Boots customers have been praising an affordable pill for its ability to help lower cholesterol levels. Some even claim they no longer require medication, presumably after consulting their doctor. Now, these tablets are available at a reduced price, but only for a very short period.
The Boots Max Strength Plant Sterols Capsules, usually retailing at £19.75 for a pack of 60 pills, are currently on offer for just £10 as part of the store’s weekly Tuesday deal. However, this is only for the next 24 hours.
This pack should last approximately a month. For optimal results, two capsules per day are recommended. These ‘clinically proven’ supplements are the most potent version, boasting a strength of 1000mg per pill.
As suggested by the name, plant sterols are naturally occurring compounds found in plants and are associated with lower cholesterol levels. They function by competing with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, thereby reducing the amount of LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol entering the bloodstream.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that consuming 1.5-2.4 grams of plant sterols or stanols daily can decrease LDL cholesterol by about 7-10%, reports the Mirror. The British Heart Foundation notes that plant sterols and stanols can be used alongside statins, and the effect may be cumulative.
(Image: Boots)
Several Boots customers say that these tablets do what they claim and could contribute to significant health improvements when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Several five-star reviews have been posted on Boots’ website.
One customer shared: “With a few small dietary adjustments and taking these after a few months, I repeated my cholesterol test and the results were better than I had imagined. I won’t stop taking them now as I’ve had no side effects, and I have a strong family history of heart disease.”
Another commented: “I have been using these in place of statins for over a year and they are helping to control my cholesterol levels.” A third added: “My cholesterol level has dropped using these and diet control – so avoided medication so far.”
However, some customers reported little or no improvement in their cholesterol levels. One claimed to have taken the suggested two-daily pills for a year and their “cholesterol level had gone up”.
(Image: Getty / Dazeley)
Another warned about the size of the tablets, stating: “Just be aware that these torpedo-shaped tablets are very large (2.5cm long) and not easy to swallow. In fact, I can’t take them.” A third wrote: “I was really hoping these would lower my cholesterol. They made no difference and now on statins.”
Alternative options to Boots’ tablets are available. On Amazon, the £15 High Strength Plant Sterols with Beta-Sitosterol by Horbaach (120 Pack) has received rave reviews from thousands of shoppers. Holland and Barrett offer Cholestaguard Plant Sterols for £11.99 in a 60 pack. At the time of writing, a three-for-two deal is available on selected supplements, providing savings on larger purchases.
Before taking any new medication or over-the-counter tablets, it is essential to consult with your doctor to ensure they are suitable for you, particularly if you are already being treated for a condition. Plant sterols are generally considered safe for most healthy adults when consumed in the recommended amounts.
However, they may not be suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children under five, and individuals with rare genetic disorders such as sitosterolemia. The effectiveness of plant sterols and stanols can vary depending on individual factors, such as genetics and baseline cholesterol levels.
Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) in the liver, which is crucial for cholesterol production. This helps cut the amount of ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and potentially stabilises plaque in arteries. Some foods, including plant sterols, also help the liver draw more cholesterol from the blood to produce bile.
While certain foods can help support the body in reducing cholesterol, it’s important to clarify that no single food or dietary change can replace the effectiveness of statin medications for slashing cholesterol. However, some foods can contribute to lowering cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and may be part of a broader strategy for heart health.
Can I continue taking statins as well as plant sterols?
Victoria Taylor, a dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, said: “If you’re taking statins, it’s fine to use plant stanol or sterol products. As they work in different ways to reduce cholesterol, the effect can be cumulative. But remember that these plant stanols or sterols aren’t substitutes for prescribed medications, and whilst there is an expectation that their cholesterol-lowering effect will lead to fewer heart attacks, no clinical trials have been undertaken to show this.”
It is crucial to follow your doctor’s advice. If you have been prescribed statins for your condition, it is best to continue taking your medication to help control your cholesterol. People with high cholesterol often combine this medication with significant lifestyle changes.
According to the NHS, people should aim for “at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise a week”. They should also eat less fatty foods, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption.