Benefits of Phytosterol

Phytosterols are plant-based compounds similar in structure to cholesterol. Many Americans do not get enough phytosterols because a typical Western diet is deficient in plant-based foods. Because of the many benefits of phytosterols, some doctors and nutritionists advise that consumers increase their intake of phytosterol-containing foods and consider the use of phytosterol supplements. Ongoing research supports the theory that phytosterols are an important and critical part of a healthy diet.

Cholesterol

Phytosterols act directly within the digestive system, blocking the absorption of cholesterol by as much as 40 percent. This makes phytosterol a very important part of a diet or treatment program for people with a history of elevated LDL cholesterol levels. The effect of phytosterols on cholesterol absorption may explain the reduced cholesterol rates in people who consume a predominantly plant-based diet.
The phytosterol supplements contained in both food and supplements can decrease total cholesterol levels, which will in turn help to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Experts widely recommend phytosterol-enhanced foods--including oils, breakfast cereals and butter subsitutes--for patients with high cholesterol.

Heart Health

Phytosterols not only decrease cholesterol levels, but they also have other mechanisms of action that appear to be protective against cardiovascular disease. The Food and Drug administration approves the statement that a healthy diet containing .8 g per day of phytosterols can reduce the risk of heart disease.
It's unlikely that phytosterol supplements alone will help to combat cardiovascular disease, but the natural phytosterols found in plant-based foods can play a critical role in supporting the health of the heart. Many doctors advise patients with heart disease to eat a diet rich in phytosterols or take appropriate supplements.

Cancer

Preliminary evidence indicates that phytosterols may provide some protection against three common forms of cancer: breast, prostate and colon. This may partially explain why people who eat a macrobiotic diet are less likely to develop these common, but deadly, diseases. Additionally, even after cancer has developed, phytosterols show some promise in helping to shrink or slow the growth of tumors. This is especially true when large doses of phytosterols are consumed as supplements. Although early evidence is very promising, patients with cancer should take phytosterols only under the guidance of a physician.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Some studies have shown that phytosterols can help to decrease production of inflammatory cells, including neutrophils. This may make them a healthy alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory medications, such as steroids and NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen. Unfortunately, evidence for this nutraceutical method is still very limited. However, they are a low-risk alternative to conventional NSAIDs and may help to alleviate fever, pain and other symptoms of inflammation, both on a chronic and short-term basis.

Benefits vs. Risks

Phytosterols are, for all their benefits, not without some degree of risk. Since studies of phytosterols have been somewhat limited in scope, it is possible that there are dangers that have not yet been evaluated. Until there is more evidence, the Food and Drug administration advises against the intake of more than 3 g per day of phytosterols.
One of the few known risks associated with phytosterol intake is the decreased absorption of vitamin E. While one study also indicated that it may decrease absorption rates of vitamin D3, other research has contradicted this theory. It may be advisable to take supplements of vitamin D and vitamin E for people who take in large quantities of phytosterols.