What is phytosterol complex used for?
What is phytosterol complex used for?
Boost Your Cholesterol-Lowering Potential With Phytosterols. Phytosterols (called plant sterol and stanol esters) are found in plant cell membranes. Phytosterols are similar in structure to cholesterol in the human body and block cholesterol from being absorbed. They should be part of a heart-healthy eating plan.
Is phytosterol a steroid?
Phytosterols are a steroid-alcohol composed of a tetracyclic cyclopenta-α-phenanthrene ring. Structurally, phytosterols are similar to cholesterol, which acts on the intestine by lowering the absorption of cholesterol.
Does phytosterols reduce testosterone?
Alterations in testosterone metabolism It is not known whether phytosterol consumption alters testosterone metabolism in humans. No significant changes in free or total serum testosterone concentrations were observed in men who consumed 1.6 g/day of plant sterol esters for one year (29).
What are the side effects of phytosterols?
5 Side effects, if any, tend to be mild and may include constipation, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, flatulence, and the discoloration of stools. Many of these symptoms will resolve on their own once your body adapts to the supplement. Higher phytosterol doses are associated with an increased risk of side effects.
What are phytosterols for skin?
Phytosterols are preferably used in anti-aging creams and sun-care lotions. Oils and creams containing phytosterols exhibit strong UV-protection. Furthermore, their anti-inflammatory effects make them an ideal ingredient for use in products intended for the treatment of atopic eczema and the protection of baby skin.
What is the meaning of phytosterols?
Listen to pronunciation. (FY-toh-STEER-ol) A plant-based compound that can compete with dietary cholesterol to be absorbed by the intestines, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels.
Do plant sterols increase estrogen?
Likewise, plant stanols and stanol esters failed to stimulate estrogen responsive growth in MCF-7 cells [83]. There is, however some evidence for the estrogenic effects of PS [84], with evidence from reporter gene array studies in human breast cancer cell lines suggesting a role for PS as weak SERMs [80].
Can phytosterols raise blood pressure?
Overall, there is little evidence to support either positive or negative effects of plant sterol or stanol supplementation of blood pressure and the data surrounding endothelial function is quite inconclusive.