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Beta-sitosterol is one of a group of organic compounds found in plants that,
alone and in combination with similar plant sterols, reduces blood levels of cholesterol.1 2 3
Where is it found?
Beta-sitosterol is one of several plant sterols (cholesterol is the main animal sterol) found in almost all plants. High levels are found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oil, and soybeans. Peanuts and its products, such as peanut oil, peanut butter, and peanut flour, are good sources of plant sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol.4
Beta-sitosterol has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
Because beta-sitosterol is not an essential nutrient, deficiencies do not occur.
How much is usually taken?
Between 500 mg and 10 grams of beta-sitosterol per day have been used in clinical research to reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. Between 60 (20 mg three times per day) and 130 mg per day have been used in trials reporting a reduction in prostatic hyperplasia-related symptoms.5 6
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Ingesting plant sterols interferes with beta-carotene and vitamin E absorption, resulting in lower blood levels of these nutrients.7
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with beta-sitosterol.
References
1. Lees AM, Mok HYI, Lee RS, et al. Plant sterols as
cholesterol-lowering agents: clinical trials in patients with
hypercholesterolemia and studies of sterol balance. Atherosclerosis
1977;28:325-38.
2. Pelletier X, Belbraouet S, Mirabel D, et al. A diet
moderately enriched in phytosterols lowers plasma cholesterol concentrations in
normocholesterolemic humans. Ann Nutr Metab 1995;39:291-5.
3. Jones
PJ, Raeini-Sarjaz M, Ntanios FY, et al. Modulation of plasma lipid levels and
cholesterol kinetics by phytosterol versus phytostanol esters. J Lipid Res
2000;41:697-705.
4. Awad AB, Chan KC, Downie AC, Fink CS. Peanuts as a source of ß-sitosterol, a sterol with anticancer properties. Nutr Cancer 2000;36:238–41.
5. Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lancet 1995;345:1529–32.
6. Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of ß-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Urol 1997;80:427–32.
7. Richelle M, Enslen M, Hager C, et al. Both free and esterified plant sterols reduce cholesterol absorption and the bioavailability of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol in normocholesterolemic humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:171–7.
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.
2009-01-21
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