Phytosterols compete with cholesterol.


Phytosterols are cholesterol for plants. They play a major role in the structure of plant cell membranes, much the same way cholesterol has a role in mammalian cell membranes. These molecules are steroid alcohols, structurally similar to cholesterol.


Where they're found
  • Phytosterols naturally occur in small amounts in vegetable oils (eg, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and olive oil), as well as in nuts (eg, almonds) and fruits1
  • Dietary supplements or foods fortified with plant sterols are probably required to achieve functional levels 
Effects on the body
  • Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include two servings of foods that provide a total of at least 3.4g vegetable oil stanol esters in two meals may reduce the risk of heart disease
  • Because they have a similar structure, phytosterols compete with dietary cholesterol for cholesterol binding sites in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby interfering with and reducing the overall amount of cholesterol absorbed2
  • Phytosterols do not have any clinically important impact on absorption and metabolism of other steroid compounds such as β-carotene and α-tocopherol (vitamin E)2
NCEP recommended daily intake

Daily intake of 2 to 3 grams per day of plant stanol/sterol esters.3 


Conclusions from the literature

Phytosterols and stanols reduce LDL cholesterol by blocking absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.2 The FDA acknowledges that these compounds may reduce cardiovascular risk.4

 


Click here to read the medical literature

References: 1. Ostlund RE Jr. Phytosterols in human nutrition. Annu Rev Nutr. 2002;22:533–549. 2. Van Horn L, McCoin M, Kris-Etherton PM, et al. The evidence for dietary prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108:287–331. 3. National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel. Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III): Final Report. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health; September 2002. NIH publication no. 02-5215. 4. US Food and Drug Administration. Federal Register 65 FR 54685-54739, September 8, 2000 – Food Labeling: Health Claims; Plant Sterol/Stanol Esters and Coronary Heart Disease; Interim Final Rule. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/Food/LabelingNutrition/LabelClaims/HealthClaimsMeetingSignificantScientificAgreementSSA/ucm074747.htm.