Phytosterols and Their Effect on Lowering Cholesterol Levels

Phytosterols, also referred to as plant sterols or stanols, are cholesterol-like molecules found in cell membranes of plants. Unlike cholesterol, however, the body cannot produce phytosterols. Therefore, their main source comes from plant-based foods.

There are multiple different types of phytosterols, but sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol are most abundant in commonly consumed foods.

The function of phytosterols is like that of cholesterol in the body. Phytosterols may help lower the total and LDL cholesterol levels by blocking its absorption. Remember, LDL is the “bad” cholesterol. If enough phytosterols are consumed, they compete with the cholesterol for absorption in the digestive track. This leads to less cholesterol being absorbed in the body, which can prevent high cholesterol.

A typical Western diet contains about 150-450mg/day of phytosterols.?This small amount of naturally occurring plant sterols and stanols are not enough to significantly lower serum cholesterol levels.

Therefore, incorporating the phytosterols in functional foods into the diet can be beneficial to help manage high cholesterol.

The role of phytosterols in lowering cholesterol levels in the body has been studied extensively.

One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition?found that consumption of a specific blend of phytosterols along with a diet of healthy fats led to significant reduction of total and LDL cholesterol levels compared to the diet alone at the end of 30 days. In the diet alone group the total and LDL cholesterol decreased by 8.9% and the diet and phytosterol group the total and LDL cholesterol decreased by 24.4% after 30 days.

It is important to eat foods and drink beverages supplemented with plant sterols and stanols. This along with maintaining a healthy body weight have been shown to have a positive effect on lowering total and LDL cholesterol levels.

Also, it is important to note products that contain phytosterols are allowed a health claim by the FDA, which states, “diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include at least 1.3 grams of plant sterol esters or 3.4 grams of plant stanol esters, consumed in two meals with other foods, may reduce the risk of heart disease.”

The health claim by the FDA indicates that evidence supporting the role of phytosterols has been evaluated rigorously, with positive outcomes.

The benefits of phytosterols are not just limited to lowering cholesterol.

Some evidence is suggesting the benefits may extend towards certain cancers, and diabetes but more research still needs to be conducted in these areas.

Nguyen, T T. The cholesterol-lowering action of plant stanol esters. J Nutr. 1999: 12; 2109-2112

?Ostlund RE, et al. Effects of trace components of dietary fat on cholesterol metabolism: phytosterols, oxysterols, and squalene. Nutr Rev. 2002;60(11):349-359

Jones P, Ntanios FY, et al. Cholesterol-lowering efficacy of a sitostanol-containing phytosterol mixture with a prudent diet in hyperlipidemic men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69:1144-1150

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/12/08/2010-30386/food-labeling-health-claim-phytosterols-and-risk-of-coronary-heart-disease

Metagenics Institute

Dan Cardellichio DC, MS

MS – Human Nutrition

Adjunct Professor, University of Bridgeport, Nutrition Institute

505 E Broad Street

Westfield NJ

908-233-4200

554 Bloomfield Ave.

Newark, NJ

973-483-2277