Reviews and Information for Beta-sitosterol (for cholesterol)
Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols/Stanols and Policosanol)
See our tests, comparisons, and reviews to find the best cholesterol-lowering supplements, including supplements containing plant sterols, stanols, and policosanol, and learn about dosage, safety and more.
Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols/Stanols and Policosanol) Review
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CL Answer
I read that sterol supplements to lower cholesterol like CholestOff can block the absorption of vitamins. Is that true?
Find out if CholestOff and other sterol supplements can block vitamin absorption in the body and other safety concerns.
Product Review
Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)
Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.
News Release
April 17, 2021
ConsumerLab Identifies Best and Worst Avocado Oils Based on Testing
White Plains, New York, April 17, 2021 — Avocado oil has become increasing popular, but concern about the quality of products was raised in 2020 by a study from researchers at the University of California, Davis that found that as much as 82% of avocado oil samples bought locally or online in ...
Product Review
Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review
50% of Red Yeast Rice Supplements "NOT APPROVED" in CL Tests
Clinical Update
3/04/2012
When Not to Take Selenium Cholesterol Lowering with Sterols/Stanols
A recent study using a popular supplement, CholestOff, showed a modest reduction in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and total cholesterol. The reductions were not as dramatic as in some other studies of sterols and stanols; possibly because participants in the study were already on a cholesterol-lowering diet. See the update to the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review for details of the study, more information about the diet, and our tests of CholestOff and other cholesterol-lowering supplements. More >>
Clinical Update
8/05/2012
A More Effective Way to Take Sterols/Stanols to Lower Cholesterol?
A new study shows that taking sterols and stanols from a softgel appears to lower cholesterol more effectively than from a tablet. Get the details, including the name of a new product like the one taken in the study, in the updated Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review. More >>
Clinical Update
7/29/2015
Stanols Lower Cholesterol
Many studies have shown that plant sterols and stanols can help lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. A new placebo-controlled study, which involved advice on diet and exercise, found benefit with a slightly lower dose of stanols than typically recommended. Get the details in the "What to Consider When Buying" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review »
Clinical Update
10/31/2023
How to Reduce Cholesterol
The cholesterol-lowering benefits of a plant sterol supplement were enhanced when a healthful diet was followed in a recent study. Get the details in our Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for sterols/stanols.
Also see our article about supplements and foods that can help lower cholesterol.
Clinical Update
9/30/2012
Do Spreads Lower Heart Risk?
Buttery spreads like Smart Balance and Benecol claim to lower the risk of heart disease due to their phytosterols/stanols. These plant compounds can certainly help (by lowering cholesterol levels), but recent lawsuits challenge whether Smart Balance and Benecol provide enough sterols/stanols to claim a benefit. It turns out that one may, and one may not. Find out more and get our quality ratings of cholesterol-lowering supplements in the updated Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review >>
CL Answer
I use beta-sitosterol for my prostate. Should it be taken with or without food?
How should you take the prostate supplement beta-sitosterol to maximize absorption? Learn more at ConsumerLab.com.
Product Review
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) Review
We Identified the Best Pumpkin Seeds
CL Answer
I read that statins can cause diabetes. Is this true also with red yeast rice?
Find out if red yeast rice supplements increase the risk of diabetes, as some statin medications do. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
Are there supplements that can reduce prostate size?
How to reduce prostate size using supplements for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including beta-sitosterol and saw palmetto.
CL Answer
To lower my cholesterol, I am taking a phytosterol supplement. Will taking other supplements, like red yeast rice or fish oil, help lower my cholesterol even further?
Learn more about combining phytosterols and other cholesterol-lowering supplements like red yeast rice or fish oil.
News Release
February 23, 2021
ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Best Prostate Supplements With Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol
White Plains, New York, February 23, 2021 — Over half of men over age 60 may experience increased urinary frequency, difficulty urinating, or other symptoms of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH.
CL Answer
Could taking vitamin C (500 mg), CoQ10, grape seed extract, fish oil, vitamin D3/calcium/magnesium/zinc interfere with taking beta-sitosterol with dinner?
