Phytosterols and phytostanols are a large group of compounds that are found exclusively in plants. They are structurally and functionally related to cholesterol but differ from cholesterol in the structure of the side chain. Phytosterols lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) blood cholesterol by preventing cholesterol absorption from the intestine, so they have been known as blood cholesterol-lowering agents. Phytosterols are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and mainly oils. Dietary phytosterol intakes normally range from 160-400 mg/day with variations depending on food culture and major food sources. Dairy foods remain a food of choice for use as delivery vehicle for many functional ingredients including phytosterols and there are many dairy products available in the global markets which are enriched with phytosterols. The use of phytosterols in commonly consumed dairy products may soon provide an effective tool against CVD and its introduction to our food products is worth anticipating in the near future as nutraceuticals for healthy ageing.
