Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Screening for Phytoestrogens using a Cell-based Estrogen Receptor β Reporter Assay
Published on: June 7, 2020
Plant sterols in food: no consensus in guidelines
Oliver Weingärtner1, Ronny Baber2, Daniel Teupser3
1Abteilung für Kardiologie, Klinikum Oldenburg, European Medical School Oldenburg-Groningen, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany.
Abstract:
Plant sterols are supplemented in foods to reduce cardiovascular risk. Randomized controlled trials show 2 g of plant sterols a day reduce serum cholesterol by about 10%. This reduction in serum cholesterol levels is achieved at the expense of increased serum plant sterol levels. Findings in patients with phytosterolemia, in experimental studies and in clinical trials have lead to speculations that plant sterols might be atherogenic. In view of emerging safety issues the role of plant sterols in cardiovascular prevention has become controversial. This review reflects the ongoing controversial scientific debate and points out recent developments in guidelines of national and international societies.
Related Concept Videos
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Proteins: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores

