Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Sitosterol, specifically beta-sitosterol, is a plant sterol (phytosterol) that has been scientifically investigated for its effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, primarily through its cholesterol-lowering properties. Numerous clinical studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated that consumption of sitosterol or mixed plant sterols/stanols at doses of 1.5–3 grams per day can lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 7–12%. Elevated LDL cholesterol is a well-established risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The mechanism involves sitosterol competing with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the intestine, thereby reducing overall cholesterol uptake.

Major health authorities, including the European Atherosclerosis Society and the US National Cholesterol Education Program, recognize plant sterols/stanols as an adjunct dietary intervention for individuals with elevated cholesterol or at risk of CVD. However, while strong evidence exists for the cholesterol-lowering effect of sitosterol, direct evidence linking its supplementation to reduced cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attacks, strokes) is less robust, as most studies use LDL reduction as a surrogate endpoint. Overall, the use of sitosterol to support cardiovascular health is scientifically validated, primarily for its ability to lower LDL cholesterol, an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

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