Taking 32p pill proven to reduce high cholesterol and it's available at Boots

Boots is selling a 32p pill that has been shown to reduce high cholesterol and help maintain healthy levels. According to the popular high street retailer, the capsules have been "clinically proven to lower cholesterol levels".

Each capsule contains 1000mg of plant sterols . Plant sterols are natural substances found in plants that help lower "bad" LDL cholesterol in your blood. It is found in small amounts in plant foods, such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), they have a structure similar to cholesterol and can influence how cholesterol behaves in the body. The BHF says: "The amount we naturally eat is quite low and not enough to have a big effect on cholesterol levels in the blood. But some food manufacturers have fortified certain foods, like yoghurts, yoghurt drinks and fat spreads, with plant sterols and stanols to help people increase their intake."

Boots is selling a 60-pack of Max Strength Plant Sterols 1000mg Capsules for £19.99, which means each capsule costs 32p. Boots says the capsules have been "c linically proven to lower cholesterol levels".

The retailer explains: "When taken regularly at high doses, plant sterols can help stop normal cholesterol being absorbed into the blood and small intestine and therefore help maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Keeping your cholesterol levels at a normal level will reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Our max strength formula is proven to lower cholesterol levels when you take 2000 mg per day."

It adds: "Taking Plant Sterol supplements is a convenient way to complement your diet. Plant Sterols have been shown to lower blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 1500-3000mg plant sterols. Free from artificial flavours and preservatives. Lactose-free. Not suitable for vegetarians."

Food supplements are intended to supplement the diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Boots says consumption of more than 3000 mg per day of added plant sterols should be avoided. "This product is not intended for people who do not need to control their blood cholesterol level," it warns.

The Mayo Clinic Proceedings Meta-Analysis . A definitive review of 41 clinical trials demonstrated that a daily intake of two grams of plant sterols or stanols reduces LDL ("bad") cholesterol by an average of 10%.

The Food and Nutrition Research Meta-Analysis . This review analysed 59 eligible randomised clinical trials and confirmed a highly significant, consistent reduction in LDL levels compared to placebos.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Scientific Opinions . After meticulously reviewing decades of human trials, the EFSA's Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies concluded that a daily intake of 1.5 to 2.4 grams of plant sterols/stanols reduces blood cholesterol by 7% to 10.5% within two to three weeks, and that this effect can be safely sustained long-term.

Plant sterols look like cholesterol.