Evidence supporting the use of: Sterols (unspecified)
For the health condition: Arteriosclerosis

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Sterols, particularly plant sterols (phytosterols), have a scientifically validated use in supporting cardiovascular health, including conditions related to arteriosclerosis. Numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated that plant sterols can lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), a major risk factor for the development and progression of arteriosclerosis (also known as atherosclerosis). The mechanism is well-understood: plant sterols structurally resemble cholesterol and compete with dietary and biliary cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, thus reducing overall cholesterol uptake and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have approved health claims regarding the cholesterol-lowering effects of plant sterols. However, while lowering LDL-C is a well-established strategy for reducing arteriosclerosis risk, evidence directly linking sterol supplementation to reduced arteriosclerotic events (such as heart attacks or strokes) is less robust. Most studies focus on surrogate markers like cholesterol levels rather than clinical endpoints.

In summary, there is moderate scientific evidence (rated 3/5) supporting the use of sterols for reducing cholesterol, a key factor in arteriosclerosis, but direct evidence for reduction in arteriosclerotic outcomes is limited. No significant tradition of sterol use for this purpose exists outside the scientific literature.

More about Sterols (unspecified)
More about Arteriosclerosis

Other health conditions supported by Sterols (unspecified)

Arteriosclerosis
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Triglycerides (high)

Products containing Sterols (unspecified)

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.