Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol. These compounds have a structure similar to cholesterol and may lower cholesterol levels by preventing your body from absorbing dietary cholesterol. Beta sitosterol is a natural component of common foods such as soy, but according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people are unlikely to consume high amounts of plant sterols from food. Beta sitosterol complex supplements provide higher amounts of this compound, and may have additional health benefits.
Heart Health
The evidence that plant sterols may support heart health is strong enough that the Food and Drug Administration allows food labels to state that consuming sterols may lead to a lower risk of coronary heart disease. A beta sitosterol complex supplement for heart health is Centrum Cardio. These multivitamin tablets provide essential minerals and vitamins, including over 3,000 percent of the daily value for vitamin B-12 per two-tablet serving. Each serving also has 800 milligrams of phytosterols from soybeans, which Centrum states may lower LDL, or "bad," cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. The antioxidant vitamins C and E may protect cells against free radical damage. The Food and Drug Administration does not evaluate claims about health benefits from dietary supplements, and you should consult a doctor before taking a supplement for your heart.
Men's Health
Beta sitosterol is a common ingredient in supplements for men. As men age, they are more likely to experience benign prostate hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, which can cause frequent urination. Now Foods makes Adam Men's Multiple Vitamin, a beta sitosterol complex supplement. These softgels have saw palmetto, which, according to Medline from the National Institutes of Health, is the most popular herbal treatment for an enlarged prostate. Each serving of two softgels provides 50 milligrams of phytosterols. Other plant components in this supplement are lycopene from tomatoes, lutein from marigold flowers, and nettle root extract. The Food and Drug Administration does not inspect dietary supplements, and men who experience prostate problems should consult their doctors.
Weight Management
Some weight management pills are beta-sitosterol complex supplements. Source Naturals sells Infla-Trim Healthy Weight Management Tablets for maintaining healthy weight, blood sugar and hormonal balance and the inflammatory response. Each two tablet serving has 10mg of beta sitosterol complex, which may help in the long term management of cholesterol. These tablets have high amounts of vitamins B-6 and pantothenic acid. They provide many plant extracts such as guggul, green tea, cinnamon, and dandelion root. They also have resveratrol antioxidants. Each serving has about 100mg of caffeine, or about the same as a cup of coffee. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these supplements for effectiveness or safety, and these tablets may interact with prescription drugs.
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