pull more LDL cholesterol from the blood, lowering circulating levels.
Clinical trials
Review of plant sterols and stanols in cholesterol management and cardiovascular prevention. (Barkas et al. 2023, Nutrients)
Adults across the evidence base.
About 2 grams per day of plant sterols consistently lowered LDL cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular prevention.