Showing Results for Sterols
Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols/Stanols and Policosanol)
See our tests, comparisons, and reviews to find the best cholesterol-lowering supplements, including supplements containing plant sterols, stanols, and policosanol, and learn about dosage, safety and more.
Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols/Stanols and Policosanol) Review
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Product Review
Prostate Supplements Review (Saw Palmetto and Beta-Sitosterol)
Find the Best Prostate Supplement for Symptoms of BPH. See Which Prostate Supplement Passed or Failed CL's Tests of Quality.
CL Answer
I read that sterol supplements to lower cholesterol like CholestOff can block the absorption of vitamins. Is that true?
Find out if CholestOff and other sterol supplements can block vitamin absorption in the body and other safety concerns.
CL Answer
To lower my cholesterol, I am taking a phytosterol supplement. Will taking other supplements, like red yeast rice or fish oil, help lower my cholesterol even further?
Learn more about combining phytosterols and other cholesterol-lowering supplements like red yeast rice or fish oil.
CL Answer
I read that statins can cause diabetes. Is this true also with red yeast rice?
Find out if red yeast rice supplements increase the risk of diabetes, as some statin medications do. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
Product Review
Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review
50% of Red Yeast Rice Supplements "NOT APPROVED" in CL Tests
Clinical Update
6/10/2015
Do Plant Sterols Help?
Many studies have shown that taking plant sterols with meals can lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. While that's a good thing, a recent study questions whether this reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease — the main target of treatment. Get the details in the "Concerns and Cautions" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols and Policosanol) Review >>
CL Answer
Is it okay to take vitamin D3 and fish oil together?
Find out if taking vitamin D and fish oil is okay, how it effects absorption, and the best way to take vitamin D to improve absorption. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
CL Answer
I use beta-sitosterol for my prostate. Should it be taken with or without food?
How should you take the prostate supplement beta-sitosterol to maximize absorption? Learn more at ConsumerLab.com.
CL Answer
Which supplements can help lower my triglycerides?
Find out whether fish oil supplements, or plant-based oil supplements, such as flaxseed oil and echium oil are best for lowering triglyceride levels. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.
News Release
April 26, 2019
Best Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements (Sterols, Stanols & Policosanol) Identified by ConsumerLab
White Plains, New York, April 26, 2019 — Plant sterols (also called phytosterols) and stanols, and, possibly, policosanol, can help lower elevated levels of cholesterol, a key risk factor for heart disease.
Clinical Update
3/04/2012
When Not to Take Selenium Cholesterol Lowering with Sterols/Stanols
A recent study using a popular supplement, CholestOff, showed a modest reduction in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and total cholesterol. The reductions were not as dramatic as in some other studies of sterols and stanols; possibly because participants in the study were already on a cholesterol-lowering diet. See the update to the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review for details of the study, more information about the diet, and our tests of CholestOff and other cholesterol-lowering supplements. More >>
Clinical Update
8/05/2012
A More Effective Way to Take Sterols/Stanols to Lower Cholesterol?
A new study shows that taking sterols and stanols from a softgel appears to lower cholesterol more effectively than from a tablet. Get the details, including the name of a new product like the one taken in the study, in the updated Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review. More >>
Clinical Update
8/31/2014
Taking Fish Oil with Sterols
A new study found that adding EPA and DHA from fish oil to a spread containing plant sterols is not a problem and may provide additional benefit for those with high cholesterol levels. For more information, including dosage amounts, see the update in the Review of Cholesterol-Lowerers >>
Clinical Update
5/27/2013
Red Yeast Rice with Sterols?
It is well known that taking a red yeast rice supplement can cause large reductions in LDL "bad" cholesterol and that sterol or stanol esters can lead to modest reductions. But does combining them result in greater benefits than using either alone? A new study says no. It's unclear, however, whether this is always the case. Get details in the updated Red Yeast Rice Supplements Review >>. Also see the updated, Cholesterol Lowering Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
10/31/2023
How to Reduce Cholesterol
The cholesterol-lowering benefits of a plant sterol supplement were enhanced when a healthful diet was followed in a recent study. Get the details in our Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for sterols/stanols.
