Plant Sterols

Early historical diets were rich in phytosterols (found in grains, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and seeds), providing as much as 1 g per day. Phytosterols undergo absorption similar to that of cholesterol. In a process in the small intestine, phytosterols displace cholesterol from food and reduce cholesterol absorption, resulting in a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. In addition, the minimal amount of phytosterols that are absorbed into the body, once taken up by the liver , are rapidly secreted into bile by hepatic transporters at a high rate, enhancing cholesterol excretion. These mechanisms allow plant sterols to provide multi-spectrum support for cardiovascular health and cholesterol management. Research has shown that phytosterols, plant-based compounds structurally similar to cholesterol, compete with cholesterol for absorption and thus play a key role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels. According to the FDA, "products containing at least 0.65g per s