Side Effects of CoroWise Cholesterol Reducer

CoroWise, the brand name for Cargill Health & Food Technologies' plant sterol supplement, is claimed to lower cholesterol, and appears in certain foods such as Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise orange juice. Before you rush out and hand Cargill a chunk of your paycheck, consult this guide for possible side effects associated with Corowise.

Plant Sterols

• Plant sterols, essentially plant cholesterol, are complex compounds that make up plant membranes. According to the International Food Information Council, sterols can block the body's absorption of artery-thickening LDL cholesterol, therefore regulating and even improving cholesterol levels. In recent years, scientists have developed the means to fortify foods with plant sterols.

CoroWise

• CoroWise, created by Cargill, is a supplement derived primarily from plant sterols. Food companies use CoroWise to fortify products such as milk and bread. CoroWise has become a common fortifier because it does not affect taste.

Plant Sterol Effects

• Plant sterols themselves have few reported side effects, according to the Monroe Street Medical Clinic. At most, consumers of sterols in high levels report diarrhea or general stomach upset.

Niacin Side Effects

• We Know Cholesterol.com points out another ingredient in CaroWise: niacin. Doctors have also recommended niacin, a vitamin, for cholesterol management. Certain studies, however, such as a 2003 Canadian study, have reported several unpleasant side effects. Effects include flushing, itching, tingling, chills and nausea.

Significance

• As CoroWise primarily comes from plant sterols, side effects should be rare. However, an especially niacin-sensitive individual may experience effects related to the niacin, the most common being flushing or itching. If one reacts badly to niacin, consider switching to a pure plant sterol supplement.