Beta-Sitosterol Supplements

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to beta-sitosterol supplements including topics such as beta-sitosterol overdose, does beta-sitosterol work?, and beta-sitosterol drug interactions. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

Description of Articles in Beta-Sitosterol Supplements

Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol commonly used for reducing cholesterol and treating an enlarged prostate. This eMedTV segment explains how beta-sitosterol works, discusses other possible uses for the compound, and lists side effects that may occur.

Reported bothersome (but not serious) beta-sitosterol side effects include nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea. This eMedTV resource lists other potential side effects of beta-sitosterol and explains why sexual side effects may occur.

A safe and effective beta-sitosterol dosage has not been established. This article from the eMedTV Web site explains what doses were safely used in clinical studies and offers some general precautions and warnings for those taking beta-sitosterol.

Beta-carotene, vitamin E, and ezetimibe may interact with beta-sitosterol. Drug interactions, as this eMedTV page explains, may decrease the absorption of these products into the body. It is best to take these products at different times of the day.

Beta-sitosterol may provide benefits for high cholesterol and an enlarged prostate. As this eMedTV page explains, there may be other benefits of beta-sitosterol (such as for treating asthma or the flu), but little evidence supports these uses.

Many people wonder, "Does beta-sitosterol work for high cholesterol or an enlarged prostate?" This part of the eMedTV archives explores the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol for these conditions and lists other possible uses for the product.

People with sitosterolemia, a rare genetic condition, should avoid beta-sitosterol products. This eMedTV article includes other beta-sitosterol safety warnings and precautions, and further explains who should avoid consuming beta-sitosterol products.

It is unclear exactly what to expect from a beta-sitosterol overdose (or if an overdose is even possible). This eMedTV resource explains why an overdose is not likely to occur with beta-sitosterol and discusses treatment options that are available.

It is currently not known whether beta-sitosterol is safe for use during pregnancy. This eMedTV Web page contains more information on beta-sitosterol and pregnancy, and describes the problems that may occur if pregnant women use these products.

It is not known if beta-sitosterol from dietary supplements is safe for breastfeeding women. This eMedTV article offers more information on beta-sitosterol and breastfeeding, and explains why it may be unsafe to use the product while nursing.