Foresterol by Designs for Health contains Reducol, a phytosterol mixture—not from soy but from non-GMO tall oil from the coniferous pine tree. Reducol has significant LDL cholesterol lowering properties as evidenced by research and years of clinical use, so much that the FDA allows cholesterol lowering claims for plant sterols. Foresterol consists mainly of the 4 major phytosterols: beta-sitosterol, campesterol (in the free sterol form, not as sterol esters) and campestanol, sitostanol.It has been shown that Reducol™ works to inhibit absorption of both dietary and biliary cholesterol from the small intestine. Much of the cholesterol found in serum is derived from intestinal reuptake of cholesterol that has been deposited into the intestine from the liver and gall bladder. Therefore, even vegetarians with no dietary cholesterol can benefit from Foresterol™.How Does Foresterol Lower Cholesterol?When ingested, phytosterols inhibit absorption of cholesterol, thereby lowering plasma total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Foresterol consists mainly of the 4 major phytosterols: beta-sitosterol, campesterol (in the free sterol form, not as sterol esters) and campestanol, sitostanol. It has been shown to inhibit absorption of both dietary and biliary cholesterol from the small intestine, therefore even vegetarians with no dietary cholesterol benefit from Foresterol .It is important to know that much of the cholesterol found in serum is derived from intestinal reuptake of cholesterol that has been deposited into the intestine from the liver and gall bladder.What Is The Source Of Foresterol ?The phytosterol mixture Foresterol is sourced from coniferous trees which are non-genetically modified unlike alternative phytosterol products that are obtained from potentially GMO soybean and/or rapeseed oil seed.Proven EfficacyReducol , the active ingredient in Foresterol , is so effective at lowering cholesterol that the FDA authorized cholesterol lowering claims with the assertion that it may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Reducol has also been granted GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status by the FDA.According to research by de Graaf et al, ingestion of 1.8 g of Reducol per day (3 Caps of Foresterol) for four weeks in patients with baseline elevations of plasma cholesterol, total cholesterol was reduced by 6.4% and LDL cholesterol was reduced by 10.3%. Levels of plasma HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were not affected.7 Researchers also note although reduction in cholesterol absorption is partially re-compensated by an increase of cholesterol synthesis, this increase is not large enough and consequently, plasma circulation of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (bad cholesterol) is reduced.6 In another study, Jones of McGill University notes that sterol supplementation significantly decreased the estimated cholesterol concentrations within small, medium, and large LDL particles by 13.4, 13.5, and 14.4% respectively.4 He quotes, “Plant sterols and exercise favorably alter lipid profiles in a way that protect against future coronary heart disease (CHD).”1Safety DataThe available studies on Reducol and other tall oil phytosterols indicate that phytosterols are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and are excreted via the feces. They are not genotoxic and demonstrate no reproductive or developmental toxicity. No evidence of adverse effects was noted following administration of Reducol up to 5% in the diet for 13 weeks in a rat study. Many countries have performed long-term studies in humans and animals with no negative effects from prolonged phytosterol consumption.Statin Drugs Used In Conjunction With Phytosterols Has An Additive EffectFurthermore, there are no reported drug interactions with Foresterol . Therapeutically, Foresterol can be used in conjunction with other cholesterol lowering agents for enhanced activity. Research has demonstrated that when patients on statin drugs ingest phytosterols, an additional 10% LDL reduction was achieved; adding sterols or stanols to statin medication is more effective than doubling the statin doses. Effects are additive with diet or drug interventions: eating foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in stanols or sterols can reduce LDL by 20%.3 When ingested with drugs such as neomycin that inhibit cholesterol absorption, phytosterols have demonstrated an additional 11% reduction in LDL cholesterol.WILL FORESTEROL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE ABSORPTION OF FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS?Clinical trials conducted with sterol and stanol ester margarine spread have shown that alpha and betacarotene levels were reduced by 10-25% but there appeared to be no effect on serum retinol levels, vitamin D and vitamin K. Since it is known that dietary intake of carotenoids will greatly influence plasma carotenoid content, the decrease in carotenoid levels associated with the intake of sterols can be counter-balanced by a modest consumption of fruits and vegetables.A meta-analysis of 10-15 trials per vitamin showed that plasma levels of vitamin A and D are not affected by stanols or sterols. Alpha carotene, lycopene, and vitamin E levels remained stable relative to their carrier molecule, LDL. Beta carotene levels declined, but adverse outcomes were not expected.3 What is helpful to know, however, is that the reduction in beta-carotene bioavailability was significantly less with plant free sterols than with plant sterol esters. The reduction in alpha-tocopherol vitamin E bioavailability was also less with plant free sterols than with plant sterol esters.8 Foresterol contains free sterols, not sterol esters.Will The Effect Of Foresterol Be Reduced Due To Gastric Acidity Or The Effect Of Gastric And Pancreatic Enzymes?The manufacturer notes that Reducol is stable in acid and alkaline conditions and is resistant to enzymatic and thermal degradation.
