Phytosterols explained: what it is and plant sources
EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) says phytosterols are extracted from plants. They can come from soya, maize, sunflower and rapeseed oils. One product we reviewed lists phytosterols, and one label prints an amount: 50 mg per serving.
- In the products we reviewed
- 1, its label prints the amount
What phytosterols is
- Phytosterols can come from soya, maize, sunflower and rapeseed oils.1
- Phytosterols are extracted from plants.1
- Phytosterols come in free forms or forms joined to food grade fatty acids.1
- Phytosterol esters are authorised for use in milk and yoghurt type products.1
Foods that have it1
- Soya oil
- Maize oil
- Sunflower oil
- Rapeseed oil
How much phytosterols each product gives
Before you take it
If you take medicines
- cholesterol lowering medication
- People taking cholesterol lowering medication should consume products with added phytosterols only under medical supervision.1
Ask a doctor first
- Products with added phytosterols may not be nutritionally appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children under 5.1
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. A supplement is not a medicine.
The product we reviewed that lists phytosterols
| Product | Form and serving | Phytosterols per serving | Our score | Price a bottle | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Max Vitalize#3 in men's health support | Capsules2 capsules | 50 mg | 9.3 | $49 | Check price |
Questions people ask
What are phytosterols?
Phytosterols are extracted from plants, according to EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority). EFSA says they come in free forms or forms joined to food grade fatty acids.
What foods contain phytosterols?
Soya, maize, sunflower and rapeseed oils contain phytosterols. EFSA says phytosterol esters are authorized for use in milk and yogurt type products.
Are phytosterols safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Products with added phytosterols may not be nutritionally appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women or children under five. Ask a clinician before starting.
Which supplements contain phytosterols?
One product we reviewed lists phytosterols: Max Vitalize. Its label prints 50 mg per serving of 2 capsules.
Sources
The products, amounts and prices come from each product's label and checkout, as its review shows them. AI drafts our pages from listed sources, figures are checked against them, and we have not tried the products.
- 1EFSA Journal (2025), scientific opinion 9162efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doichecked