What is the recommended daily intake of Benecol® Products? 

The FDA states that a daily total intake of 2 grams from phytosterol-containing foods when eaten with a meal or a snack, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. Each serving of Benecol® Buttery Spread contains 0.5 grams of plant stanols (0.85 grams of plant stanol ester). Each daily serving of Benecol® Soft Chews (total of 4 chews) contains 2 grams of plant stanols.

Is there any evidence that Benecol® Products promote healthy cholesterol levels?

Over 70 published clinical studies have proven the benefits of consuming plant stanols for reducing serum LDL and total cholesterol levels.

Do Benecol® Products need FDA approval or review? 

The FDA has authorized use of a health claim stating that "Foods containing at least 0.5g per serving of plant stanols eaten with meals or snacks for a daily total intake of 2g as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce blood total cholesterol and the risk of heart disease." Each serving of Benecol® Spread contains 0.5 grams of plant stanols, and each daily serving of Benecol® Soft Chews (4 chews total) contains 2 grams of plan stanols, both of which can help you meet the recommended 2 grams of plant stanols per day.

What are plant stanol esters? 

Plant stanol esters, the unique dietary ingredient in Benecol® Products, are made from naturally occurring oils found in plants such as soybean plants, and even pine trees.

How do plant stanol esters work in the body?

Plant stanol esters reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive tract resulting in lower serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels. Plant stanol esters do not affect high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or triglyceride levels.

How much plant stanol ester is needed daily to lower cholesterol?

The Food & Drug Administration recommends 2 grams of plant stanols/sterols per day. A majority of clinical studies show that 2-3 grams of plant stanols/sterols can result in significant reduction of cholesterol, levels.

How much plant stanol is contained in a serving of Benecol® Products? 

One tablespoon of Benecol® Spread contains 0.5 grams of plant stanols (0.85 grams of plant stanol ester). One daily serving of Benecol® Chews (4 pieces total) contains 2 grams of plant stanols.

What's the difference between plant stanols and sterols? 

Plant stanols and sterols are structurally very similar to cholesterol, but are found in plant oils. Sitosterol is the primary phytosterol found in vegetable oils. Sitostanols (stanols) are the saturated form of sitosterols, making them extremely stable. Plant stanol esters, the unique ingredient contained in Benecol® Spreads, are produced by the saturation of plant sterols and subsequent esterification with fatty acids. 

Are plant stanol esters absorbed by the body?

Clinical studies have demonstrated that plant stanols are minimally absorbed by the body. Plant stanol esters are broken down into stanol and fatty acid components. The stanol is excreted from the body while the fatty acids are absorbed and broken down just like other dietary fats.

Can I recommend Benecol® Products to patients on a kosher diet? 

Benecol® Products are certified kosher. They bear the Circle U D symbol, as they contain dairy. They are not certified kosher for Passover.