Can You Take Lecithin and Plant Sterol Esters Together?

May affect absorption

The short answer

Lecithin enhances cholesterol micellar solubility in the gut, while Plant Sterol Esters work by displacing cholesterol from micelles. Lecithin may reduce the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Plant Sterol Esters.

How to arrange timing

Take Lecithin and Plant Sterol Esters at different meals to avoid interference with the cholesterol-lowering mechanism of plant sterols.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Simons LA, Atherosclerosis, 2002; Phospholipid-sterol interactions in cholesterol absorption

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.