Boots customers can claim a discount on pills that claim to lower cholesterol thanks to one important ingredient. But they need to act fast.
As part of the store’s weekly £10 Tuesday sale, shoppers can get their hands on a 60-pack of Boots’ own-brand Max Strength Plant Sterols Capsules for less today (Jan 7). Normally priced at £19.50, shoppers can look after their health and bank balance at once, saving themselves £9.50.
Like all own-branded products, purchases can be made even cheaper with a Boots Advantage Card, which takes an additional 10% off the final price. This stacked offer brings the capsules down to just £9.
The ‘clinically proven’ claim that these capsules reduce cholesterol levels comes 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’s deemed safe and beneficial for individuals with high cholesterol or those who’ve had a heart attack. The only way to verify if you have high cholesterol is through a blood test, typically conducted by your GP, reports the Mirror.
Medical professionals often advise patients diagnosed with this condition to revamp their lifestyle – including adopting a healthier diet and exercise routine – alongside medication like statins. Cholesterol is frequently referred to as a ‘silent killer’ because it has few noticeable symptoms before it’s too late and a heart attack or stroke occurs.
It’s crucial to take any diagnosis seriously. Boots has highlighted that these plant sterol supplements are most effective when taking two a day, providing a 2000mg dose.
Customers have shared their experiences in the reviews section. One customer 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 the capsules “had no nasty aftertaste” and were effective for their cholesterol as well.
Someone else noted: “I have been using these in place of statins for over a year and they are helping to control my cholesterol levels.” It is important to continue any prescribed medication unless advised otherwise by a doctor, and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement like these cholesterol-lowering tablets to ensure they are appropriate.
Despite the positive feedback, not all users were satisfied. One reported an increase in cholesterol levels, while another criticised the size of the “torpedo-shaped tablets”, measuring them at 2.5cm long and finding them difficult to swallow.
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.