Also see our article about supplements and foods that can help lower cholesterol.
Clinical Update
9/30/2012
Do Spreads Lower Heart Risk?
Buttery spreads like Smart Balance and Benecol claim to lower the risk of heart disease due to their phytosterols/stanols. These plant compounds can certainly help (by lowering cholesterol levels), but recent lawsuits challenge whether Smart Balance and Benecol provide enough sterols/stanols to claim a benefit. It turns out that one may, and one may not. Find out more and get our quality ratings of cholesterol-lowering supplements in the updated Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review >>
Clinical Update
7/29/2015
Stanols Lower Cholesterol
Many studies have shown that plant sterols and stanols can help lower levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol. A new placebo-controlled study, which involved advice on diet and exercise, found benefit with a slightly lower dose of stanols than typically recommended. Get the details in the "What to Consider When Buying" section of the Cholesterol-Lowering Supplements Review »
CL Answer
Which supplements or foods can help lower cholesterol and keep my heart healthy? Are there any to avoid?
Information about heart health supplements & vitamins that help with cholesterol, including sterol esters, CoQ10, and vitamin D, and which may be bad for the heart, like calcium.
News Release
July 22, 2014
Which Supplements Help Lower Cholesterol? ConsumerLab.com Identifies Best Products by Reviewing Evidence and Testing Quality
White Plains, New York, July 21, 2014 — Certain dietary supplements can help reduce elevated cholesterol levels. A new report from ConsumerLab.com reviews the evidence behind each of the popular cholesterol-lowering ingredients and provides test results for twelve supplements.
News Release
January 31, 2013
Use of CoQ10, Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics and B Vitamins on the Rise According to ConsumerLab.com Survey
White Plains, New York — February 1, 2013 — A recent survey of over 10,000 people who take supplements shows that CoQ10, digestive enzymes, probiotics, and B vitamins are the four categories experiencing the most growth over the prior year.
CL Answer
7 Red Flags to Watch Out For When Buying Vitamins & Supplements
When it comes to buying vitamins and supplements, it's buyer beware. ConsumerLab explains seven red flags to look out for on labels when choosing and buying vitamins or supplements, including claims of "FDA Approved" laboratories, what to look for in the ingredient list, and more.
News Release
February 05, 2012
Fish oil and multivitamins most popular supplements in ConsumerLab.com survey -- Internet most popular place to shop
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 5, 2012 — A survey of over 10,000 savvy consumers of supplements shows the most popular supplements to be fish oil, multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium and CoQ10, in that order.
News Release
March 25, 2010
Cholesterol-lowering supplements reviewed by ConsumerLab.com: Many pass quality testing, one fails. Sterol and policosanol products analyzed. Evidence for other cholesterol-lowering ingredients evaluated
White Plains, New York — March 25, 2010 — Certain dietary supplements can help reduce elevated cholesterol levels. A new report from ConsumerLab.com reviews the evidence behind each of the popular cholesterol-lowering ingredients and provides test results for twelve supplement brands.
News Release
September 15, 2009
ConsumerLab.com finds many prostate supplements have correct ingredients, but four fail review -- New report on 19 saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol supplements
White Plains, New York — Tuesday, September 15,2009 — ConsumerLab.com announced test results today from its newest Product Review of Prostate Supplements.
News Release
July 01, 2008
Tests of ten red yeast rice supplements by ConsumerLab.com reveal significant statin levels, but some pills contaminated -- Popular cholesterol-lowering supplements compared in new report
WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK — JULY 1, 2008 — ConsumerLab.
News Release
August 01, 2006
ConsumerLab.com evaluates cholesterol-lowering supplements — Test results available for over 90 products; Review of nine popular ingredients
WHITE PLAINS, NY — AUGUST 1, 2006 — ConsumerLab.com has released a major new review of dietary supplements used to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Recalls & Warnings
February 02, 2021
FDA Warns Seller of Reishi Mushroom Supplements
On January 6, 2021, the FDA issued a warning letter to Entia Biosciences, Inc following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Lion's Mane - All Natural Supplement, Antrodia Mushroom Powder, Maitake Mushroom Powder, Reishi ...
