Sitostanol
Synopsis of sitostanol
Sitostanol is a plant-derived sterol compound, specifically a type of phytostanol, structurally similar to cholesterol but with important biological differences. It is the saturated derivative of beta-sitosterol and occurs naturally in small amounts in many plant-based foods such as whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. Sitostanol is best known for its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol in the intestines.
Unlike cholesterol, sitostanol is poorly absorbed in the human gut. When consumed, it competes with cholesterol for incorporation into micelles (fat-transporting molecules in the digestive tract), thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream. Clinical studies have shown that regular intake of sitostanol (typically in the form of esterified sitostanol, known as sitostanol ester) can reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels by 8–15% without affecting HDL ("good") cholesterol or triglycerides.
Sitostanol is typically included in functional foods such as cholesterol-lowering margarine, yogurt drinks, and dietary supplements. It is most beneficial for individuals with high cholesterol, familial hypercholesterolemia, or those seeking natural alternatives to statins. Its effects are dose-dependent, with noticeable results generally achieved at daily intakes of 2–3 grams.
Historical Use:
Though sitostanol itself is a modern discovery, its source—plant sterols—has been part of the human diet for millennia. Ancient diets rich in plant-based foods naturally provided small but beneficial quantities of these compounds. In traditional medicine systems, the consumption of plant-based fats and oils (e.g., from sesame, flaxseed, or olive) was often associated with cardiovascular resilience and longevity, long before the specific compounds responsible were isolated and studied.
Scientific interest in plant sterols began in the 20th century, with sitosterol identified first, followed by the discovery of sitostanol as a key cholesterol-lowering agent. The 1990s marked a major turning point, when food scientists learned how to extract and stabilize sitostanol and incorporate it into food products. In 1995, Finland became the first country to release a commercial sitostanol-enriched product (Benecol®), leading to a wave of cholesterol-lowering functional foods across Europe and North America.
Sitostanol is used for these health conditions
Arteriosclerosis (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
sitostanol is used to support these body systems
Arteries (Scientific)
Blood (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
