A number of prominent studies over the years have established a significant link between consumption of plant sterols and cholesterol reduction. The editors of Plant Sterol Supplements reviewed some of the more prominent recent studies:
International Food Information Council
The global body that provides analysis of major food and nutrition studies has established phytosterols as a clinical source of cholesterol reduction. In particular, the group has focused on research suggesting that sterols can help reduce the risk of Coronary Heart Disease by lowering digestion of cholesterol in the intestinal tract. Several studies have linked high levels of LDL cholesterol to coronary risk, and sterols can help lower the plaque build up in the coronary arteries.
Washington University
A top global nutrition research center, scientists at Washington University Medical Center in St. Louis have shown that sterol pill supplements can help patients achieve a 10% lowering of LDL (low density lipo-protein cholesterol.) The articles published in the American Journal of Cardiology is one of the most prominent studies of sterol supplements in a clinical environment.
UC Davis School of Medicine
An important study demonstrating the role of sterol-fortified foods in cholesterol reduction, the UC-Davis study demonstrated (in an AHA Journal) that fortified foods can help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
