Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Fitosterol
Phytosterol (FY-toh-STEE-rol)
A plant-based compound that can compete with dietary cholesterol to be absorbed by the intestines, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels. Phytosterols may have some effect in cancer prevention. Also called plant sterol.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.