Beta Sitosterol

What is Beta Sitosterol?

Beta Sitosterol is one of the hundreds of “sterol” compounds which are plant-derived and structurally resemble the cholesterol. Beta Sitosterol is the most abundant phytosterol in the human diet. It is widely present in various plants such as saw palmetto and pumpkin seed.

Beta-sitosterol could be found in most plants. This phytosterol and its compound, sitosterolin, differentiate from cholesterol in a way that they are not that well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, as cholesterol is. For this reason, they are playing a significant role in controlling the levels of cholesterol.

Some of the claimed benefits of using Beta Sitosterol include:

• Controlling the incidence of High cholesterol, and
• Managing enlarged prostate.
  

Though there is yet to be enough scientific evidence to the contrary, some dietary supplements also claim that having Beta Sitosterol in their ingredients can also help in:

• Treating gallstones
• Enhancing sexual performance 
• Boosting the immune system 
• Treating the common cold and flu 
• Treating asthma 
• Relieving menopause symptoms, and
• Helping with hair loss or baldness.
  

Beta Sitosterol has been shown to improve the immune function. It has been shown that in humans beta sitosterol can normalize the function of T-helper lymphocytes and natural killer cells, that usually are affected by some stressful events and thus suppressing the function of the immune system.

Side Effects and Warnings of Beta Sitosterol

As with all other dietary supplements, you should always seek medical advice before using this or any other supplements. After being used for a long time, there are no serious side effects or drug interactions, concerning beta sitosterol.

However some people may experience diarrhoea or constipation if they take beta sitosterol at high dosage levels. The most commonly reported adverse reactions to Beta-sitosterol include gastrointestinal dysfunctions, such as, for example gas, indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea.

Even though there haven’t been any long-term safety studies on beta sitosterol and its compound, their widespread usage in the daily diet is indirectly making them be accepted as rather safe.

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