Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 3 of 5 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Beta Sitosterol Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by The Vitamin Shoppe

Beta Sitosterol label
See full label image
Tablet Or Pill Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Beta Sitosterol against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

Beta Sitosterol is a dietary supplement by The Vitamin Shoppe with 5 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for bone health and osteoporosis prevention, dietary calcium deficiency, heartburn relief (calcium carbonate antacids).Based on those ingredients, 170 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Calcium, Citrus Pectin. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Phytosterol Concentrate” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (300 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product has 5 active ingredients. Calcium is the primary mineral for bone and kidney health.

Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and citrus pectin (a fiber from citrus) are plant compounds that may help manage cholesterol and prostate health. Stigmasterol is another plant sterol in the formula.

The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients — binders, fillers, and coating materials like magnesium stearate, cellulose, silicon dioxide, and wax — to hold the pill together and make it easier to swallow.

Does it work?

Strong evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: prostate and cholesterol support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Hypercholesterolemia, Dyslipidemia, Familial hypercholesterolemia, prostate health, lipid management.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Likely Effective" for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Pectin is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Also on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Possibly Effective" for Familial hypercholesterolemia.

Calcium in this product is effective for preventing low blood calcium (hypocalcemia), managing high potassium (hyperkalemia), heartburn (dyspepsia), and kidney failure, and is likely effective for osteoporosis. Beta-sitosterol and campesterol are likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and possibly effective for familial high cholesterol and coronary heart disease.

Citrus pectin is possibly effective for high cholesterol but has insufficient evidence for blood sugar control and radiation exposure. We hold no effectiveness data for stigmasterol.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Pectin Beta-sitosterol

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Calcium is generally well tolerated at recommended doses, though high amounts can cause trouble. The most common side effects when taken by mouth are belching, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and stomach upset.

There is a rare concern about kidney stones and calciphylaxis with very high doses, and some research suggests calcium over 2000 mg daily from diet may raise prostate cancer risk; however, other findings in this area are debated. Very high calcium intake has also been studied for links to heart disease, though results are mixed.

Beta-sitosterol and campesterol are generally well tolerated short-term but carry caution — check with your healthcare provider first. Common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and nausea.

Rarely, they may worsen acne or, in an isolated case, trigger acute pancreatitis. Citrus pectin is generally well tolerated; common side effects are mild gas, diarrhea, loose stools, and cramping.

Allergic reactions, including severe anaphylaxis, are rare but possible in sensitive individuals. Calcium is likely safe in pregnancy and lactation at recommended amounts; beta-sitosterol and campesterol lack safety data and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Citrus pectin is likely safe in pregnancy and possibly safe while breastfeeding at normal dietary amounts, though concentrated supplements haven't been well studied in pregnancy.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Calcium Pectin Beta-sitosterol

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Pectin, Calcium.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 170 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, check your medications with your doctor or pharmacist if you take HIV integrase inhibitors (dolutegravir, elvitegravir, or raltegravir), the antibiotic ceftriaxone, thyroid medication (levothyroxine), heart rhythm drugs (sotalol or diltiazem), the statin lovastatin, tetracycline antibiotics, or the heart medication digoxin. The calcium and pectin in this formula can significantly reduce how well these drugs work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with clinical evidence supporting its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may appeal to you if you're concerned about bone health, cholesterol, or prostate support — but the calcium here interacts with several important medications, especially HIV drugs and antibiotics. If you take any prescription medications, especially dolutegravir, elvitegravir, levothyroxine, lovastatin, tetracycline antibiotics, or digoxin, check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk with their healthcare provider first, as beta-sitosterol and campesterol lack safety data in these situations.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 4 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 20, 2017.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Beta Sitosterol, straight from the product label.

Brand The Vitamin Shoppe
Barcode (UPC) 766536029341
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 20, 2017
DSLD ID 80328
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
UPC/BARCODE
766536029341
IngredientAmount% DV
Calcium140 mg10%
Stigmasterol40 mg--
Beta Sitosterol120 mg--
Campesterol60 mg--
Citrus Pectin30 mg--
Phytosterol Concentrate300 mg--

Other ingredients: Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Pharmaceutical Glaze, Hypromellose, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Specialty

Actual size

Visit www.vitaminshoppe.com or call 1-800-223-1216 for more information and to reorder.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Prostate

Formulation

Gluten free Dairy free Soy free Nut free

Does Not Contain: Wheat, gluten, salt, soy, dairy, fish, artificial colors or flavors.

