Phytosterols

Best for

Lower bad and total cholesterol

Proven modest benefit for 3–52 weeks · 6 meta-analyses , n=5.5k

37 papers · 3 claims · 58 outcomes scored · 1 positive

Outcomes

What phytosterols actually does, by outcome

Each row is one outcome with effect size, evidence base, the dose that worked in trials, and time to first effect. Magnitude tiers come from native-unit MCID where available, Cohen's d otherwise.

Outcome Effect size Evidence Dose Weeks Rank

Lower bad and total cholesterol Proven modest benefit

Cuts the cholesterol that builds into artery plaque over time.

33 meta-analyses n=5.5k 0.04–3200 g 3–52 wk #2/103

17419879·18320185·18837970·19843338 +29 more

small

33 meta-analyses n=5.5k Meta-analyzed I²=98%

0.04–3200 g

3–52 wk

#2 /103

Raise good cholesterol levels Likely real but unnoticeable

Boosts the cholesterol that pulls fat out of artery walls.

28 meta-analyses n=5.1k 0.45–2500 g 3–52 wk

17419879·18320185·19843338·20808333 +24 more

trivial

28 meta-analyses n=5.1k Meta-analyzed I²=92%

0.45–2500 g

3–52 wk

—

Reduce cholesterol absorbed from food Not enough research

Less cholesterol crosses from your gut into your bloodstream after meals.

2 RCTs n=— 800–3200 mg 4–6 wk

18320185·31575059

—

2 RCTs n=—

800–3200 mg

4–6 wk

—

Outcome	Effect	Evidence	Dose	Weeks	Rank
Lower bad and total cholesterol Proven modest benefit	small	33 meta-analyses n=5.5k Meta-analyzed	0.04–3200 g	3–52 wk	#2/103
Raise good cholesterol levels Likely real but unnoticeable	trivial	28 meta-analyses n=5.1k Meta-analyzed	0.45–2500 g	3–52 wk	—
Reduce cholesterol absorbed from food Not enough research		2 RCTs n=—	800–3200 mg	4–6 wk	—

Buy well

Recommended Phytosterols products

Real products that dose Phytosterols where the research does, in a clean formulation, from brands we've audited. We only list ones we'd stand behind.

Chosen for adequate Phytosterols dosing vs. the studied range, a clean formulation (grade A–C), and independent brand-quality audits. Not sponsored.

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

Elevated CK level (moderate severity, phase 2) moderate

Epilepsy (moderate severity, phase 2) moderate

Loose stools/diarrhea (possibly related event in phase 1) mild

alanine aminotransferase increased mild

gastrointestinal symptoms mild

gastrointestinal adverse effects mild

Headache (treatment-emergent adverse event)

Dizziness (treatment-emergent adverse event)

Drug interactions

Cholesterol-Lowering Medication major unknown

Ezetimibe moderate decreases concentration

Drug:Ezetimibe moderate decreases effect

Efavirenz moderate decreases effect

Ezetimibe minor decreases concentration

Co-studied with

Supplements that share evidence with phytosterols

Sources

Generated August 14, 2026

Phytosterols

What phytosterols actually does, by outcome

Recommended Phytosterols products

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Supplements that share evidence with phytosterols

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