Learn about drug interactions & proper dosages for supplements such as CoQ10, vitamin D & C, fish oil, magnesium, zinc and grape seed extract.
CL Answer
Which supplements can help lower my triglycerides?
Find out whether fish oil supplements, or plant-based oil supplements, such as flaxseed oil and echium oil are best for lowering triglyceride levels. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Avocado Oil Review
Find the Best Avocado Oil for Purity, Freshness and Taste. Some Others May Include Rotten Avocado or Other Oils.
CL Answer
Which supplements should be taken with food?
Find out which supplements should be taken with food, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, fish oil, and CoQ10.
CL Answer
Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?
Information about heart health supplements & vitamins that help with cholesterol, including sterol esters, CoQ10, and vitamin D, and which may be bad for the heart, like calcium.
Product Review
Lion's Mane and Chaga Supplements Review
Read Labels Carefully -- Many Can Mislead
Product Review
Rolled Oats and Steel-Cut Oats Review
Find the Best Rolled and Steel-Cut Oats -- Beware of Unexpected Gluten.
Clinical Update
5/27/2013
Red Yeast Rice with Sterols?
It is well known that taking a red yeast rice supplement can cause large reductions in LDL "bad" cholesterol and that sterol or stanol esters can lead to modest reductions. But does combining them result in greater benefits than using either alone? A new study says no. It's unclear, however, whether this is always the case. Get details in the updated Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review >>. Also see the updated, Cholesterol Lowering Supplements Review >>
CL Answer
10 Supplements That May Help Reduce Nighttime Urination (And 5 That May Not)
Waking up more than once during the night to use the bathroom? Learn more about the 9 supplements that may help and 5 others that don't.
CL Answer
Which supplements can cause diarrhea?
Can supplements like magnesium cause diarrhea? Find out which supplements may cause diarrhea, such as vitamin B12, curcumin, magnesium, vitamin C and fish oil.
CL Answer
Are there supplements I should avoid when taking apixaban (Eliquis) or similar blood thinner drugs like Xarelto?
Learn about supplement interactions with apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto) and other blood thinner drugs in the direct factor Xa inhibitors class.
Product Review
Nutritional Yeast Review
Inaccurate Labeling Discovered on Most Nutritional Yeasts. Best Fortified and Non-Fortified Products Identified.
CL Answer
What supplements should I stop taking before surgery?
Info on which supplements to avoid before surgery due to increased risk of bleeding or interference with anesthesia.
CL Answer
Is it okay to take vitamin D3 and fish oil together?
Find out if taking vitamin D and fish oil is okay, how it effects absorption, and the best way to take vitamin D to improve absorption. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Clinical Update
10/04/2011
Saw Palmetto May Not Work
It's used by many men hoping to reduce urinary symptoms caused by benign growth of the prostate, or BPH, but a new, well-designed study suggests that it doesn't work. Some other recent research suggest the same. Even when doubling and tripling the standard dose, the high-quality saw palmetto extract used in the new study failed to provide benefit.
What should you do? You may want to consider a different supplement -- beta-sitosterol, a phytosterol. The evidence remains fairly good for beta-sitosterol. To find out more about saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, and the supplements we have tested, see the Prostate Supplements Review. More >>
Clinical Update
6/24/2022
Beta-sitosterol & Bleeding Risk?
Does taking beta-sitosterol increase bleeding risk? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Prostate Supplements Review.
CL Answer
Which supplements help with erectile dysfunction?
Supplements for erectile dysfunction. Find out which supplements can help with ED, including ginseng, L-arginine, and maca.
News Release
April 26, 2019
Best Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols, Stanols & Policosanol) Identified by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, April 26, 2019 — Plant sterols (also called phytosterols) and stanols, and, possibly, policosanol, can help lower elevated levels of cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease.
CL Answer
Which supplements or OTC medications help reduce flatulence (gas), and are there any that make it worse?
Find out which supplements may help reduce flatulence (gas), and learn which supplements or foods may worsen symptoms of flatulence.
Clinical Update
6/10/2015
Do Plant Sterols Help?
