Benefits
FDA-Approved Cholesterol Health Claim
Plant sterols carry FDA-approved health claim — foods containing at least 0.5 g per serving of phytosterols eaten with meals for daily total of 2 g may reduce risk of coronary heart disease.
8-15% LDL Cholesterol Reduction
Clinical studies demonstrate 8-15% reduction in 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol with adequate plant sterol intake.
NCEP and AHA Recommended
Recommended by National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) of National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; American Heart Association recognition.
EFSA Health Claim Approval
European Food Safety Authority positive opinion for cholesterol management — global regulatory acceptance.
Versatile Food/Beverage Applications
Multiple CoroWise forms (powder, esters, aqueous dispersion) enable formulation in margarines, cheese, yogurt, juice, cereals, bars, breads, supplements.
50+ Years Research
Plant sterols have been researched and used for more than 50 years with no known adverse effects when used as directed.
Cargill Industry Leadership
CoroWise debuted in 2003; established global brand; multiple product variants for diverse applications.
Mechanism of action
Cholesterol Absorption Inhibition
Plant sterols compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption in intestinal micelles — reduces cholesterol uptake; primary mechanism.
Structural Similarity to Cholesterol
Plant sterols are structurally similar to cholesterol but absorbed at much lower efficiency; interfere with cholesterol absorption.
ABCG5/ABCG8 Transporter Effects
Plant sterols modulate intestinal cholesterol efflux transporters.
LDL Receptor Upregulation
Reduced cholesterol absorption leads to upregulation of LDL receptors in liver — clears more LDL from blood.
Bile Acid Recycling Effects
Modest effects on bile acid metabolism.
Clinical trials
Multiple meta-analyses of plant sterols for cholesterol management.
Various populations including hypercholesterolemic.
Consistent 8-15% LDL cholesterol reductions with 2 g/day plant sterol intake; established cardiovascular benefit.
Cargill clinical evaluations of CoroWise variants in food applications.
Adults with cholesterol concerns.
Cholesterol-lowering effects in food matrices; established formulation flexibility.