Abstract
Dietary plant sterols and stanols reduce LDL-cholesterol concentration through inhibition of intestinal absorption of cholesterol. Their effective doses are 0.7-2 g/day. Plant sterols/stanols are solubilized in the bile salt micelle and hence, relatively decrease micellar solubility of cholesterol. This may be the major cause to inhibit cholesterol absorption. Absorption and deposition of plant sterols/stanols are low and no side-effect was observed. In some higher doses, concentrations of serum β-catotene and α-tocopherol can be reduced. However, deficiency of these vitamins has never been reported. In conclusion, plant sterols/stanols are thought to prevent atherosclerosis and to be safe dietary components.
