In the Unites States plant sterols are added to products to indirectly reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) because they may interfere with cholesterol absorption.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plant sterols are bioactive compounds found in all vegetable foods and inhibit cholesterol absorption. If foods rich in plant sterols are consumed instead of animal and dairy products, it is thought that CVD can be reduced indirectly because plant sterols are absorbed at the same sites in the small intestine as cholesterol. Their ability to interfere with cholesterol absorption results in a 5% to 17% reduction of low-density cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol). In the United States, sterols are added to margarine spread, orange juice, and other products. An important caveat is that a low-fat diet increases effectiveness of these products.

In the Unites States Plant Sterols Are Added to Products