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Plant sterols and stanols.

¹Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland. matti.tikkanen@hus.fi

Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology

|April 7, 2006

Summary

Plant sterols and stanols effectively lower LDL cholesterol by about 10% at 2 g/day. Studies show minimal risks, with minor increases in plant sterol levels and no significant adverse effects on vitamin absorption or sex hormones.

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Area of Science:

Nutritional Science
Cardiovascular Health
Food Science

Background:

Functional foods with plant sterols/stanols are popular for cholesterol reduction.
Concerns exist regarding potential adverse effects of these compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of plant sterols and stanols.
To assess potential adverse effects, including serum plant sterol levels, vitamin absorption, and sex hormone balance.

Main Methods:

Review of clinical trials on plant sterol/stanol intake.
Analysis of safety data concerning serum plant sterol concentrations and fat-soluble vitamin levels.
Examination of effects on sex hormone metabolism.

Main Results:

Plant sterol and stanol intake of 2 g/day reduces LDL cholesterol by approximately 10%.
Plant sterol supplementation modestly increases serum plant sterol levels, but remains well below levels seen in sitosterolemia.
Reductions in fat-soluble vitamins are generally linked to decreased lipoproteins (like LDL), not direct absorption interference, except for minor beta-carotene changes.

Conclusions:

Plant sterols and stanols are effective cholesterol-lowering agents with a favorable safety profile at recommended intakes.
While rare adverse effects are possible with widespread use, current evidence suggests minimal risk for most consumers.
Continued surveillance is recommended as the market for these functional foods expands.

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