Recalls & Warnings
January 12, 2021
Seller of Cholesterol, Weight Loss Products, and More Warned for Claims
On November 17, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bonagens following a review of the company's website, which found statements made about the company's products Anti-Aging Supports, Cholesterol & Diabetes Control, Gout Control, Hypertension Control, Liver Supports, Lungs ...
Recalls & Warnings
December 15, 2020
Mushroom Supplement Seller Warned for Drug Claims
On December 4, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Desert Alchemist LLC following a review of the company's website, social media, and Etsy.com store (www.etsy.
Recalls & Warnings
December 11, 2020
FDA Warns Seller of Curcumin and Cholesterol Supplements
On November 20, 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Natures Boost LLC following a review of the company's websites, which found statements made about the company's products Blood Boost Formula and Turmeric Curcumin to be drug claims.
News Release
April 26, 2006
ConsumerLab.com tests cancer-prevention supplements; several contaminated with lead or low in ingredient — Report available for green tea, selenium, and lycopene supplements
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — APRIL 26, 2006 ConsumerLab.com announced results today from its new Product Review of Supplements for Cancer Prevention covering 22 products. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S.
News Release
February 06, 2006
ConsumerLab.com finds most prostate supplements have correct ingredients, but three fail testing — Results posted for 22 supplements containing saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK — FEBRUARY 6, 2006 — ConsumerLab.com announced test results today from its new Product Review of Prostate Supplements.
News Release
July 31, 2003
ConsumerLab.com finds many cholesterol-lowering supplements poorly made — Test results published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — July 31, 2003 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that more than half of the cholesterol-lowering supplements that it recently purchased failed to contain their listed ingredients and/or could not adequately break apart to release their contents.
News Release
June 10, 2003
ConsumerLab.com finds lead in coral calcium product; Product also charged with false advertising by FTC — Calcium supplement product review published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — June 10, 2003 — (Updated August 8) — ConsumerLab.com today reported finding problems among the calcium products recently tested in its Product Review of Calcium Supplements.
News Release
May 20, 2003
Consumers advised to read labels carefully when selecting herbal supplements for prostate — Saw palmetto product review published online today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — May 20, 2003 — ConsumerLab.com reported today that only two-thirds of the saw palmetto supplements it recently evaluated contained ingredients similar to those known to work in clinical studies.
News Release
April 21, 2003
Low quality ingredient appears widespread among Ginkgo supplements according to ConsumerLab.com; points to challenge for FDA's proposed regulations — Review of memory enhancement supplements released today
WHITE PLAINS, NY — April 21, 2003 — In contrast to its findings three years ago, ConsumerLab.com announced today that only 22% of the Ginkgo biloba supplements it recently tested met its quality standards. In late 1999, 75% of the products it tested met these standards.
News Release
January 31, 2000
Quality of prostate supplements get mixed review in ConsumerLab.com study; Saw palmetto product review published online today.
WHITE PLAINS, NY, January 31, 2000 — Out of 27 major brands of dietary supplements purporting to contain saw palmetto for treating symptoms of prostate enlargement, only 17 appeared to have ingredients similar to those found in published clinical studies.
Recalls & Warnings
July 05, 2013
Seller of Vision Supplement Warned For Drug Claims
On June 25, 2013, the FDA issued a warning letter to Nutrient Synergy, Inc., following a review of the company's website which found statements made about the dietary supplement Nepretin to be drug claims.
Recalls & Warnings
November 21, 2012
Maker of Blood Pressure, Probiotic, Resveratrol and Hormonal Supplements Warned For Manufacturing Violations and Drug Claims
On November 2, 2012, the FDA issued a warning letter to Atrium, Inc. following a facility inspection which found a number of the company's dietary supplements to be adulterated or promoted as drugs.
Recalls & Warnings
November 06, 2014
Seller of Cholesterol, Arthritis Supplements and More Warned for Drug Claims
On October 17, 2014, the FDA issued a warning letter to Vitamins Direct (USA) and Golden Pride, Inc., which distribute Flexezy and Physician's Signature brands of dietary supplements, following a facility inspection which found statements made about certain supplements to be drug claims.
