Best Fit Profiles
- LDL reduction as adjunct to dietary and pharmaceutical lipid management
LDL cholesterol reduction
Plant Sterols (Phytosterols)
Plant sterols and stanols reduce LDL cholesterol by blocking intestinal cholesterol absorption. Meta-analyses show consistent 7-10% LDL reduction at 2 g/day. FDA permits a health claim for this effect.
Evidence Level A
Evidence and Risk Labels
Evidence A/B/C reflects research maturity, and risk levels reflect monitoring needs. These labels support comparison, not diagnosis or treatment decisions.
See full scoring guideClinical Snapshot
- Effect Size
- Moderate, consistent LDL reduction of 7-10%; additive to statin therapy
- Safety
- Low Risk
Phytosterolemia (rare genetic condition) is an absolute contraindication. May slightly reduce fat-soluble vitamin absorption at high doses.
Research Dosing
This reflects common ranges and protocols used in published studies, not personal medical advice.
- Typical Daily Dose
- 2 g (as sterols or stanols)
- Timing
- With meals that contain dietary fat
- Protocol Duration in Studies
- Ongoing; effects are maintained with continued use
Spread across 2-3 meals for maximum cholesterol absorption blockade; found in fortified foods or supplements.