Many studies have shown that taking plant sterols with meals can lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. While that's a good thing, a recent study questions whether this reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease — the main target of treatment. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols and Policosanol) Review >>
Clinical Update
1/09/2024
Oats vs Supplement for Cholesterol?
Can eating oats every day reduce total and LDL cholesterol as much as taking a phytosterol/stanol supplement, like Cholestoff? Find out in our Oat Cereals Review. Also see our Top Picks among oat cereals, including steel-cut, rolled, and instant oats, and oat bran.
Also learn about red yeast rice for lowering cholesterol and our Top Pick among such supplements.
Clinical Update
8/03/2019
Saw Palmetto for Prostate?
A recent clinical study is the latest to evaluate the potential benefit of saw palmetto in reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men. Find out what this, and previous studies, have shown in the What It Does section of the Prostate Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements.
Clinical Update
8/31/2014
Taking Fish Oil with Sterols
A new study found that adding EPA and DHA from fish oil to a spread containing plant sterols is not a problem and may provide additional benefit for those with high cholesterol levels. For more information, including dosage amounts, see the update in the Review of Cholesterol-Lowerers >>
CL Answer
Are L-carnosine supplements helpful and safe?
Learn about the potential health benefits of L-carnosine, as well as possible safety concerns, drug interactions and cost.
News Release
September 19, 2015
ConsumerLab.com Tests Popular Prostate Supplements with Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol
White Plains, New York, September 19, 2015 — Can prostate supplements with ingredients such as saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol improve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition affecting more than half of men over age 60? And, if so, which supplements are properly made and labeled and ...
News Release
July 22, 2014
Which Supplements Help Lower Cholesterol? ConsumerLab.com Identifies Best Products by Reviewing Evidence and Testing Quality
White Plains, New York, July 21, 2014 — Certain dietary supplements can help reduce elevated cholesterol levels. A new report from ConsumerLab.com reviews the evidence behind each of the popular cholesterol-lowering ingredients and provides test results for twelve supplements.
CL Answer
What are the health benefits of amla and is it safe?
Learn about amla (Indian gooseberry), including its potential health benefits and possible safety concerns.
CL Answer
Are antioxidant supplements good or bad for you?
Learn more about whether antioxidants like astaxanthin, beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10, curcumin, resveratrol, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E are safe and if they help prevent chronic diseases.
News Release
January 31, 2013
Use of CoQ10, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and B Vitamins on the Rise According to ConsumerLab.com Survey
White Plains, New York — February 1, 2013 — A recent survey of over 10,000 people who take supplements shows that CoQ10, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and B vitamins are the four categories experiencing the most growth over the prior year.
Clinical Update
4/18/2023
Lowering Cholesterol with Beta-glucan?
Consuming oats, which contain beta-glucan, can help lower cholesterol. But do beta-glucan supplements help? See what a study showed in the Benefits section of our Oat Cereals Review, which includes our Top Picks among oat products.
Also see our article about supplements for heart health to learn which other supplements may help lower cholesterol.
Recalls & Warnings
February 02, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Reishi Mushroom Supplements
On January 6, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Entia Biosciences, Inc following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Lion's Mane - All Natural Supplement, Antrodia Mushroom Powder, Maitake Mushroom Powder, Reishi ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
Seller of Cholesterol, Weight Loss Products, and More Warned for Claims
On November 17, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bonagens following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Anti-Aging Supports, Cholesterol & Diabetes Control, Gout Control, Hypertension Control, Liver Supports, Lungs ...
Recalls & Warnings
December 15, 2020
Mushroom Supplement Seller Warned for Drug Claims
On December 4, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Desert Alchemist LLC following a review of the company's website, social media, and Etsy.com store (www.etsy.
Recalls & Warnings
December 11, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Curcumin and Cholesterol Supplements
On November 20, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Natures Boost LLC following a review of the company's websites, which found statements made about the company's products Blood Boost Formula and Turmeric Curcumin to be drug claims.
Clinical Update
9/28/2022
Beta-glucan Supplements for Lowering Cholesterol?
Beta-glucan from cereals such as oats and barley may help lower cholesterol, but be aware that other sources of beta-glucan (including some supplements) may not. Find out in our CL Answer about supplements for heart health.
