Phytosterols intake levels

A 2004 clinical study at the University of California-Davis demonstrated that only 2 grams of phytosterol intake per day from drinking a fortified orange juice reduced blood low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 12 percent over just two months Numerous other consumer products now contain phytosterols examples are margarine, multivitamins, soy and rice milk, dairy products, bread, and granola bars. Look for these products and try to involve them in your diet, even if your LDL cholesterol level is normal. 

While a DRI for phytosterols is not yet officially established, ongoing research indicates that around 1.5 to 2 g per day is effective for reducing blood LDL cholesterol levels in adults. The FDA and Institute of Medicine are currently evaluating phytosterol research to assign a recommended intake level. 

Scientific Committee on Food. 2002. General View of the Scientific Committee on Food on the Long-term Effects of the Intake of Elevated Levels of Phytosterols from Multiple Dietary Sources, with Particular Attention to the Effects on 3-carotene. SCF/CS/NF/DOS/20 ADD 1 Final, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium. 

For food applications, stands are synthetically derived from plant sterols. Although the naturally occurring amounts of phytosterols in 30 g of com oil are sufficient to inhibit cholesterol absorption, """ it is not clear whether natural intakes of phytosterols significantly lower plasma LDL-C concentrations. The relatively greater intake of phytosterols by vegetarians may contribute to the lower LDL-C levels commonly observed in this population. It would, however, be nearly impossible for most individuals to obtain more than 1 g of phytosterols from food without iugesting large quantities of food. Com oil is a rich source of phytosterols, yet one would have to consume about 100 g (900 kcal) of com oil per day in order to obtain 1 g/d of phytosterols. 

Clifton, P.M. M. Noakes D. Ross A. Fassoulakis M. Cehun P. Nestel. High dietary intake of phytosterol esters decreases carotenoids and increases plasma plant sterol levels with no additional cholesterol lowering./. Lipid Res. 2004, 45, 1493-1499. 

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