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Sitostanol

Sitostanol

Best for

Reduce cholesterol absorbed from food

Large effect, needs confirmation for 4–7 weeks · 2 studies , n=78

7 papers · 3 claims · 34 outcomes scored · 2 positive

Outcomes

What sitostanol 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 Evidence Dose Weeks Rank
Reduce cholesterol absorbed from food Large effect, needs confirmation
large 		2 studies n=78 2.7–3000 mg 4–7 wk —
Lower bad and total cholesterol Proven benefit
moderate 		5 meta-analyses n=616 Meta-analyzed 1.6–3000 g 4–26 wk #4/103
Raise good cholesterol levels Doesn't appear to help
trivial 		4 meta-analyses n=594 Meta-analyzed 1.6–3 g 4–26 wk —

Risk profile

Adverse events and known drug interactions

Safety events

gastrointestinal discomfort
gastrointestinal symptoms
respiratory symptoms

Sources

  1. 1. Low-Fat Nondairy Minidrink Containing Plant Stanol Ester Effectively Reduces LDL Cholesterol in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Hypercholesterolemia as Part of a Western Diet. (2013) ↑
  2. 2. Obesity Does Not Interfere with the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Plant Stanol Ester Consumption (as Part of a Heart-Healthy Diet). (2021) ↑
  3. 3. The effects of plant stanol ester consumption on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in adults: a randomised controlled clinical trial. (2013) ↑
  4. 4. Cereal-Based Snack Bar with Added Plant Stanol Ester (Benecol®) Consumed between Meals Lowers Serum Total and LDL Cholesterol Effectively in Mildly to Moderately Hypercholesterolemic Subjects. (2018) ↑
  5. 5. Diet and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Individuals with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (2020) ↑
  6. 6. Recommended or high daily intakes of plant stanol esters do not affect ex vivo T-cell derived cytokine production in immunologically healthy volunteers. (2024) ↑
  7. 7. Effects of a Plant Sterol or Stanol Enriched Mixed Meal on Postprandial Lipid Metabolism in Healthy Subjects. (2016) ↑

Generated August 14, 2026

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