Plant sterols are a family of compounds naturally found in plants, vegetable oils, fruits and nuts. Very similar to cholesterol, plant sterols have the unique property of blocking the adsorption of cholesterol and lowering LDL levels through regular daily consumption. In the US, food products that contain at least 0.65 grams of sterol esters or 0.40 grams of free sterols per serving may include on their packaging an FDA health claim stating that the consumption of plant sterols may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.† Plant sterols are GRAS and are used in many food products such as vegetable oils, shortening, yogurt, snack bars, milk and cereals.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat any disease or particular condition.