V Suitable for most vegetarians

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions:As a dietary supplement, take one (1) tablet daily, preferably with a meal.

Precautions

Warning: Consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have any medical conditions.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper evident Do not use if outer seal is broken or missing.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

V Suitable for most vegetarians

Brand IP Statement(s)

Item No. VS-2934 1966852 ER 52

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Beta Sitosterol label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe

These are the 5 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Calcium

Interacts with
168 drugs
140 mg per serving Form: Dicalcium Phosphate

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet f...

Calcium monograph & interactions

Citrus Pectin

Interacts with
23 drugs
30 mg per serving

Pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in fruits like apples and citrus, and it is widely used in foods and as a fiber supplement. It may modestly he...

Citrus Pectin monograph & interactions

Phytosterol Concentrate

300 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Croscarmellose Sodium, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Pharmaceutical Glaze, Hypromellose, Glycerin, Carnauba Wax. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Beta Sitosterol?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
170Drugs
7 Major 145 Moderate 18 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Calcium 168
Citrus Pectin 23

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Beta Sitosterol interact with 170 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

2 of the 5 ingredients in Beta Sitosterol interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Calcium Citrus Pectin

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Beta Sitosterol with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Calcium18 drug types · 168 drugs

Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

Co-administration of intravenous calcium and ceftriaxone can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys.
Avoid administering intravenous calcium in any form, such as parenteral nutrition or Lactated Ringers, within 48 hours of intravenous ceftriaxone. Case reports in neonates show that administering intravenous ceftriaxone and calcium can result in precipitation of a ceftriaxone-calcium salt in the lungs and kidneys. In several cases, neonates have died as a result of this interaction. So far there are no reports in adults; however, there is still concern that this interaction might occur in adults.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Dolutegravir (Tivicay)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of dolutegravir.
Advise patients to take dolutegravir either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium carbonate 1200 mg concomitantly with dolutegravir 50 mg reduces plasma levels of dolutegravir by almost 40%. Calcium appears to decrease levels of dolutegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Elvitegravir (Vitekta)

Calcium seems to reduce levels of elvitegravir.
Advise patients to take elvitegravir either 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking calcium supplements. Pharmacokinetic research suggests that taking calcium along with elvitegravir can reduce blood levels of elvitegravir through chelation.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Aluminum

Calcium citrate might increase aluminum absorption and toxicity. Other types of calcium do not increase aluminum absorption.
Calcium citrate can increase the absorption of aluminum when taken with aluminum hydroxide. The increase in aluminum levels may become toxic, particularly in individuals with kidney disease. However, the effect of calcium citrate on aluminum absorption is due to the citrate anion rather than calcium cation. Calcium acetate does not appear to increase aluminum absorption.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide (Biktarvy)

Calcium might decrease levels of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide by reducing its absorption when taken in a fasting state.
Advise patients that bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and calcium can be taken together if taken with food. However, if taken on an empty stomach, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide should not be taken with, or 2 hours after, calcium containing products.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Bisphosphonates

Calcium reduces the absorption of bisphosphonates.
Advise patients to take bisphosphonates at least 30 minutes before calcium, but preferably at a different time of day. Calcium supplements decrease absorption of bisphosphonates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Calcipotriene (Dovonex)

Taking calcipotriene with calcium might increase the risk for hypercalcemia.
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D analog used topically for psoriasis. It can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to cause systemic effects, including hypercalcemia. Theoretically, combining calcipotriene with calcium supplements might increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Using intravenous calcium with digoxin might increase the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Hypercalcemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias with digoxin. However, one retrospective analysis of clinical data suggests that intravenous calcium does not increase the risk of dysrhythmias or mortality in patients receiving digoxin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Diltiazem (Cardizem, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of diltiazem.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, calcium might increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of diltiazem.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Levothyroxine (Synthroid, Others)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption and effectiveness of levothyroxine.
Advise patients to take levothyroxine and calcium supplements at least 4 hours apart. Calcium reduces levothyroxine absorption, probably by forming insoluble complexes. Calcium carbonate supplements reduce effectiveness of levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Lithium

Theoretically, concomitant use of calcium and lithium may increase this risk of hypercalcemia.
Clinical research suggests that long-term use of lithium may cause hypercalcemia in 10% to 60% of patients. Theoretically, concomitant use of lithium and calcium supplements may further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Quinolone Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of quinolone antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral quinolones at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements or calcium-fortified foods. Taking calcium at the same time as oral quinolones can reduce quinolone absorption. Calcium binds to quinolones in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Raltegravir (Isentress)

