Skip to content
Back to High Cholesterol Support

ingestible · for high cholesterol support

Plant Sterols & Stanols

Reviewed by the Nimbera editorial team · Last updated May 2026

Ras RT 2014 British Journal of Nutrition (PMID 24780090) - meta-analysis of 124 RCTs (201 strata) found plant sterols and stanols at 0.6-3.3 g/day reduced LDL cholesterol by an average of 6-12%, with the maximum average reduction of 12% achieved at approximately 3 g/day.$15-30/month

How to use

Consume 2-3 g of plant sterols or stanols daily, split across two to three meals. Available as fortified margarines (e.g., Benecol, Promise Activ), supplements, or fortified orange juice. Consistency and timing with fatty meals improves absorption.

How it works

Plant sterols and stanols are structurally similar to cholesterol and compete with it for absorption in the small intestine, reducing the amount of dietary and biliary cholesterol entering the bloodstream.

Where to buy

Benecol Regular Spread (fortified margarine, $5-7/tub), Promise Activ Spread ($5-7/tub), Nature Made CholestOff Plus ($20-30 for 120 tabs at 900 mg each). Also found in fortified orange juices at major grocery stores.

Typical cost: $15-30/month

Safety notes

Generally very safe with few side effects. May slightly reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and beta-carotene with long-term high-dose use; consider a daily multivitamin taken at a different time. Not recommended as a sole therapy for severe hypercholesterolemia - use alongside a healthy diet.

Drug & supplement interactions

  • Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about any supplements you take.
  • Interactions can occur with prescription medications, blood thinners, and immunosuppressants.
  • Herbal remedies can affect how the body absorbs or metabolises drugs.
  • Check drugs.com interactions checker before starting.

Clinical source

Ras RT 2014 - British Journal of Nutrition (PMID 24780090)

This information is compiled from primary clinical literature and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.