Beta-sitosterol
The most common plant sterol in the diet.
What is Beta-sitosterol?
Beta-sitosterol is the most abundant phytosterol in food. Like other plant sterols, it interferes with cholesterol absorption in the gut and has been studied for supporting healthy cholesterol levels. It is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocados.
Health benefits of Beta-sitosterol
- The main plant sterol that helps block cholesterol absorption
- May support healthy LDL-cholesterol levels
- Studied for prostate and urinary symptoms
- Found in nutrient-dense plant foods
Top food sources of Beta-sitosterol
See full rankingVegetable oils, avocado, nuts, seeds, wheat germ and soybeans. Values shown per 100 g.
Oil, vegetable, Natreon canola, high stability, non trans, high oleic (70%)
426 mg
Oil, corn and canola
419 mg
Oil, canola
413 mg
Margarine, regular, 80% fat, composite, stick, with salt
275 mg
Margarine, 80% fat, stick, includes regular and hydrogenated corn and soybean oils
275 mg
Margarine, regular, 80% fat, composite, stick, with salt, with added vitamin D
275 mg
Margarine-like, vegetable oil spread, approximately 37% fat, unspecified oils, with salt, with added vitamin D
242 mg
Oil, flaxseed, contains added sliced flaxseed
235 mg
Seeds, sesame seed kernels, dried (decorticated)
232 mg
Nuts, pistachio nuts, dry roasted, without salt added
210 mg
Nuts, pistachio nuts, dry roasted, with salt added
210 mg
Oil, flaxseed, cold pressed
206 mg
How much Beta-sitosterol do you need?
There is no Daily Value. It is the largest contributor to the roughly 2 g of plant sterols linked to lower LDL cholesterol.
Beta-sitosterol deficiency
There is no dietary requirement; beta-sitosterol is a beneficial plant compound rather than an essential nutrient.
Nutrition data per 100 g from the USDA & FooDB databases. Daily Values follow the FDA 2016+ labeling standard for a 2,000-calorie diet. This guide is for general information and is not medical advice.
Related nutrients
Frequently asked questions
What does Beta-sitosterol do?
Beta-sitosterol is the most abundant phytosterol in food. Like other plant sterols, it interferes with cholesterol absorption in the gut and has been studied for supporting healthy cholesterol levels. It is found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and avocados.
How much Beta-sitosterol do I need per day?
There is no Daily Value. It is the largest contributor to the roughly 2 g of plant sterols linked to lower LDL cholesterol.
Which foods are highest in Beta-sitosterol?
Per 100 g, some of the richest sources are Oil, vegetable, Natreon canola, high stability, non trans, high oleic (70%), Oil, corn and canola, Oil, canola, Margarine, regular, 80% fat, composite, stick, with salt, Margarine, 80% fat, stick, includes regular and hydrogenated corn and soybean oils.
What happens if I don't get enough Beta-sitosterol?
There is no dietary requirement; beta-sitosterol is a beneficial plant compound rather than an essential nutrient.