Fucosterol

PhytochemicalPhytosterolBest with a meal

What is it

Fucosterol is a sterol found in brown algae (kelp, wakame, hijiki) and some other marine algae. It is the algal analog of cholesterol and is studied as a bioactive compound with cholesterol-lowering, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory potential.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Cholesterol management (theoretical)

Mixed Evidence

Phytosterol-mediated cholesterol reduction is established for other sterols. Direct human evidence for fucosterol specifically is absent.

Blood glucose / diabetes (animal)

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies suggest improved insulin sensitivity. No human clinical evidence.

How it works

Fucosterol is a phytosterol with structural similarity to other plant sterols. Like other phytosterols, it can compete with cholesterol for absorption in the intestine, potentially reducing serum cholesterol levels. Animal studies suggest additional effects including PPAR-alpha activation, improvement in insulin sensitivity, and anti-inflammatory activity. Human clinical evidence specifically for fucosterol is essentially absent.

Dosage

No standardized human dose. Evidence is from animal studies and brown algae food consumption.

When and how to take it

Phytosterols generally work best when taken with meals containing cholesterol.

1 commercial form

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

Brown algae extracts

Provides fucosterol along with other algal compounds, fiber, and iodine.

Whole algal source.

Safety

Limited human safety data on purified fucosterol. Brown algae sources are well tolerated as food but contain iodine, which can be excessive at high intakes.

Who should be cautious

Avoid kelp-based sources in people with thyroid disease (iodine concerns). Avoid purified fucosterol in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of data.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with cholesterol-lowering drugs, antidiabetics, and (from kelp source) thyroid medications. Specific data are lacking.

Food sources

Brown seaweed (kelp, wakame)

Amount
10 g dried
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is fucosterol clinically proven?⌄

No. Most evidence is from animal and cell studies. Direct human clinical data are essentially absent.

Where do I get it?⌄

Brown seaweed (kelp, wakame, hijiki) is the main dietary source.

References

Fucosterol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Fucosterol (ChEBI:27865) — ChEBI link

Fucosterol (PubChem CID 5281328) — PubChem link

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

Research on Fucosterol (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Fucosterol 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.