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How Much Plant Sterol Is Needed to Lower Cholesterol?

Scientists know that plant sterols interfere with cholesterol absorption, but how well do these compounds work to lower cholesterol? To answer this question, investigators fed volunteers a carefully controlled diet with a measured small amount of plant sterols. They were then given a daily beverage with either no, 400 mg or 2000 mg of plant sterols as a supplement. At the highest dose, blood cholesterol levels dropped significantly by almost 9 percent. At the lower level of phytosterol supplementation, there was only a non-significant trend toward lower LDL cholesterol. This lower level can be achieved in the diet without supplementation, however.

[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Dec 2009]

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About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
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