The global phytosterols market is likely to gain substantial momentum over the coming years owing to increasing adoption of fortified food, escalating demand from health products for weight/cardiological health management, and high usage in applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food ingredients. Sterols are known as a family of molecules with a specific structure and shape.

Phytosterols, or plant sterols are referred as a group of naturally occurring compounds found in cell membranes of plants, playing a key role just like cholesterol pay in human body. Since phytosterols are similar in structure to cholesterol present in human body, when they are consumed, they usually contend with cholesterol within the digestive system for absorption. As a result, cholesterol absorption is blocked, and the levels of blood cholesterol is decreased. The most known phytosterols in human diet are stigmasterol, sitosterol, and campesterol.

Phytosterols seems to be naturally present in small quantities in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and vegetable oil. Some of the commercially prepared foods like margarine, salad dressings, breakfast bars, yogurt, and juices are boosted with phytosterols during the manufacturing process. Phytosterol-based supplements are also extensively available in many retail pharmacies, grocery stores, and health food stores.

Plant sterols or phytosterols are effective for decreasing levels of cholesterol in adults and children with high cholesterol levels owing to familial hypercholesterolemia. Taking phytosterols is also meant to lower total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by nearly 3% to 15% in people having very high cholesterol, following a cholesterol-lowering diet. In fact, as per research a dose of around 2 to 3 grams each day lowers cholesterol the most.

The global phytosterols market is segmented in terms of product, application, and regional landscape.

In terms of product, the overall phytosterols market is classified into stigmasterol, campesterol, β-sitosterol, and others. The other segment is projected to surpass a valuation of more than 20 million by the end of the analysis timeline. This anticipated growth is ascribed to the increasing product penetration of phytosterols product.

From a regional frame of reference, phytosterols market in LATAM is expected to witness steady growth with a CAGR of 8.5 % over the forecast period. This estimated growth is ascribed to the growing demand from health products for weight management/cardiological health. Meanwhile, Middle East & Africa phytosterols market will witness a respectable CAGR of more than 7.5 % owing to increasing demand for fortified food.

In the UAE, fortifying foods with vitamin D is aiding to curb several ailments, ranging from cardiovascular disorders and neurogenerative diseases to autoimmune diseases and pregnancy-related disorders. This in turn will drive the demand for phytosterols in the region.