Sterols inhibit the absorption of cholesterol by 30% on average

Sterols are found in the cell wall structure of plants. When swallowed they reduce the absorption of cholesterol from food because they look like but do not act like cholesterol. Adding Sterols to foods gives them remarkably powerful cholesterol lowering activity. Taking 1.6 to 2 grams of Plant Sterols daily before meals reduces cholesterol absorption by about 30% leading to a lowering of plasma LDL-cholesterol by about 10%. Since the ability of Sterols to lower LDL cholesterol is in addition to that of statin drugs, Sterols can be used along with statins top further reduce cholesterol. Sterols at up to 3 grams a day are safe and effective cholesterol lowering supplements. The study is published online ahead of print in the January 11th, 2010 issue of the journal Pharmacological Research.