Natural Plant Sterols
What is Natural Plant Sterols?
Plant sterols are compounds found naturally in plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. They are structurally similar to cholesterol. In food production, they are often extracted from vegetable oils and purified.
Is Natural Plant Sterols vegan?
Natural Plant Sterols is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Natural Plant Sterols gluten-free?
They do not contain gluten.
Is Natural Plant Sterols a major allergen?
Plant sterols are not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens.
What is Natural Plant Sterols used for?
Plant sterols are added to foods to help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels.
Is Natural Plant Sterols safe?
Plant sterols are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in certain foods to help reduce cholesterol.
Why it's used
Plant sterols are added to foods to help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. They are commonly found in products like margarine, spreads, orange juice, and snack bars, where they function as a functional ingredient to support heart health.
Health notes
Plant sterols are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in certain foods to help reduce cholesterol. Scientific bodies like EFSA have evaluated plant sterols and found them effective in lowering LDL cholesterol when consumed regularly. Evidence suggests that consuming 1.5 to 3 grams of plant sterols per day can help lower LDL cholesterol, with effects seen at typical intake levels in fortified foods.
Allergen info
Plant sterols are not derived from any of the nine FDA major allergens. They do not contain gluten.
Foods that contain Natural Plant Sterols
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