Plant sterols/stanols

Studied for: Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia

What the research found

Phytosterols: Multiple meta-analyses confirm that doses between 1-3 g/day yield a plateau effect, achieving a 7% to 10% decrease in LDL-C (roughly 0.31 mmol/L) Higher doses provide negligible additional lipid lowering. They must be consumed with meals containing fat to ensure proper micellar incorporation. Health Canada authorizes a health claim for plant sterols lowering blood cholesterol at daily intakes of 1 to 3 g.

Dose used in studies

1 to 3 g/day with meals

Side effects reported

mild stomach upset

References

Zurbau2026, Cicero2023, Wang2023

Not medical advice

Trials are run on specific people, for specific reasons, over a set period. Your medications, conditions and bloodwork can change what is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting.