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Beta-Sitosterol Drug Interactions
People are generally recommended to avoid taking vitamin E, beta-carotene, or ezetimibe at the same time as beta-sitosterol. Drug interactions may occur if these are taken together that could decrease the absorption of the products into the body. To help prevent drug interactions with beta-sitosterol, be sure to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking other medications.
An Introduction to Beta-Sitosterol Drug Interactions
Even though it is a "natural" food-based product, beta-sitosterol can potentially interact with a few medicines. Some of the medicines that may lead to beta-sitosterol drug interactions include:
- Beta-carotene (a type of vitamin A)
- Ezetimibe (Zetia®), ezetimibe/simvastatin (Vytorin®), or ezetimibe/atorvastatin (Liptruzet™)
- Vitamin E.
Beta-Sitosterol Interactions Explained
The following sections explain in detail the potentially negative interactions that can occur when beta-sitosterol is combined with any of the drugs listed above.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-sitosterol may decrease the absorption of beta-carotene, both from dietary sources and from vitamins. It is probably a good idea to take beta-sitosterol and beta-carotene at different times of the day.
Ezetimibe (Zetia), Ezetimibe/Simvastatin (Vytorin), or Ezetimibe/Atorvastatin (Liptruzet™)
Ezetimibe may decrease the absorption of beta-sitosterol into the bloodstream. This is likely only a problem if you take beta-sitosterol for something other than high cholesterol, since beta-sitosterol does not need to be absorbed to lower cholesterol.
Vitamin E
Beta-sitosterol may decrease the absorption of vitamin E, both from dietary sources and from vitamins. It is probably a good idea to take beta-sitosterol and vitamin E at different times of the day.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD