Can plant sterol enriched foods be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women and young children under 5 years of age?
Plant sterols are considered safe, cholesterol-lowering ingredients within the guidelines set by Health Canada. However, plant sterol enriched foods are not recommended for children, breast-feeding or pregnant women. These groups have specific nutritional and dietary needs and lowering blood cholesterol is not normally a priority for them. For more information on plant sterols: Please refer to Health Canada’s Assessment of a health claim about plant sterols in foods and blood cholesterol lowering.
