Plant Stanols and Sterols
What are plant stanols and sterols?
Plant stanols and sterols are naturally occurring compounds in plants that are structurally similar to cholesterol. Collectively they are referred to as phytosterols. Because phytosterol molecules are similar to cholesterol, they block the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream, thereby lowering total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They have no effect on HDL (“good”) cholesterol or triglycerides.
Over 70 clinical studies have shown that consuming an average of 2 grams per day of phytosterols can lower LDL cholesterol by 8-10%. While phytosterols occur naturally in foods like whole grains, legumes, nuts, vegetable oils, and fruits and vegetables, you would have to eat 12 lbs of broccoli, 29 lbs of carrots, or 60 lbs of tomatoes to get the recommended 2 grams of plant stanols.
An easier way to consume the recommended 2 grams per day is to eat foods fortified with plant stanols like Benecol®.
What’s the difference between plant stanols and sterols?
Plant sterols contain a double bond in the sterol ring, while plant stanols do not. This article shows the difference on a molecular level.
Benecol® contains plant stanol ester. Plant stanol esters are created by esterification, a chemical process that makes plant stanols fat-soluble, which means they can mix into fat and therefore can be added to products like Benecol® Buttery Spreads and Chews.
Are plant stanol esters absorbed by the body?
Clinical studies have demonstrated that plant stanols are minimally absorbed by the body. Plant stanol esters are broken down into stanol and fatty acid components. The stanol is excreted from the body while the fatty acids are absorbed and broken down just like other dietary fats.
How much plant stanol is contained in a serving of Benecol® Products?
One tablespoon of Benecol® Spread contains 0.5 grams of plant stanols (0.85 grams of plant stanol ester). One daily serving of Benecol® Chews (4 pieces total) contains 2 grams of plant stanols.
Summary
Phytosterols are naturally occurring plant-based compounds structurally similar to cholesterol. Stanols and sterols are two types of phytosterols that are slightly different on a molecular level but act similarly in the body. Plant stanol esters are produced by the saturation of plant sterols and subsequent esterification with fatty acids. They are fat-soluble and therefore can be added to products like Benecol®.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that a daily total intake of 2 grams from phytosterol-containing foods when eaten with a meal or a snack, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Each serving of Benecol® Buttery Spread contains 0.5 grams of plant stanols (0.85 grams of plant stanol ester). Each daily serving of Benecol® Soft Chews (total of 4 chews) contains 2 grams of plant stanols.
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