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Phytosterols

Plant-derived sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) and their saturated stanols that competitively inhibit cholesterol absorption at the intestinal NPC1L1 transporter.

Also: Plant stanols, Plant sterols, Sitosterol

Daily intake of ~2 g phytosterols or stanols lowers LDL-C by ~8-10%. NCEP and other guidelines include them as adjuncts to lipid-lowering diet therapy. Rare sitosterolemia (ABCG5/ABCG8 mutations) causes accumulation of plant sterols with premature atherosclerosis, demonstrating that the body normally exports them back into the gut lumen.

How one textbook covers it

  • Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 12th ed. — Ch 67: Coronary Heart Disease and Lipoprotein Disorders

    Daily intake of ~2 g phytosterols or stanols lowers LDL-C by ~8-10%. NCEP and other guidelines include them as adjuncts to lipid-lowering diet therapy. Rare sitosterolemia (ABCG5/ABCG8 mutations) causes accumulation of plant sterols with premature atherosclerosis, demonstrating that the body normally exports them back into the gut lumen.

Related terms

Cholesterol, LDL, NPC1L1