Calcium may reduce levels of raltegravir.
Pharmacokinetic research shows that taking a single dose of calcium carbonate 3000 mg along with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily modestly decreases the mean area under the curve of raltegravir, but the decrease does not necessitate a dose adjustment of raltegravir. However, a case of elevated HIV-1 RNA levels and documented resistance to raltegravir has been reported for a patient taking calcium carbonate 1 gram three times daily plus vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) 400 IU three times daily in combination with raltegravir 400 mg twice daily for 11 months. It is thought that calcium reduced raltegravir levels by chelation, leading to treatment failure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Sotalol (Betapace)

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of sotalol.
Advise patients to separate doses by at least 2 hours before or 4-6 hours after calcium. Calcium appears to reduce the absorption of sotalol, probably by forming insoluble complexes.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Calcium seems to reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics.
Advise patients to take oral tetracyclines at least 2 hours before, or 4-6 hours after calcium supplements. Taking calcium at the same time as oral tetracyclines can reduce tetracycline absorption. Calcium binds to tetracyclines in the gut.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Thiazide Diuretics

Taking calcium along with thiazides might increase the risk of hypercalcemia and renal failure.
Thiazides reduce calcium excretion by the kidneys. Using thiazides along with moderately large amounts of calcium carbonate increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome (hypercalcemia, metabolic alkalosis, renal failure). Patients may need to have their serum calcium levels and/or parathyroid function monitored regularly.

Likelihood Probable Evidence C
Verapamil (Calan, Others)

Theoretically, calcium may reduce the therapeutic effects of verapamil.
Hypercalcemia can reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Theoretically, use of calcium supplements may increase this risk of hypercalcemia and reduce the effectiveness of verapamil.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Calcium Channel Blockers

Intravenous calcium may decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers; oral calcium is unlikely to have this effect.
Intravenous calcium is used to decrease the effects of calcium channel blockers in the management of overdose. Intravenous calcium gluconate has been used before intravenous verapamil (Isoptin) to prevent or reduce the hypotensive effects without affecting the antiarrhythmic effects. But there is no evidence that dietary or supplemental calcium when taken orally interacts with calcium channel blockers.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Calcium full monograph & interactions

Citrus Pectin3 drug types · 23 drugs

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of digoxin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking digoxin with a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of digoxin by about 62%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Lovastatin (Mevacor)

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of lovastatin, potentially decreasing its effectiveness.
Case reports suggest that concomitant use of pectin and lovastatin might reduce the cholesterol-lowering effect of lovastatin, possibly due to reduced intestinal absorption of lovastatin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tetracycline Antibiotics

Theoretically, pectin might reduce the absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, potentially decreasing their effectiveness.
A small clinical study shows that taking tetracycline with bismuth subsalicylate in a kaolin-pectin suspension reduces the absorption of tetracycline by about 34%. It is unclear if these effects are due to pectin, kaolin, bismuth subsalicylate, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Citrus Pectin full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Beta Sitosterol, from the product label.

The Vitamin Shoppe

See all The Vitamin Shoppe products
Name
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
City
Secaucus
State
NJ
ZipCode
07094
Phone Number
1-800-223-1216
Web Address
www.vitaminshoppe.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe: Common Questions

Does Beta Sitosterol by The Vitamin Shoppe interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Beta Sitosterol has a known interaction with 170 medications, including 7 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Beta Sitosterol contains 5 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will this help my cholesterol?
Beta-sitosterol and campesterol are possibly effective for familial high cholesterol, and citrus pectin is possibly effective for high cholesterol generally. Results vary by person. Talk with your doctor about whether this product fits your overall cholesterol plan.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Calcium is safe at recommended amounts during pregnancy, but beta-sitosterol and campesterol lack safety data — the facts advise avoiding them. Citrus pectin is likely safe from food but hasn't been well studied as a concentrated supplement in pregnancy. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What side effects might I notice?
Most common are gas, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, and nausea. Belching and stomach upset can also happen. A small number of people report worsened acne or reduced appetite. Serious side effects are rare but possible — including kidney stones or, in an isolated case, acute pancreatitis.
Is this good for my prostate?
Beta-sitosterol and campesterol are likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is prostate enlargement. If you have prostate concerns, talk with your doctor about whether this supplement is right for you.
How much calcium is in each dose?
The product facts don't specify the dose per tablet. Check the label or call the manufacturer to find out how much calcium (and the other actives) you're getting per serving.
Can I take this with my levothyroxine?
Calcium can reduce how well levothyroxine absorbs and works. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend taking them at least 4 hours apart, or they may suggest skipping this product altogether if you take thyroid medication. Check with your healthcare provider before starting.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Beta Sitosterol label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Beta Sitosterol’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Calcium