Clinical Update
4/15/2022
Mushrooms for Lowering Cholesterol?
The beta-glucan in oats can help lower elevated levels of cholesterol, but can the beta-glucan in mushrooms do the same? Find out in our article about Supplements and Foods for Lowering Cholesterol.
News Release
April 26, 2012
ConsumerLab.com reviews prostate supplements with saw palmetto and/or beta-sitosterol and finds few likely to be effective
White Plains, New York April 26, 2012 — Can supplements reduce the symptoms of prostate enlargement in men, as some products claim? ConsumerLab.com researchers recently tackled this question, investigating the evidence behind prostate supplements and testing the quality of these products.
News Release
March 25, 2010
Cholesterol-lowering supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com: Many pass quality testing, one fails. Sterol and policosanol products analyzed. Evidence for other cholesterol-lowering ingredients evaluated
White Plains, New York — March 25, 2010 — Certain dietary supplements can help reduce elevated cholesterol levels. A new report from ConsumerLab.com reviews the evidence behind each of the popular cholesterol-lowering ingredients and provides test results for twelve supplement brands.
News Release
September 15, 2009
ConsumerLab.com finds many prostate supplements have correct ingredients, but four fail review -- New report on 19 saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements
White Plains, New York — Tuesday, September 15,2009 — ConsumerLab.com announced test results today from its newest Product Review of Prostate Supplements.
News Release
April 28, 2009
40% of Green Tea and Selenium Products Fail ConsumerLab.com Review of Cancer-Prevention Supplements; Lycopene Supplements Pass
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — APRIL 28, 2009 — ConsumerLab.com announced results today of its Product Review of Supplements for Cancer Prevention. Among the products that ConsumerLab.com selected for testing, quality problems were found with two out of five green tea supplements.
News Release
July 01, 2008
Tests of ten red yeast rice supplements by ConsumerLab.com reveal significant statin levels, but some pills contaminated -- Popular cholesterol-lowering supplements compared in new report
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JULY 1, 2008 — ConsumerLab.
News Release
August 01, 2006
ConsumerLab.com evaluates cholesterol-lowering supplements — Test results available for over 90 products; Review of nine popular ingredients
WHITE PLAINS, NY — AUGUST 1, 2006 — ConsumerLab.com has released a major new review of dietary supplements used to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
News Release
February 06, 2006
ConsumerLab.com finds most prostate supplements have correct ingredients, but three fail testing — Results posted for 22 supplements containing saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 6, 2006 — ConsumerLab.com announced test results today from its new Product Review of Prostate Supplements.
News Release
January 25, 2006
Sexual enhancement supplements analyzed by Consumerlab.com
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — JANUARY 25, 2006 — ConsumerLab.com announced today that it found only six out of eleven supplements used for sexual enhancement to contain key ingredients listed on their labels and meet other quality criteria.
News Release
January 03, 2006
Tests of memory enhancing supplements by ConsumerLab.com reveals lead in some ginkgo
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2006 — In its new test report on Memory Enhancement Supplements, ConsumerLab.com has revealed finding significant amounts of lead in certain products on the market.
News Release
August 16, 2005
ConsumerLab.com tests potassium supplements — Report now online for sixteen products
WHITE PLAINS, NY — August 16, 2005 — ConsumerLab.com has released a new report on the quality of potassium supplements. Potassium is used to treat or prevent potassium deficiency caused by diuretic drugs ("water pills"), prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or laxative abuse.
News Release
July 31, 2003
ConsumerLab.com finds many cholesterol-lowering supplements poorly made — Test results published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 31, 2003 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that more than half of the cholesterol-lowering supplements that it recently purchased failed to contain their listed ingredients and/or could not adequately break apart to release their contents.
News Release
May 20, 2003
Consumers advised to read labels carefully when selecting herbal supplements for prostate — Saw palmetto product review published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — May 20, 2003 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that only two-thirds of the saw palmetto supplements it recently evaluated contained ingredients similar to those known to work in clinical studies.
News Release
January 31, 2000
Quality of prostate supplements get mixed review in ConsumerLab.com study; Saw palmetto product review published online today.
