Plant sterols

Also known as phytosterols, beta-sitosterol, stanols.

Last reviewed October 9, 2026 · Jump to references

What is Plant sterols?

In plain words

Plant sterols are natural substances in plants that resemble cholesterol. The body absorbs very little of them, but they can reduce how much cholesterol enters the blood from the gut. Researchers study them mainly for lowering LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol. Evidence supports modest LDL reductions, but direct evidence that they prevent heart attacks or strokes is limited.

Technical definition

Plant sterols (phytosterols), including beta-sitosterol, are plant-derived steroid alcohols structurally similar to cholesterol; plant stanols are their saturated counterparts. They reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption primarily by competing with cholesterol for incorporation into mixed micelles, rather than by targeting a specific receptor, and are themselves poorly absorbed. They are marketed in fortified foods and dietary supplements, with certain cholesterol-related health claims authorized under jurisdiction-specific conditions.

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Evidence by use

Each use is rated on its own. There is no single overall effectiveness score.