Campesterol

Fatty-acidSterolBest with a meal

What is it

Campesterol is a plant sterol structurally similar to cholesterol, found in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds; it commonly co-occurs with beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol in plant sterol supplements.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cholesterol reduction (as part of plant sterol blend)

Strong Evidence

Effects are demonstrated for plant sterol blends; isolated campesterol has not been individually trialed in major outcomes.

How it works

Like beta-sitosterol, campesterol competes with cholesterol for absorption in the intestine, lowering serum LDL. Plant sterol products are typically a blend dominated by beta-sitosterol with smaller amounts of campesterol and stigmasterol. Campesterol is more readily absorbed than beta-sitosterol, which raises both its potential utility and its slight relevance in sitosterolemia.

Dosage

No RDA for isolated campesterol. Plant sterol blends targeting cholesterol use 1.5-3 g/day total.

When and how to take it

WHEN: With meals containing fat. HOW: Take with the largest meal.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Plant sterol blend (with beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol)

The practical commercial form.

Campesterol more absorbed than beta-sitosterol.

Safety

Generally well tolerated as part of plant sterol blends. May reduce fat-soluble vitamin and carotenoid absorption. Contraindicated in sitosterolemia.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in sitosterolemia. Caution in pregnancy due to limited isolated-compound data.

Interactions

May reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins; mild additive effect with ezetimibe.

Food sources

Rapeseed (canola) oil

Amount
1 tbsp
%DV
—

Wheat germ

Amount
1 tbsp
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is campesterol better than beta-sitosterol?⌄

They work similarly; commercial products mix them rather than isolate campesterol.

References

Campesterol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Campesterol on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Campesterol (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Campesterol with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.