A 4-month randomised clinical trial, published in 2025 as a study in Atherosclerosis , tested a complex with plant sterols, bergamot extract, artichoke and hydroxytyrosol in 42 adults with moderately elevated LDL cholesterol and low cardiovascular risk. The aim was to see if this combination clearly lowered LDL.
The results were cautious, the complex was well tolerated, but showed no significant difference against placebo in LDL cholesterol or other cardiometabolic markers. For a person with somewhat high cholesterol, this means that complex supplements need to be very finely designed and that the basis is still diet, habits and formulations that prioritise ingredients with better absorption and less internal interference.
What the plant sterols and plant extracts clinical trial did
The study included 42 adults aged 18 to 65, with a body mass index between 18.5 and 35 and LDL cholesterol between 2.5 and 5 millimoles per litre, a range of mild hypercholesterolaemia. For four months, one group took three capsules daily of the complex with plant sterols and extracts of bergamot, artichoke and hydroxytyrosol, the other group took a placebo.
The researchers measured total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, fraction-to-fraction ratios, apolipoproteins, LDL oxidation markers, glycosylated haemoglobin, blood pressure and safety parameters. After 2 and 4 months, the complex group did not differ significantly from the placebo group. The changes were small and within normal variability.
This result is important, as it indicates that combining many extracts in a single capsule does not guarantee clear effects on cholesterol. It also suggests that interactions between ingredients may dilute the action of plant sterols when they are formulated without a precise strategy.
How plant sterols act on your LDL cholesterol
Plant sterols are molecules found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds. They are similar in structure to cholesterol. In the intestine, they compete with dietary cholesterol for the transporters that allow their absorption.
When sufficient plant sterols are present, some of the cholesterol remains in the intestine and is excreted in the faeces. The result is usually a reduction in LDL cholesterol in the blood. This action is seen as a nutritional support for those who already take care of their diet and wish to optimise their lipid profile.
The study confirms that sterols remain safe in adults with moderately high cholesterol. However, it also reminds us that the dose, the form of presentation and the accompanying ingredients have a strong influence on the final effect. A formulation with too many components can compete rather than add.
Modern life, cholesterol and why it’s hard to reach effective doses
In theory, a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, nuts and olive oil provides enough sterols, fibre and antioxidants to take care of cholesterol. In practice, many people eat fast, repeat ultra-processed foods and arrive tired at night.
To achieve the amounts of plant sterols that have been associated with clear decreases in LDL, generous daily servings of specific foods should be maintained with near-perfect consistency. Stress, irregular schedules and eating out make such precision difficult.
In addition, the way the liver handles fat changes with age. A sedentary lifestyle and too much sugar put added pressure on the system. This is why, even with good intentions, many people with moderately high cholesterol feel that the changes in their blood test are progressing too slowly.
Daily habits that realistically support your cardiovascular health
The study reminds us that no single complex makes up for a lifetime of inconsistent habits. The basics remain simple, yet demanding. More vegetables, pulses, whole fruit, nuts and olive oil. Less added sugars, trans fats and alcohol.
Walking briskly on most days, climbing stairs and adding some weight-bearing power improves the way the body uses fat. Getting enough sleep and maintaining regular schedules helps the hormones that regulate metabolism work more steadily.
Yet even by following these guidelines, the plant sterol doses studied are not always achieved. Therein lies the gap between what science shows under controlled conditions and what daily life allows. This gap can be bridged with precisely designed supplementation.
How Nutribiolite’s PROTECARDIO builds on the effects of plant sterols
The trial in adults with mild hypercholesterolaemia used plant sterols as the centrepiece. It showed safety, but also the importance of formulating carefully so that the effect on LDL is clear. This is where Nutribiolite’s PROTECARDIO comes in.
PROTECARDIO focuses on harnessing the known effects of plant sterols on intestinal cholesterol absorption. The formula strategically combines them with other naturally occurring compounds that target lipid balance and oxidative stress, without adding unnecessary fillers.
The idea is simple. Research shows that the body responds to plant sterols when they arrive in sufficient quantity and in the right environment. PROTECARDIO optimises this approach and synchronises ingredients that support circulation, lipoprotein protection against oxidation and daily cholesterol management.
This supplement is designed for adults who have already improved their diet and physical activity and want additional, clean and focused support for their cardiovascular routine. It facilitates a steady intake of active plant compounds, which is difficult to sustain in the modern diet alone.
Nutribiolite PROTECARDIO accompanies a cardio-protective diet and supports daily cholesterol balance with a precise plant-based formula.
Practical summary of the study and the role of PROTECARDIO
The Atherosclerosis trial showed that a complex with plant sterols and various extracts is well tolerated, but does not always achieve clear LDL decreases in adults with mild hypercholesterolaemia. This underlines the importance of formulation quality and maintaining realistic expectations.
In everyday life, cholesterol control is built on nutrition, movement, rest and, when it makes sense, supplements that provide precision and consistency. PROTECARDIO relies on plant sterol physiology and naturally occurring compounds to consistently support this groundwork.
This content is for information only and does not replace the advice of a health professional.
Frequently asked questions
What the plant sterol study showed on LDL cholesterol
The 4-month clinical trial in adults with moderately elevated LDL cholesterol found that plant sterol complex and extracts did not significantly lower LDL compared to placebo. It did confirm good tolerability and safety in this population.
What these results mean for a person with moderately high cholesterol
They indicate that relying on a generic complex alone may not be enough. The basis remains cardioprotective nutrition, exercise and, if supplementation is used, precisely designed formulas with well-chosen ingredients.
How plant sterols fit into a cholesterol care strategy
Plant sterols compete with cholesterol in the gut and can reduce the amount that passes into the blood. They represent an interesting nutritional support for those who already take care of their diet and want a physiological boost on LDL cholesterol.
For which type of person can PROTECARDIO make sense?
PROTECARDIO may suit adults who monitor their cholesterol, follow a plant-rich diet and are physically active, but want additional support based on active plant compounds to support lipid balance and daily cholesterol management.
Can a supplement replace lifestyle changes in cholesterol management?
Food supplements are meant to be supportive, not a replacement for a balanced diet, regular exercise or personalised recommendations from a healthcare professional. Their value lies in providing consistency and precision in specific nutrients.
