Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sitosterol, also known as beta-sitosterol, is a plant sterol commonly used to help lower cholesterol levels. Its primary mechanism involves inhibiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines, which can lead to modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol. However, regarding the management or reduction of high triglycerides, the evidence is far less robust.

Clinical studies and meta-analyses have consistently shown that plant sterols, including sitosterol, have a significant effect on lowering LDL cholesterol but show little to no effect on triglyceride levels. According to a 2013 meta-analysis published in the "Journal of the American Heart Association," plant sterol supplementation reduced LDL cholesterol by about 8-10%, but the effect on triglycerides was minimal and not statistically significant. Similar findings are reported by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other systematic reviews.

While some individual studies have noted very minor decreases in triglyceride levels, these changes are typically small and not clinically meaningful. Thus, while sitosterol is scientifically validated for cholesterol reduction, particularly LDL, its use for high triglycerides is not strongly supported. The overall evidence suggests only a negligible effect on triglyceride levels, and major guidelines do not recommend sitosterol for this specific lipid abnormality.

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