Beta-Sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that structurally mimics cholesterol — it competes with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the intestine, reducing cholesterol absorption by 30-50%. FDA-approved health claim: 800mg/day plant sterols reduce heart disease risk. Also: beta-sitosterol at 130mg/day improved BPH symptoms (reduced IPSS score by 50%) in a 1995 Lancet study. The BPH mechanism is DIFFERENT from cholesterol (inhibits 5-alpha reductase and aromatase in prostate tissue). Dual use: cardiovascular (800mg/day) and prostate (60-130mg/day). Cardis® and Benecol® are cholesterol brands; Harzol® is the prostate brand. --- *Reviewed by the Dose AI Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board* *Last updated: 2026-04-06*