WHITE PLAINS, NY, January 31, 2000 — Out of 27 major brands of dietary supplements purporting to contain saw palmetto for treating symptoms of prostate enlargement, only 17 appeared to have ingredients similar to those found in published clinical studies.
Recalls & Warnings
April 02, 2021
FDA Warns Sellers of Prostate, Reishi, Immune Products, and More
On March 16, 2021, the FDA issued warning letters to two companies following reviews of their websites which found statements made about the companies' products to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
December 15, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan
On December 2, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Smoky Mountain Naturals, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Evening Primrose Oil and Beta Glucan to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Turmeric, Ashwagandha, Glucosamine, and More
On December 18, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Reddy Naturals following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Glycostasis, Glucosamine Curcumin, Turmeric 50, Turmeric Curcumin, Cetyl Curcumin, Ashwagandha, Huruli, ...
Recalls & Warnings
November 06, 2014
Seller of Prostate, Heart Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims
On October 9, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Health Research Laboratories, LLC/New World Health, following a review of the company's websites, which found statements made about AtheChel Advanced, Betarol, BioTherapex, Omega-3 Cardio Plus, RejuvaLifeRx, and Ultimate Health Formula to be ...
Recalls & Warnings
February 02, 2021
Seller of Aloe Products Warned for Claiming to Treat Joint Stiffness
On January 22, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to American Global Health Group, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products AloeCure VeraFlex, AloeCure Advanced Formula Capsule, AloeCure Pure Aloe Vera ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Joint and Hair Loss Products
On December 22, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Speedwinds Nutrition, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Synotrex and Sephren to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
February 02, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Ginger, Echinacea, and More
On December 10, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Prairie Dawn Herbs following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Chest Tea, Ginger Oil, Dandelion root Tincture, Echinacea purpurea Tincture, Antispasmodic Tincture, ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 20, 2021
Seller of Omega-3 Warned for Making Claims to Treat Focus, Mood
On December 9, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bodyhealth.com, LLC following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Healthy-Thin Energize, Body Detox (Oral Spray), and Omega 3 Health to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
January 20, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Vitamin D, Curcumin and CoQ10 Promoted for Treating COVID-19
On December 28, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Smarter Nutrition, Inc. following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Smarter Curcumin, Smarter Ubiquinol, and Smarter Vitamin D3 to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
May 30, 2015
Seller of Supplements for Herpes, Prostate Cancer & More Warned for Drug Claims
On May 7, 2015, the FDA issued a warning letter to Strictly Health Corporation, following a review of the company's websites which found statements made about FENVIR, Prosta Pep and Tonalin brand CLA to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2012
Maker of Blood Pressure, Probiotic, Resveratrol and Hormonal Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On November 2, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Atrium, Inc. following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's dietary supplements to be adulterated or promoted as drugs.
Recalls & Warnings
November 06, 2014
Seller of Cholesterol, Arthritis Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims
On October 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Vitamins Direct (USA) and Golden Pride, Inc., which distribute Flexezy and Physician's Signature brands of dietary supplements, following a facility inspection which found statements made about certain supplements to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
February 10, 2018
Warning to D-Limonene, Vitamin C Seller
On January 31, 2018 the FDA issued a warning letter to Long Life Unlimited, LLC following a review of the company's website which found promotional statements and testimonials made about products including Balance 600, D-Limonene, Rapha Remedy, Rapha Remedy w/ p73 Wild Oregano, Vitamin C, ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 29, 2018
Seller of Male Enhancement, Prostate Supplements & More Warned for Drug Claims
On January 10, 2018, the FDA issues a warning letter to USA Labs AKA Power Source Distributors, Inc following a review of the company's website which found statements made about its products, including Maximum Male, Beta 300 (Beta Prosturol), Chromium Max 1000, DHEA, Healthy Cold-X and ...
Recalls & Warnings
February 13, 2013
Manufacturer of Heart, Multivitamin, Cranberry, and Longevity Supplements Warned For Adulteration and Drug Claims
On January 29, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to M.D.R. Fitness Corp. following a facility inspection which found violations of good manufacturing practices which cause the company's products to be adulterated.
