Health outcomes associated with phytosterols: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

Background: Phytosterols (PS), as a kind of plant active ingredients, have many benefits to human health. However, there is currently no comprehensive overview of the clinical evidence and an assessment of the evidence quality.Purpose: We conducted an umbrella review, which incorporated verification spanning a number of meta-analyses and systematic reviews to clarify the link that existed between PS consuming and health outcomes. Methods: The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library were searched for appropriate research and ultimately included 23 articles involving 79 results. Methodological quality and the validity of evidence received designation in the included meta-analyses leveraging the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Results: The consumption of PS makes a contribution to the alleviation of metabolic conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Its most essential function is to decrease cholesterol absorption, leading to dramatically reductions in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, utilizing PS products can have a favorable impact on managing apolipoprotein levels along with decreasing the probability of obtaining atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: This umbrella review summarized a range of beneficial functions of PS to humans, highlighting the promising potential for the development of PS into functional foods.