Effect of structure and form on the ability of plant sterols to inhibit cholesterol absorption in hamsters.

We investigated the effect of three types of plant sterols (4-desmethylsterols, 4,4'-dimethylsterols, and pentacyclic triterpene alcohols) in three forms (free, esterified with FA, or with phenolic acids) on cholesterol absorption. Plant sterol fractions derived from soybean (99% 4-desmethylsterols), rice bran (70% 4,4'-dimethylsterols), or shea nut (89% pentacyclic triterpene alcohols) were fed to male hamsters (n = 20/group) as free sterols or esterified with FA or phenolic acids (cinnamic or ferulic). Cholesterol absorption was measured after 5-8.