rapeseed oil stanol esters

**Rapeseed oil stanol esters** are chemical compounds created by esterifying plant stanols (hydrogenated phytosterols) with fatty acids derived from rapeseed oil. They are primarily used as dietary agents to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The mechanism of action is based on interfering with the micellar solubilisation of cholesterol in the gut, which decreases intestinal cholesterol absorption and increases the excretion of cholesterol and plant sterols in feces[2][4][7][9]. This results in reduced serum LDL cholesterol, typically by 10–15% in adults with standard doses, and up to 50% with higher doses in animal models[4][7][9]. Rapeseed oil stanol esters have been found to be safe in both adults and children, with no significant side effects except in rare disorders like sitosterolemia and short bowel syndrome[3][12]. They are commonly formulated into spreads, capsules, or functional foods targeting cardiovascular risk reduction, and may improve endothelial function and arterial stiffness alongside their cholesterol-lowering effect[7].

Other names

rapeseed oil-derived plant stanol estersplant stanol ester capsules (when derived using rapeseed oil fatty acids)