Plant Sterols: The Safer Natural Alternative to Red Yeast Rice for Cholesterol Management
Discover how Vitasterol S-80®‘s innovative gummy and liquid sachet new applications offer a compliant and effective cholesterol management solution in response to Europe’s red yeast rice regulations.
Meeting the Challenge of Cholesterol Management in Europe
Cholesterol management remains crucial for cardiovascular health, with elevated cholesterol significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), Europe’s leading cause of death, affecting approximately 37% of women.1 Recent European regulatory actions have restricted the claims and usage of red yeast rice, traditionally popular for cholesterol reduction, due to safety concerns and potential side effects similar to statins.2
This regulatory shift has left many formulators seeking effective and compliant alternatives. Plant sterols, particularly Vitasterol S-80®, have emerged as a superior solution backed by robust scientific evidence and regulatory acceptance.
Why Choose Vitasterol S-80® Over Red Yeast Rice?
Vitasterol S-80®, a premium plant sterol ingredient, has been scientifically validated by more than 140 clinical studies confirming its efficacy in lowering cholesterol. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) explicitly supports health claims regarding the cholesterol-lowering effects of plant sterols, providing formulators with a reliable and compliant alternative.
Research indicates that even a modest 10% reduction in total cholesterol can significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.2 Unlike red yeast rice, which faces ongoing scrutiny and recall risks related to mycotoxins and statin-like side effects, Vitasterol S-80® offers a safe, natural, and effective cholesterol-lowering solution.
Innovative and Convenient New Sample Formats
At Vitafoods Europe, Kensing introduces Vitasterol S-80® in two consumer-friendly formats: delicious gummies and easy-to-use liquid sachets. These innovative applications are designed to enhance consumer adherence by simplifying daily supplementation.
Each gummy dose delivers an accurate, consistent amount of Vitasterol S-80®, free from GMOs, gluten, and lactose, making them suitable for diverse dietary needs. The sachets, ideal for active individuals, contain liquid Vitasterol S-80® that can be consumed directly without water, providing portability and convenience unmatched by traditional supplements.
Targeted Solutions for Men and Women
Vitasterol S-80® is particularly beneficial for both men and women facing cardiovascular risks. Women in perimenopause and menopause experience increased cholesterol levels due to declining estrogen, significantly heightening their CVD risk.3 Incorporating Vitasterol S-80® helps reduce LDL cholesterol effectively and safely.
Men equally benefit, as high cholesterol remains a critical risk factor for heart disease. The innovative gummy and sachet formats enable men to seamlessly integrate cholesterol management into their daily routines.
Discover More at Vitafoods Europe
Meet our team at Vitafoods Europe, booth #CC.B17, and taste and learn about Vitasterol S-80®.
Learn how these innovative applications can transform cardiovascular health formulations, offering compliant, consumer-friendly, and effective cholesterol management solutions.
References
- European Alliance for Cardiovascular Health (2025).
- https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5368
- Law MR et al., BMJ 1994;308:367-73.
- Ryczkowska K et al., Arch Med Sci. 2022;19(2):458-466.
