Reviews and Information for Policosanol
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) ReviewSearch term may appear only in full report available to members. Join now for full access.
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
I have been having dizziness for the past few months and am wondering if it could be a side effect of supplements I take. Which supplements cause dizziness?
Find out which supplements that may cause dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, including garlic, melatonin, saw palmetto, and red yeast rice.

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.

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
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
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 >>
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.

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.
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.

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.

CL Answer
Which supplements and lifestyle changes improve sleep, and which cause insomnia?
Find out which vitamins may help you sleep and learn if any vitamins or supplements can cause insomnia.

Product Review
Fruits, Veggies, and Other Greens Supplements Review (Including Spirulina and Chlorella)
Avoid Lead in Greens, Problems with Pills, and Don't Give Up Eating Whole Foods.

CL Answer
Risks of Too Many Vitamins & Supplements
Taking too many vitamin supplements -- or taking too much of a particular supplement -- can have short and long-term adverse effects.

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.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2022
6 Supplement Companies Warned by FDA for Making Cholesterol Claims
On May 4, 2022, the FDA issued warning letters to six supplement companies following review that found statements made on company websites and Walmart purchase pages suggesting the products could lower cholesterol to be drug claims, which are not permitted for dietary supplements.
News Release
April 26, 2006
ConsumerLab.com tests cancer-prevention supplements; several contaminated with lead or low in ingredient — Report available for green tea, selenium, and lycopene supplements
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — APRIL 26, 2006 ConsumerLab.com announced results today from its new Product Review of Supplements for Cancer Prevention covering 22 products. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
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.
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.
News Release
June 10, 2003
ConsumerLab.com finds lead in coral calcium product; Product also charged with false advertising by FTC — Calcium supplement product review published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — June 10, 2003 — (Updated August 8) — ConsumerLab.com today reported finding problems among the calcium products recently tested in its Product Review of Calcium Supplements.
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
April 21, 2003
Low quality ingredient appears widespread among Ginkgo supplements according to ConsumerLab.com; points to challenge for FDA's proposed regulations — Review of memory enhancement supplements released today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — April 21, 2003 — In contrast to its findings three years ago, ConsumerLab.com announced today that only 22% of the Ginkgo biloba supplements it recently tested met its quality standards. In late 1999, 75% of the products it tested met these standards.
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
April 26, 2013
Seller of Immune, Cholesterol, Liver and Blood Sugar Products Warned For Drug Claims
On March 20, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Birkdale Medicinals LLC, following a review of the company's website which found statements made about Birkdale products, including Immune Response 247, Cholestat, Silymarin 81 and LevelStat, to be drug claims.