Plant Sterols

Plant sterols are compounds found naturally in small amounts in fruits, vegetables, and grains. They are structurally similar to cholesterol. For use in foods, they are typically extracted from vegetable oils and then purified.

Plant sterols are added to foods to help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels. They are often incorporated into products like spreads, margarines, and some dairy products, as well as certain beverages.

In the U.S., plant sterols are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in certain foods to help reduce cholesterol. The FDA allows a health claim for foods containing added plant sterols, stating they may reduce the risk of heart disease. International bodies like EFSA have also evaluated plant sterols. Evidence generally supports their cholesterol-lowering effect when consumed regularly as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.