Stanols

Stanols are hydrogenation products of sterols which occur naturally in plants, the phytosterols, and they are less abundant than the corresponding plant sterols. Like plant sterols, stanols lower blood levels of total and LDL cholesterol by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption. Their fatty-acid esters — stanol esters — are the practical form added to spreads, yoghurt, and food bars to make cholesterol-lowering products. They are among the best-evidenced functional food ingredients, with the effect confirmed in many controlled trials. Food makers usually deliver them through fortified spreads and yoghurt drinks taken daily.