Plant sterols and statins

Plant sterols have an additive cholesterol lowering effect to lipid lowering medication such as statins.

Plant sterols and statins work through different mechanisms, so can have an additive cholesterol lowering effect. All individuals taking statins can benefit from a heart healthy diet. Any dietary approach should not be a substitute for statins, or vice-versa.

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  3. Patch CS, Tapsell LC, Williams PG. Plant sterol/stanol prescription is an effective treatment strategy for managing hypercholesterolemia in outpatient clinical practice. J Am Diet Assoc 2005;105(1):46-52. 

  4. Jenkins DJA, Kendall CWC, Marchie A, Faulkner DA, Wong JMW, de Souza R, Emam A, Parker TL, Vidgen E, Trautwein EA, Lapsley KG, Josse RG, Leiter LA, Singer W, Connelly PW. Direct comparison of a dietary portfolio of cholesterol-lowering foods with a statin in hypercholesterolemic participants. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81(2):380-387.