The tablets are designed to lend a helping hand to those struggling with high cholesterol levels
Boots shoppers have been claiming an affordable pill has been helping them lower their cholesterol levels, so much so that some claim they no longer need medication – presumably after speaking to their doctor. Now, the tablets are available at a discounted price, but only for a very limited time.
The Boots Max Strength Plant Sterols Capsules are normally priced at £19.75 for a pack of 60 pills. However, for the next 24 hours, the packs are available for just £10 as part of the store’s weekly Tuesday deal.
This pack should last for around a month, with people instructed to take two capsules per day to see the best results. These ‘clinically proven’ supplements are the strongest version, with a strength of 1000mg per pill.
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As the name implies, plant sterols are naturally found in plants. They are linked to lower cholesterol levels. They work by competing with cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, reducing the amount of LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol entering the bloodstream. Clinical trials have shown that consuming 1.5-2.4 grams of plant sterols or stanols daily can reduce LDL cholesterol by about 7-10%.
Some Boots shoppers have claimed the tablets are not just a gimmick and could lead to real health-related improvements, if taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. Dozens have posted five-star reviews on Boots’ website.
One said: “With a few small dietary adjustments and taking these after a few months I repeated my cholesterol test and the results were better than I had imagined, I won’t stop taking them now as I’ve had no side effects and I have a strong family history of heart disease.
Another added: “I have been using these in place of statins for over a year and they are helping to control my cholesterol levels.” A third wrote: “My cholesterol level has dropped using these and diet control – so avoided medication so far.”
But, some suggested that they saw little or no help regarding their cholesterol levels. One claimed: “I spent a year taking two of these every day. My cholesterol level has gone up from 7 to 8 and my GP wants to see me asap. What a waste of money!”
Another suggested these pills were not the easiest to take. They said: “Just be aware that these torpedo-shaped tablets are very large (2.5cm long) and not easy to swallow. In fact, I can’t take them.” A third wrote: “I was really hoping these would lower my cholesterol. They made no difference and now on statins.”
You can find alternatives to Boots’ tablets. On Amazon, thousands of shoppers have given the High Strength Plant Sterols with Beta-Sitosterol by Horbaach (120 Pack) rave reviews. At Holland and Barrett, you can pick up some Cholestaguard Plant Sterols for £11.99 (60 pack). At the time of writing, there is a three-for-two offer available on selected supplements, allowing shoppers to save on bigger purchases.
Always speak to your doctor before taking any new medication or over-the-counter tablets to ensure they suit you, especially if you are already being treated for a condition. Plant sterols are typically regarded as safe for the majority of healthy adults when consumed in the recommended amounts.
They might not be appropriate for pregnant or nursing women, children younger than five, and those with specific rare genetic disorders such as sitosterolemia.
Should I still take statins as well?
The British Heart Foundation’s dietitian Victoria Taylor said: “If you’re taking statins, it’s fine to use plant stanol or sterol products. As they work in different ways to reduce cholesterol, the effect can be cumulative.” She added: “But remember that these plant stanols or sterols aren’t substitutes for prescribed medications, and whilst there is an expectation that their cholesterol-lowering effect will lead to fewer heart attacks, no clinical trials have been undertaken to show this.”
You should not go against your doctor’s advice. If you have been prescribed statins for your condition, it is best to continue taking your medicine to help control your cholesterol.
People with high cholesterol often combine this medication with serious lifestyle changes, too. According to the NHS, people should aim for “at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise a week” alongside eating less fatty foods, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.