Cholest-Off

This is a place to discuss the efficacy and potential side effects of the "Cholest-Off" -- a mix of plant sterols and stanols (Reducol) distributed by Amazon.com, and claimed that it "may reduce the risk of heart disease, and clinically proven to reduce cholesterol." Please post your comments below!


Here is what they claim:

Product Description
Cholest-Off contains Reducol- a unique, proprietary blend of natural plant sterols and stanols. Plant sterols and stanols, also known as phytosterols and stanols, are naturally occurring substances present in leaves, nuts, vegetables and other plants. Over 40 years of clinical research on plant sterols and stanols have demonstrated their long-term safety with no known adverse effects. Products containing at least 0.4 grams per serving of plant sterols and stanols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily intake of at least 0.8 grams as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, helps support cardiovascular health. One serving of Nature Made Cholest-Off supplies 0.9 grams of plant sterols and stanols. As part of a cholesterol management program, you should consult your physician and have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. Many factors such as diet, body weight, physical exercise and age can affect your cholesterol levels. That is why a diet low in saturated fat and regular exercise are recommended as part of a cholesterol management program. However, diet and exercise alone don't always reduce your cholesterol levels to the desired range. That's where Nature Made Cholest-Off can help. Total Cholesterol: Desirable......Less than 200 mg/dL Borderline.....200 to 239 mg/dL High..............240 mg/dL or greater Cholest-Off with Reducol, is clinically proven to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption. As a result, taken as directed, Cholest-Off will lower your cholesterol levels and help support your cardiovascular health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Nature Made Cholest-off 240 Caplets - Clinically Proven to Reduce Cholesterol


Here are some definitions:

Sterols -- Sterols are a subgroup of steroids with a hydroxyl group in the 3-position of the A-ring. They are lipids synthetised from Acetyl coenzyme A. Important sterols include cholesterol, phytosterols, and some steroid hormones. Sterols of plants are called phytosterols. Plant sterols are also known to block cholesterol absorption sites in the human intestine thus helping to reduce cholesterol levels in humans

Stanols -- hydrogenated sterols. The difference between stanols and sterols is that the former are saturated (by hydrogen) and the latter are not.

Reducol -- is a patented blend of naturally occurring compounds found in plants known as phytosterols and phytostanols. It works primarily by blocking absorption of cholesterol in the gut without being absorbed into your body. Reducol is a tasteless and odourless ingredient that can be incorporated into a variety of applications including non-fat and fatty functional foods and dietary supplements. It is derived from coniferous trees, and is manufactured in the USA by Canadian biotech firm Forbes Medi-Tech.

Reducol is listed and discussed in these new books:

Physicians Desk Reference 2006:
Guide to Drug Interactions, Side Effects, and Indications


Handbook of Functional Lipids (Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals)



But what about the potential side effects of impaired cholesterol absorption?
Does anybody know?

Please post your comments below if you have any kind of experience with this product, and side effects in particular; or know the most recent scientific literature on possible side effects. Thanks!