Effect of Phytosterols

Phytosterols are cholesterol-like compounds found in plant matter. While a typical American diet is relatively low in phytosterol-containing foods, they are an important aspect of a healthy diet, and some nutritionists even advise supplementation with these key compounds. Phytosterols perform a number of important tasks in human biology, and their overall effect on human health has been the topic of extensive research.

Cholesterol

Most commonly, phytosterols are cited as a natural method for reducing LDL cholesterol levels, which are often excessively high in people who eat a high-cholesterol diet. Phytosterols help to block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol by 30 to 40 percent, causing a decrease in total levels of both HDL and LDL cholesterol. Since high cholesterol is a common cause of many chronic diseases, foods and supplements that are enhanced with phytosterols may provide numerous benefits to certain people. Foods such as cereals, oils, butter and margarine are often enhanced with phytosterols and are directly marketed to people who aim to lower their total cholesterol levels.

Heart Disease

Many types of heart disease are caused, or made worse, by a high-cholesterol diet. In addition to helping to lower heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels, phytosterols appear to have other heart-healthy effects. The FDA advises that 0.4 mg of phytosterols, taken twice per day as part of your meals, can reduce the risk of heart disease. Patients with heart disease, or with a family risk of any type of cardiovascular disease, are often advised by doctors and nutritionists to reduce their total intake of dietary cholesterol and saturated fat and to increase their intake of phytosterols in the form of natural foods, fortified foods and supplements.

Cancer

Though data on the topic is limited, phytosterols may provide protection against some forms of cancer--particularly cancer of the breast, stomach, colon and prostate. While few large-scale studies have fully investigated this potential protective effect, it is possible that phytosterols partially explain lower cancer rates among people who consume a predominantly plant-based diet. Additionally, phytosterols may play some role in cancer treatment. Phytosterols help to inhibit the growth of tumors in the breast and prostate, especially when taken in very large amounts. Macrobiotic, high-phytosterol diets are often prescribed as complementary treatments for patients with cancer.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Very limited data has suggested that phytosterols may help to reduce inflammation caused by immune-response cells and may be a healthier, lower-risk alternative to steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments. Phytosterols have been used in place of NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen to reduce pain and fever caused by the body's inflammatory response. While no human studies have made solid conclusions about this use, some naturopathic healers advise the use of phytosterols as nutraceutical alternatives to conventional anti-inflammatory medication.

Adverse Effects

Phytosterols are generally recognized as safe, and few adverse effects have been reported. However, like all nutritional supplements, they are associated with some degree of risk--including decreased absorption of vitamin E. Until further information is gathered about the safety of phytosterols in large doses, the FDA has advised that consumers avoid a phytosterol intake for more than 3 grams per day.

It is not known whether phytosterols have noticeable effects on pregnancy or lactation, though preliminary evidence has shown that they do not affect female hormone levels. Still, while phytosterols in foods probably present no risks to pregnant or nursing mothers, supplements should be avoided except under the guidance of a physician.