Sterols
Plant sterols also referred to as phytosterols, and stanols also referred to as phytostanols, have long been studied for their effects on cholesterol levels. Phytosterols are often used in food manufacturing as additives to increase the overall content of phytosterols which can potentially lower LDL cholesterol levels. Some sterols have been studied as potential drug candidates and treatment agents. Phytosterols have been found to have higher degrees of absorption than phytostanols in humans. Stanols have a similar structure to sterols, the only difference being that stanols are saturated at the 5-" ring position.
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