Research

Mixed

Consumption of phytosterol esters (approx. 1.84 g/day) lowers plasma total and LDL cholesterol more effectively than phytostanol esters at the same dose, primarily by suppressing cholesterol absorption.

To lower cholesterol, choose margarines or spreads enriched with phytosterol esters over those with phytostanol esters. Aim for a daily intake of approximately 1.8-2 grams of free sterol content, typically achieved by consuming 2-3 servings of the fortified product daily. This intervention is most effective for individuals with elevated cholesterol levels.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
These data indicate that plant sterol and stanol esters differentially lower circulating total and LDL cholesterol levels by suppression of cholesterol absorption in hypercholesterolemic subjects.
Peter J.H. Jones et al. · Journal of Lipid Research · 2000

Why this rating

Randomized crossover design with isotopic tracing, but small sample size (n=15).

Source

Modulation of plasma lipid levels and cholesterol kinetics by phytosterol versus phytostanol esters

Peter J.H. Jones et al. · Journal of Lipid Research · 2000

DOI 10.1016/s0022-2275(20)32378-6

crossover · n=15Cited 391×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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