I use beta-sitosterol for my prostate. Should it be taken with or without food?

Medically reviewed and edited by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Last Updated: 06/22/2021 Initially Posted: 05/06/2016

How to Take Beta-Sitosterol -- man holding beta-sitosterol capsules

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Answer:

When using beta-sitosterol to reduce cholesterol-levels, it must be taken with food, as discussed in the Cholesterol-lowerers Review. However, it is unclear from the clinical literature whether or not this applies to its use in treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate (or BPH — benign prostatic enlargement), although taking it with food may reduce gastrointestinal side effects and most marketed products suggest taking it with foods, as discussed in the Prostate Supplements Review.

See the respective reviews for more details, including dosage, results of our tests, and our Top Picks among supplements for each use.