Plant sterols may pose health risk

Plant sterols have been said to lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease, but new research suggests these compounds may have their own risks. Scientists have discovered that sterols, including plant sterols, can accumulate in heart valves and lead to aortic valve stenosis (AS), a condition that impedes the flow of blood and puts extra pressure on the heart. In a recent study, researchers found that the amount of cholesterol buildup in patients' heart valves was related to the concentration of sterols in their blood, suggesting that dietary sterols and plant sterol supplements may boost AS risk.

(Medical News Today) UPDATED 07/15/2008
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