Negative Effects of Plant Sterols

Plant sterols are chemical compounds found in most vegetables, nuts, fruits and seeds. The Cleveland Clinic states that plant sterols are used mainly to reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower bad cholesterol without affecting good cholesterol. These compounds are available in a wide variety of foods as well as supplements; however, as with most supplements, negative effects can arise when digesting plant sterols.

Sexual Side Effects

• According to Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., and Kristi Monson, PharmD of eMedTV, plant sterols can cause adverse sexual side effects in some men. These side effects include a decrease in the desire to have sex or the inability to obtain an erection, which is known as impotence. This source states that these side effects are due to plant sterols' adverse reaction to the male hormones dihydrotestosterone and testosterone. Immediately visit your doctor if you begin to experience any sexual side effects after taking plant sterols.

Minor Side Effects

• Plant sterols may cause several minor side effects, depending on the amount taken as well as how your body processes this supplement. Side effects are similar to those that can accompany other natural supplements. The most common of these negative effects include nausea, diarrhea and indigestion. While these effects are not life threatening or dangerous, they can become irritating and should be treated at the first sign of aggravation.

Potential Effects

• Plant sterols are comprised of compounds not naturally formed within the human body, so there could be sudden and unknown side effects. According to Lifetime Fitness Magazine, when non-recognized nutrients are introduced to the human body over time, adverse health reactions could develop. In the case of plant sterols, major negative effects have not been documented.

Too-Low Cholesterol Level

• Another potential side effect is the risk of lowering your cholesterol level too much. Because plant sterols effectively lower cholesterol levels, there is concern that if you consume too much of this compound, your cholesterol levels could significantly lower. However, this risk may not be as substantial as some of the others because the body naturally begins to produce this compound if it drops below a certain level, according to Joseph Judd, PhD, the Human Nutrition Research Center.