Beta Sitosterol160mg 60 capsSwanson Health Vitamins100% Original, Imported from the USA, Brand New and SealedGeneral InformationA high purity complexPotent support for a healthy cardiovascular systemFeatures premium grade plant sterols Swanson Beta Sitosterol works naturally within the body to help promote cardiovascular health. This powerful plant sterol formula is premium-grade and includes the plant sterols beta sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol for broad-spectrum phytosterol nutrition.Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one capsule two times per day with water and food or as recommended by your healthcare provider.Benefits of the Product:Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol -- a chemical found in all plant foods -- that appears to offer a number of health benefits. Even though it naturally occurs in foods, you'd need to eat foods fortified with sterols or use them in supplement form to achieve therapeutic benefit. The amount present in fruits, vegetables and the like is just too small to exert a medicinal effect. Not all purported benefits, however, have strong scientific backing behind them.Treating High CholesterolBeta sitosterol is probably best known as a treatment for high cholesterol. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports several well-designed studies indicate its ability to lower levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. It does not appear to affect levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol or triglycerides. It works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines by about 50 percent, according to Drugs.com. This mechanism of action leads to more being excreted and less circulating in the bloodstream.Prostate HealthBeta sitosterol has a long history of use in Europe for treating an enlarged prostate. Dr. Stephen B. Strum, who wrote an article regarding the use of this plant sterol for treating this disorder in a June 2005 issue of the "Life Extension" magazine, notes several well-designed studies found beta sitosterol reduced various symptoms of enlarged prostate, such as reduced urinary flow. It appears to work by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone, which triggers the growth of prostate cells.He also notes studies showing beta sitosterol reduced the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells and induced apoptosis -- the process where a cancer cell self-destructs. These studies involved animals or isolated prostate cancer cells, however. While promosing, this type of research cannot firmly establish therapeutic benefit in humans.Other BenefitsDrugs.com notes beta-sitosterol might enhance immune function. EMedTV notes other purported uses do not have enough scientific backing behind them. They include treating colds and flu, asthma, hair loss, gallstones, enhancing sexual function and relieving symptoms of menopause.Considerations for UseTo lower cholesterol, you require about 2 g daily, according to the Mayoclinic.com. Many foods have been fortified with plant sterols such as margarines, orange juice and yogurt. Two 8-oz. glasses of fortified orange juice, for example, would meet this requirement. You could also use supplements. The aforementioned studies looking at beta sitosterol for enlarged prostate used between 130 mg and 180 mg daily. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage for addressing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Regular consumption of beta sitosterol could lower levels of carotenes and vitamin E and you might require supplementation.Customer Reviews on the ProductGathered from different online shopping websites"Nourish and feel better better when you go, this may make you feel stronger and more comfortable.""I've been using Beta Sitosterol from Swanson for a few years now and have found the quality to be outstanding and very effective for the purpose it is recommended for. It's in my FAVORITES list forever!""Excellent product, speedy delivery.""This is very helpful as a therapeutic aid to overall health, especially men's health. It can be used as an alternative to saw palmetto, nettle and pygeum, or it can be used in conjunction with the aforementioned products as an additional enhancement.""More than just Beta Sitosterol in just one cap and at a great price. I get the double benefit of cardiovascular and prostate support. I take Swanson Premiuim Beta Sitosterol every day!""In the past, I have tried many prostate products. Beta sitosterol has helped the most so far.""I have taken this product along with others from Swanson for years to keep my cholesterol in check.""I really like this supplement and take it everyday. I feel like my normal, healthy self ever since I’ve been using it, and my entire body is completely comfortable so I can be as active as I want. I plan to keep using this fine product!""I use it for carfio and prostate support.""Swanson's Beta Sitosterol is an excellent product.""Definitely an economical alternative to Stinging Nettle and Pygeum for interactive use with Saw Palmetto."