betasitostanol

Betasitostanol, also known as β-sitostanol, is a saturated plant sterol in the broader class of plant stanols. It is the hydrogenated analogue of β-sitosterol and is derived from plant sterols found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. Like other stanols, betasitostanol is used primarily as a dietary ingredient intended to modulate cholesterol absorption rather than as a medicine.

In the human gut, plant stanols compete with cholesterol for incorporation into mixed micelles, reducing intestinal absorption of dietary and biliary cholesterol. As a result, daily intake of betasitostanol, typically in the range of 1.5 to 3 grams, can contribute to modest reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Commercial products often deliver betasitostanol as stanol esters in fortified foods (for example spreads) or as free stanol in capsules or powders.

Chemically, betasitostanol is a sterol with a saturated side chain. It is not readily absorbed, which helps limit systemic exposure. Regulatory status varies by country; it is commonly marketed as a dietary ingredient rather than a drug and is used to support heart health alongside dietary modification. Potential adverse effects are typically mild gastrointestinal symptoms in some individuals.