Boots customers are able to purchase a pack of cholesterol-lowering pills at a discounted price – but they must be quick. As part of the store’s weekly £10 Tuesday sale, shoppers can secure a 60-pack of Boots’ own-brand Max Strength Plant Sterols Capsules for a lower price than usual today (Jan 7).
Like all own-branded products, buyers can get their goods even cheaper with a Boots Advantage Card. The loyalty card offer grants an additional 10% off the final price, bringing these down to just £9. Normally, the pills are priced at £19.50, so the £10 Tuesday offer could save you £9.50 compared to the usual cost.
The ‘clinically proven’ assertion that these capsules reduce cholesterol levels is derived from the supplement’s main ingredient – plant sterols. These naturally occurring substances can help lower cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the blood and small intestine.
They can also decrease the amount of cholesterol the body produces. It is deemed safe and beneficial for those with high cholesterol or those who have suffered a heart attack. However, it is crucial to speak to your doctor first before taking any new over-the-counter medication, unless you have been prescribed them, to check you are suitable to take them.
The only way to verify high cholesterol is through a blood test, typically conducted by your GP. Medical professionals often advise patients diagnosed with this condition to revamp their lifestyle – including adopting a healthier diet and exercise routine – in conjunction with medication like statins.
Boots own-brand Max Strength Plant Sterols Capsules
(Image: Boots)
Cholesterol is frequently referred to as a ‘silent killer’, with few noticeable symptoms before it results in a heart attack or stroke, reports the Mirror. Therefore, it’s crucial to take any diagnosis seriously.
Boots has highlighted that these supplements are most effective with a daily intake of “with a daily intake of 1500 – 3000mg plant sterols”. The packaging advises taking two capsules per day, each containing 1000mg.
Customers have shared reviews on how life-changing the product has been for them. One said: “I bought these to reduce my cholesterol and it’s brought it down from 6.9 to 6.1. Very happy it’s going in the right direction. Last year it was 7.3 so it’s working great.”
Another commented: “Helped lower cholesterol without having to eat nasty margarine or endless yoghurt drinks!” A third reviewer mentioned that the capsules “had no nasty aftertaste” and were also effective for their cholesterol. Someone else wrote: “I have been using these in place of statins for over a year and they are helping to control my cholesterol levels.”
A doctor will need to do a blood test to confirm if you do have high cholesterol or not
(Image: Getty / Dazeley)
It is important to continue any prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements, such as these cholesterol-lowering tablets, to ensure they are appropriate.
However, not all feedback was positive. One person reported that their cholesterol “went up”, while another criticised the size of the pills, describing them as “not easy to swallow” and measuring the “torpedo-shaped tablets” at 2.5cm in length.
Similar supplements are available elsewhere. For instance, Horbaach’s High Strength (1200mg) Plant Sterols can be ordered from Amazon in a 120-pack for £13.99 with free delivery.
Alternatively, Holland & Barrett’s own-brand Cholestaguard Plant Sterols can be purchased for £11.49. The 60-capsule pack, which equates to 19p per pill, has over 100 reviews and an overall online rating of 3.7 out of five stars.
While research indicates that taking plant sterols can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels, they are not a cure-all. The most effective ways to maintain healthy cholesterol levels include regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting alcohol intake, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.