Beta Sitosterol

Plant Phytosterols

Beta sitosterol Description
Beta sitosterol Uses

    - beta-sitosterol supporting cholesterol lowering

    - beta sitosterol supporting prostate health
Beta sitosterol Interactions and Precautions

 Beta-Sitosterol Description (top)

Beta sitosterol is one of several plant sterols found in almost all plants. High levels of beta-sitosterol are found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils and soy as well as peanuts.

 Beta-Sitosterol Uses (top)

Beta sitosterol in heart health

Beta-sitosterol is the principle plant sterol found in organic soy, rice and other plant seeds. Unfortunately, over 90% of these sterol substances are removed from foods during processing and refinement, so anyone wishing to increase their dietary phytosterol intake must increase the amount of organic unprocessed foods of these types in their diets, or consider supplementation or foods that have been artifically enriched.

Phytosterol plant extracts, and specifically those rich in beta-sitosterol, have been shown to significantly reduce both total and LDL cholesterol levels both alone and when taken in combination with other plant sterols at levels of 0.8 - 3.2 grams per day, by between 10 - 20% over a 3 month period, after which time the reduction is then maintained.  Once total cholesterol levels have fallen to an optimal point, the body is encouraged to produce HDL cholesterol from stored energy reserves so that the total cholesterol level is maintained at a healthy level, leading to maintenance of an optimal HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio.

It is believed the principle reason for the cholesterol-lowering effects of beta sitosterol supplements or enriched foods is because beta sitosterol reduces absorption of cholesterol contained in the diet. Plant phytosterols are very similar in structure to cholesterol itself and occupy cholesterol absorption sites in the gut. There is considerable research to show that an increase in foods rich in beta-sitosterol from any source effectively helps to reduce cholesterol levels, and therefore helps to maintain a healthy heart and circulatory system.

Beta Sitosterol in supporting prostate health

Studies have shown that people taking a diet high in beta sitosterol at levels of between 60 - 130 mg / day are known to have a lower incidence of prostate symptoms arising from benign prostatic hyperplasia compared with those who do not.  

It may be that these effects arise in part from maintaining, in effect, a low dietary cholesterol intake - several very large dietary intervention studies have shown that men with a lowered cholesterol intake from diet have a significantly lower risk of prostate disease.  Additionally, low level absorbed phytosterols appear to have a strong affinity for prostate cell membranes, where they inhibit the passage of cholesterol into the prostate tissues by occupying receptor sites.  Cholesterol within prostate tissues promotes the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) using the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, and it is the presence of DHT in prostate cells that is a major causative factor in stimulating prostate tissue growth. 

More research is underway to further understand this process.  It is thought that the beta-sitosterol content in herbal formulations such as Saw Palmetto (a herb traditionally used for treatment of prostate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia) that provides this herb with its beneficial effects.

Beta sitosterol and cytokines

About 10 - 20% of the beta sitosterol consumed in the diet is absorbed, and it appears to have a role in modulating immune function and inflammation as a result of its effects on controlling the production of inflammatory cytokines.

 Beta-Sitosterol Interactions and Precautions(top)

There are no known adverse effects of supplementing the diet with beta-sitosterol, and beta-sitosterol is very widely found in the diet.   To date there are no known adverse interactions with any medication. However, the cholesterol lowering abilities of beta-sitosterol supplements are additive to those produced by prescription medications from the statin family, as beta-sitosterol limits dietary cholesterol absorption producing its cholesterol lowering effects wheras statin drugs directly affect internal cholesterol metabolism in the liver. 

As with all supplements, it is advisable to consult your medical practitioner before taking supplements for advice and guidance, especially if you have a medical condition or are receiving a prescription medicine.