Using plant sterols (phytosterols) along with cholesterol-lowering medication may help further lower cholesterol, according to researchers. In their study, 61 people were randomly assigned to replace their usual cooking oil with one of three test oils for 12 weeks: one which contains oleic acid and linoleic acid; another of the same, but with added plant sterols; or a control oil. Participants were also taking 10 mg per day of pravastatin. The researchers found that total cholesterol and LDL ("bad") cholesterol were significantly reduced in the group that using the oil with plant sterols. Plant sterols are also available as dietary supplements in capsules.
Source: Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2007; doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2007.05.009