Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and certain grains and oils add phytosterols to your diet.
Some products, like juices, have phytosterols added to them.
When taken as a supplement, phytosterols may help lower your LDL andtotal cholesterollevels.
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This article discusses how phytosterols may help in controlling cholesterol levels.
What Are Phytosterols?
Phytosterols are a compound found in many plant foods.
To meet this goal, you would either need to consume phytosterol-enriched foods or take a daily supplement.
Food Sources
Foods contain phytosterols in different amounts.
Many nuts and oils also provide phytosterols.
The compounds may be added to:
What Are the Health Benefits of Phytosterols?
Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Some studies suggest a role for phytosterols in cancer treatment and prevention.
Are there Side Effects From Taking Phytosterol Supplements?
Many of these symptoms will resolve on their own once your body adapts to the supplement.
Higher phytosterol doses are associated with an increased risk of side effects.
Lowering the dose will usually resolve adverse symptoms.
Phytosterol supplementsshould not be given to people with a rare genetic disorder calledphytosterolemia(also known assitosterolemia).
Unless there is a diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia, phytosterol supplements should not be used in children.
Even then, speak with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
The supplement is also not advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to the lack of safety research.
Drug Interactions
Phytosterol supplements may reduce the effectiveness of the cholesterol-lowering drugQuestran(cholestyramine).
To avoid an interaction, take the supplement several hours before or after your Questran dose.
It is unknown what other drugs phytosterol may interact with.
What Foods Are Highest in Phytosterols?
Food should always be your first source of micronutrients, and this includesphytosterol-containing foods.
Summary
Phytosterols occur naturally in many foods or can be added to the diet with supplements.
They can potentially help you to manage LDL cholesterol levels and your overall health through lower lipid levels.
Phytosterols also are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties.
Although tolerated well by most people, phytosterol supplements should not be used by pregnant people or children.
They also should be avoided in people diagnosed with sitosterolemia.
Ask your healthcare provider about sterols in your diet and how best to manage your cholesterol levels.
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