Beta sitosterol is a type of sterol classified as a phytosterol because it occurs naturally in plants. Specifically, it is a steroid alcohol, an insoluble, wax-like chemical with a molecular structure similar to that of cholesterol. This characteristic allows beta sitosterol to replace dietary and liver-produced cholesterol in the intestines and block its absorption, which results in a reduction of total serum cholesterol. Since the human body cannot synthesize this nutrient, it must be obtained from food or beta sitosterol supplements.
Natural Sources
According to the online database provided by Drugs.com, natural sources of beta sitosterol and other plant sterols include unrefined avocado, peanut and soybean oils. Plants that are particularly abundant sources of beta sitosterol include various species of Hypoxis, Picea and Pinus. It is also found in sea buckthorn, saw palmetto berries, wheat germ, rice bran, pumpkin seeds, black cumin seeds, cashews and pecans.
Fortified Foods
Beta sitosterol is added to certain foods in an effort to reduce cholesterol levels in the general population. In a review of 14 randomized controlled trials published in the July 2000 issue of The Western Journal of Medicine, author Malcolm R. Law concluded that the introduction of polyunsaturated margarines fortified with beta sitosterol and related plant sterols reduces the risk of heart disease more than the restricted intake of saturated fat. This effect was found to increase with age. In fact, after two years of regular consumption of 2 g plant sterols per day, a person over 50 can expect to lower his low-density cholesterol level by approximately 20 mg/dL and lower his risk of heart disease by 25 percent. This effect is even more pronounced when sterol plant margarine has completely replaced butter in the diet. According to Drugs.com, beta sitosterol is added to margarine and other foods, such as yogurt, to yield an average of 1.5 to 3 g dietary intake per day.
Beta Sitosterol Supplements
Numerous kinds of beta sitosterol supplements are sold under different brand names, which may vary considerably in formulation. For the most part, however, they are marketed to appeal to consumers concerned with lowering the risk of certain diseases, most notably prostate disease. While virtually all formulas contain beta sitosterol in the form of mixed plant sterols, the total concentration varies from one product to another. Many brands, especially those touted to enhance prostate health, contain additional ingredients reputed to support prostate function, such as saw palmetto. Other compounds sometimes added to beta sitosterol supplements include lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes and fruits valued for its antioxidant properties; bioperine, a patented form of piperine extracted from black pepper; and diindolylmethane, a compound common to the Brassica genus of plants, which includes broccoli, cabbage, kale and cauliflower.
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