Product Reviews
Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review (Sterols and Policosanol)
Initial Posting: 9/27/17 Last Update: 1/2/18
Choose the Best Cholesterol-Lowering Supplement
See Our Tests and Comparisons of Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements With Sterols and Policosanol
Brands compared in report
 | Andrew Lessman's ProCaps Laboratories CholestaCare |
 | Enzymatic Therapy Cholesterol Shield |
 | Life Extension Policosanol |
 | Nature Made CholestOff |
 | Nature's Life Policosanol |
 | Pure Encapsulations CholestePure |
 | Puritan's Pride Policosanol |
 | Shaklee Cholesterol Reduction Complex |
 | Solgar Policosanol |
 | Source Naturals Cholesterol Rescue |
 | Swanson Ultra Policosanol |
 | Vibrant Health Cholesterol Blocker - Version 2.1 Vanilla |
More about this report
Elevated cholesterol is a key risk factor for heart disease. Many supplements are sold to improve cholesterol levels. Some really work to lower cholesterol, while the evidence is not as strong for others. Among those proven to work are plant sterols, also known as phytosterols. ConsumerLab.com tested several sterol supplements, however, one product appeared to be best -- having clinical evidence to support it and being lowest in cost.
Another supplement ingredient touted to lower your cholesterol is policosanol, although the evidence is mixed. Tests by ConsumerLab.com identified several policosanol supplements that delivered what they promised, and one was, by far, the best value.
ConsumerLab.com also reviewed the evidence for many other ingredients that may improve cholesterol levels and/or triglyceride levels.
You must be a member to get the full test results for plant sterol and policosanol supplements along with ConsumerLab.com recommendations and quality ratings. You will get results for ten supplements selected by ConsumerLab.com and for two others that passed voluntary, quality certification testing.
In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:
In this comprehensive review, you'll discover:
- Which plant sterol and policosanol supplements failed testing and which passed
- Direct comparisons and quality ratings of cholesterol-lowering supplements (and discussion of Smart Balance and Benecol spreads)
- The pros and cons of other cholesterol-lowering ingredients such as fish oil (omega-3), garlic, niacin, red yeast rice, guggulsterone, pantethine, soy protein and Sytrinol, and which may be best for you. (Links to product tests for many of these supplements are included.)
- Dosage recommendations and how best to take cholesterol-lowering supplements, including plant sterols, plant stanols, and policosanol
- Concerns, cautions, drug and nutrient interactions, and potential side effects of plant sterols and policosanol
Related questions and answers
- Does garlic lower cholesterol? >>
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- Which supplements can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid? >>
- I have been having dizziness for the past few months and am wondering if it could be a side effect of supplements I take. Which supplements cause dizziness? >>
- I read that sterol supplements to lower cholesterol like CholestOff can block the absorption of vitamins. Is that true? >>
- Are there negative interactions between the following supplements I take twice each day, as well as 60 mg of beta-sitosterol with dinner: Vitamin C (500 mg), CoQ10 (100 mg), grape seed extract (100 mg), fish oil (500 mg), vitamin D3/calcium/magnesium/zinc (200 IU/333 mg/113 mg/5mg)? >>
- Which supplements can help with indigestion and/or heartburn? >>
- Which supplements reduce the risk of stroke? Which increase the risk of stroke? >>
- I use beta-sitosterol for my prostate. Should it be taken with or without food? >>
- Which supplements can cause diarrhea? >>
- Can beta-sitosterol cause erectile dysfunction or low libido? Are there any other side effects? >>