Wizard of Vitamins

Beta-Sitosterol Vitamin

What is Beta-Sitosterol?

Beta-sitosterol is one of a group of organic compounds found in plants that, alone and in combination with similar plant sterols, reduces blood levels of cholesterol.

Beta-Sitosterol in Diets

Beta-sitosterol is one of several plant sterols (cholesterol is the main animal sterol) found in almost all plants. High levels are found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oil, and soybeans. Peanuts and its products, such as peanut oil, peanut butter, and peanut flour, are good sources of plant sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol.

Beta-Sitosterol Medicinal Treatments

Benign prostatic hyperplasia High cholesterol Athletic performance (in combination with beta-sitosterol glucoside for reducing the risk of post-exercise infection)

Known Consequences of Beta-Sitosterol Deficiency

Because beta-sitosterol is not an essential nutrient, deficiencies do not occur.

Beta-Sitosterol Recommended Dosages

Between 500 mg and 10 grams of beta-sitosterol per day have been used in clinical research to reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. Between 60 (20 mg three times per day) and 130 mg per day have been used in trials reporting a reduction in prostatic hyperplasia-related symptoms.

Beta-Sitosterol Side Effects

Ingesting plant sterols interferes with beta-carotene and vitamin E absorption, resulting in lower blood levels of these nutrients. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with beta-sitosterol.