The Health Benefits of Plant Sterols
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 40% of U.S. adults—about 86 million people—have high cholesterol, putting them at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. Almost half of these individuals (45.5 percent) are not treating their high cholesterol with medication.
The most common prescription medications for high cholesterol are statins, which can lower LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) by as much as 30-50 percent. For those looking to support healthy cholesterol levels alongside statin use, plant stanols and sterols can be effective.
Plant Sterols Supplement 1.3 g
Cooper Complete Plant Sterols Supplement includes a variety of purified plant sterols: campesterol, stigmasterol, B-sitosterol, and other cholesterol-like compounds. This dietary supplement for cholesterol health supports a healthy heart and along with a healthy diet, helps to lower dietary cholesterol.†
$35.98 Add to cartWhat Are Plant Stanols and Sterols?
Plant stanols and sterols are natural compounds found in small amounts in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and vegetable oils. Because they share a similar chemical structure to cholesterol, they may help block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine†, supporting healthy blood lipid levels†.
A popular food-based way to consume plant sterols is fortified margarine spreads, yogurts, and dairy products†. Compared to some commercially prepared products, such as Benecol® Original Spread, Cooper Complete Plant Sterols delivers more than five times the amount of plant stanol esters per serving (1300 mg vs. 500 mg), with nearly half the fat and less than 25 percent of the calories†.
Research on Plant Sterols and Cholesterol Support
Large epidemiological studies suggest even low doses of plant sterols (around 126 mg/day) can help support LDL cholesterol reduction†. Converse, diets lacking plant sterols may result in higher LDL cholesterol levels†. According to the Food and Drug Administration:
“A daily total intake of at least 1.3 grams, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease†.”
A summary of several studies concluded that LDL cholesterol could be reduced by as much as 16 percent†, depending on the dosage of plant sterols consumed†. These reductions are associated with meaningful decreases in the risk of coronary heart disease†.
Additional Health Benefits Under Investigation
Emerging research suggests that beyond cholesterol support, plant sterols may offer other health benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of certain cancers†, diabetes†, obesity†
- Support for managing inflammation†, potentially due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects†
- Synergistic benefits when combined with fish oil, helping balance inflammatory markers†
Safety, Side Effects, and Medication Interactions
Plant sterols are generally well-tolerated. Side effects are rare, but higher doses may cause:
- Gas or stomach upset
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Constipation
Importantly, plant sterols may interact with certain cholesterol-lowering medications, such as Questran® (cholestyramine)†. If you take this medication, it’s advised to take plant sterols at least one hour before or 4 to 6 hours after your prescription.
How to Take Plant Sterols
For best results, plant sterol supplements should be taken with meals that contain some dietary fat, which enhances absorption†. A typical effective daily dose is 1,300 (or more), divided into two doses, such as with breakfast and dinner, or lunch and dinner. (We recommend taking one Cooper Complete Plant Sterols capsule with dinner, and the other with the meal that contains the most fat.) If you’re taking other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, plant sterols can be used in conjunction with them†. However, if you take bile acid sequestrants like Questran® (cholestyramine), separate your plant sterol supplement by at least 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after your prescription to avoid interference.
Talk with Your Doctor First
As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with your physician or health care provider before adding plant sterols to your routine. They can assess your overall health and medications to determine whether plant sterols, or any other supplement, are right for you.