Phytosterol
Phytosterols are natural compounds structurally similar to mammalian cell-derived cholesterol, with over 250 PSs having been isolated from plants, and each plant species containing a characteristic phytosterol composition.
Phytosterols have been shown to have remarkable pharmacological effects, acting as chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer agents. One of the most well-known benefits of phytosterols is their ability to reduce total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, thus decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease. Recent studies have confirmed such effects of phytosterols on plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels.
Here are some case studies regarding the benefits of phytosterol:
- A meta-analysis of intervention studies found no adverse effects of phytosterol-enriched food consumption (average dose of 2.5 g/day) on fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoid levels.
- A study showed that a daily intake of 2 g of phytosterols for 4 weeks resulted in a 10.2% reduction in total cholesterol levels.
The recommended dosage of phytosterols is 1.5-3.0 g per day. The use of supplements or foods enriched in phytosterols within this limit is not associated with relevant side effects. However, higher phytosterol doses are associated with an increased risk of side effects, such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and constipation. Phytosterol supplements should not be given to people with sitosterolemia, a rare genetic disorder that causes high levels of plant sterols to accumulate in the body, as it can greatly increase cardiovascular risk in such individuals.
