Phytosterols (beta-sitosterol complex)
What it is
Plant sterols and stanols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and their saturated stanol forms) compete with dietary and biliary cholesterol for intestinal absorption, reliably lowering LDL by 8-12% at 2 g/day. This is one of the few non-drug lipid interventions with EFSA-authorised health claims. Effect is dose-responsive to about 2-3 g/day, then plateaus. Mildly reduces fat-soluble vitamin absorption — maintain varied diet. Contraindicated in phytosterolaemia (sitosterolaemia, rare genetic disorder). Complementary to statins.
Dose
1.5–3 g phytosterols/stanols daily, split across meals
Time of day & tips
Must be taken with fat-containing meals to work; split across 2-3 meals for best effect; do not exceed 3 g/day (no additional benefit); avoid in homozygous sitosterolaemia
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