Beta-sitosterolis sometimes used to reducehigh cholesterol.
It is also available in supplement form and a lipid emulsion.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Getty Images
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent diseases.
Research has shown that phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, can play a role in helping certain medical conditions.
However, many studies on beta-sitosterol have been animal studies.
Researchers found that beta-sitosterol can reduce the amount ofLDL “bad” cholesterolabsorbed by your body.
Because beta-sitosterol and cholesterol have similar structures, your body will choose to absorb beta-sitosterol and excrete cholesterol instead.
The beta-sitosterol eaten from plants competes with cholesterol for absorption in your intestines.
Over time, this can reduce the risk ofatherosclerosisorhyperlipidemia, which can lead toheart disease.
In short, phytosterols like beta-sitosterol are thought to reduce your risk of heart disease.
May Improve Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Beta-sitosterol may aid in the treatment of an enlarged prostate.
This condition is also known asbenign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH) and can block the flow of urine.
A systemic review of studies totaling 519 males with BPH found that beta-sitosterol improvedurinary symptoms.
The in vivo models of the study included male rats.
Similarly, a 2003 study found that beta-sitosterol inducedapoptosis, or cell death, in breast cancer cells.
Apoptosis is key to stopping the spread of cancer cells.
But, again, this research was done in a test tube rather than on humans.
None of this should suggest that beta-sitosterol can directly impact cancer cells.
You should always follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider for any medical condition.
In one study on rats, beta-sitosterol provided both antioxidant and antidiabetic effects.
The results showed that beta-sitosterol reduced blood sugar levels in the rats, possibly due to increasedinsulinresponse.
Human trials on the effects of beta-sitosterol on diabetes are needed.
Beta-sitosterol and other phytosterols are generally considered safe.
But, as with any supplement or medication, side effects are possible.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with taking beta-sitosterol are gastrointestinal.
When side effects do occur, they tend to be one of the common side effects just discussed.
People with a rare genetic condition calledsitosterolemiamay be more likely to experience severe side effects.
People with sitosterolemia are unable to absorb and excrete beta-sitosterol correctly.
This leads to a buildup of beta-sitosterol, which can cause serious side effects likeatherosclerosisand other health issues.
To avoid side effects talk to your healthcare provider before taking beta-sitosterol supplements.
Narrowing of thearteriescould occur if a person with sitosterolemia takes beta-sitosterol supplements.
This could eventually result in blocked blood flow, increasing the risk of aheart attackorstroke.
Taking more beta-sitosterol than is recommended on the label or by a healthcare provider could result in side effects.
Getting advice and guidance from a knowledgeable healthcare provider before starting any new supplement is always best.
Dosage: How Much Beta-Sitosterol Should I Take?
There are no universal guidelines for how to use beta-sitosterol supplements, including dosage.
For benign prostatic hyperplasia, a dose of 60 milligrams two times per day has been suggested.
Beta-sitosterol is not thought to be toxic.
An overdose is also not likely with this supplement.
There is no upper limit (UL) in place for beta-sitosterol.
An upper limit is a maximum quantity or dose that may cause adverse effects if exceeded.
Interactions
Many supplements interact with other medications or nutrients.
Statins may increase the absorption of beta-sitosterol.
Ezetimibe
Ezetimibe, another drug, may also interact with beta-sitosterol.
Carotenoids
A 2017 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that phytosterols can interact withcarotenoids.
The analysis concluded that phytosterols reduced carotenoids in the blood.
Similar Supplements
Some other supplements on the market may be similar to beta-sitosterol.
It is not usually necessary (or recommended) to take two supplements for the same health condition.
Talk with your healthcare provider about which supplement would be best for you and your health.
Because of this, it is easy for most people to get plenty of beta-sitosterol through their diet.
A food-first approach to all nutrients is best, including beta-sitosterol.
However, a beta-sitosterol supplement may sometimes be needed, for example, when a healthcare provider recommends it.
Food Sources of Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is found in plant-based foods.
Many foods contain beta-sitosterol, includingnuts, oils, wheat, and beans.
While nuts make great snacks, beans or lentils can make great side dishes.
Cooking withvegetable oilis thought to be heart-healthy.
Beta-Sitosterol Supplements
It is always best to get the nutrients you need from food first.
you could find beta-sitosterol supplements in capsule, tablet, or soft gel form.
Some versions of the supplement are vegan or gluten-free.
Other ingredients may be present in beta-sitosterol supplements, such as fish oil, magnesium, or soy.
Remember to check the product label for any ingredients you are allergic to before purchasing a beta-sitosterol supplement.
Summary
Beta-sitosterol is a phytosterol that is found in plants.
Beta-sitosterol is sometimes used to reduce cholesterol levels because it is similar in structure to cholesterol.
It has also been studied for its role in improving symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Side effects of beta-sitosterol are typically not severe and may only occur if you take more than is recommended.
Therefore, beta-sitosterol is recognized as a generally safe supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beta-sitosterol supplements appear to be safe for most men who take them for BPH.
For some people, though, beta-sitosterol may cause an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal side effects.
However, research has not shown that beta-sitosterol also acts as a blood thinner.
Babu S, Jayaraman S.An update on -sitosterol: a potential herbal nutraceutical for diabetic management.Biomed Pharmacother.
2000;1999(2):CD001043.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001043
Bin Sayeed MS, Ameen SS.Beta-sitosterol: a promising but orphan nutraceutical to fight against cancer.Nutr Cancer.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.High cholesterol and natural products: what the science says.
Tada H, Nohara A, Inazu A, et al.Hypercholesterolemia, and coronary artery disease.J Atheroscler Thromb.
2018;25(9):783-789. doi:10.5551/jat.RV17024
MedlinePlus.Sitosterolemia.
National Cholesterol Education Program.ATP III guidelines at-a-glance quick desk reference.
2005;96(1A):40D-46D.
2019;91(3):10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139.
doi:10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139
MedlinePlus.Niacin for cholesterol.
2019;9(8):356. doi:10.3390/biom9080356.
Chaplin A, Carpene C, Mercader J.Resveratrol, metabolic syndrome, and gut microbiota.Nutrients.