Interacts with 168 drugs

Calcium is an essential mineral your body needs for strong bones, nerve signaling, and muscle function, and supplements can help fill gaps when diet falls short. Most people do best getting...

Read the full Calcium monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Pectin

Interacts with 23 drugs

Pectin is a natural soluble fiber found in fruits like apples and citrus, and it is widely used in foods and as a fiber supplement. It may modestly help with cholesterol, blood sugar, and di...

Read the full Pectin monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Beta-sitosterol

Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol that may modestly lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol and may help ease urinary symptoms from an enlarged prostate. Evidence is moderate for these uses and weaker...

Read the full Beta-sitosterol monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Beta Sitosterol's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 80 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Calcium 62 references
  1. Shils M, Olson A, Shike M. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Febiger, 1994.
  2. Hernandez-Avila M, Gonzalez-Cossio T, Hernandez-Avila JE, et al. Dietary calcium supplements to lower blood lead levels in lactating women: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Epidemiology 2003;14:206-12.. PubMed
  3. Thys-Jacobs S, Ceccarelli S, Bierman A, et al. Calcium supplementation in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J Gen Intern Med 1989;4:183-9. PubMed
  4. Maton PN, Burton ME. Antacids revisited: a review of their clinical pharmacology and recommended therapeutic use. Drugs 1999;57:855-70.
  5. Clemens JD, Feinstein AR. Calcium carbonate and constipation: a historical review of medical mythopoeia. Gastroenterology 1977;72:957-61. DOI
  6. Saunders D, Sillery J, Chapman R. Effect of calcium carbonate and aluminum hydroxide on human intestinal function. Dig Dis Sci 1988;33:409-13. PubMed
  7. Friedman PA, Bushinsky DA. Diuretic effects on calcium metabolism. Semin Nephrol 1999;19:551-6.
  8. Koo WK, Walters JC, Esterlitz J, et al. Maternal calcium supplementation and fetal bone mineralization. Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:577-82. DOI
  9. Raman L, Rajalakshmi K, Krishnamachari KAVR, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation to undernourished mothers during pregnancy on the bone density of the neonates. Am J Clin Nutr 1978; 31:466-9. DOI
  10. Murry JJ, Healy MD. Drug-mineral interactions: a new responsibility for the hospital dietician. J Am Diet Assoc 1991;91:66-73.
  11. Chan JM, Giovannucci E, Andersson SO, et al. Dairy products, calcium, phosphorous, vitamin D, and risk of prostate cancer. Cancer Causes Control 1998;9:559-66.
  12. Butner LE, Fulco PP, Feldman G, et al. Calcium carbonate-induced hypothyroidism. Ann Intern Med 2000:132:595. PubMed
  13. Schneyer CR. Calcium carbonate and reduction of levothyroxine efficacy. JAMA 1998;279:750. PubMed
  14. Moser LR, Smythe MA, Tisdale JE. The use of calcium salts in the prevention and management of verapamil-induced hypotension. Ann Pharmacother 2000;34:622-9. PubMed
  15. Singh N, Singh PN, Hershman JM. Effect of calcium carbonate on the absorption of levothyroxine. JAMA 2000;283:2822-5. PubMed
  16. Kahela P, Anttila M, Tikkanen R, Sundquist H. Effect of food, food constituents and fluid volume on the bioavailability of sotalol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 1979;44:7-12.. PubMed
  17. Pletz MW, Petzold P, Allen A, et al. Effect of calcium carbonate on bioavailability of orally administered gemifloxacin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2003;47:2158-60.. PubMed
  18. Bar-Or D, Yoel G. Calcium and calciferol antagonize effect of verapamil in atrial fibrillation. Br Med J 1981;282:1585-6.
  19. Decktor DL, Robinson M, Maton PN, et al. Effects of aluminum/magnesium hydroxide and calcium carbonate on esophageal and gastric pH in subjects with heartburn. Am J Ther 1995;2:546-52. PubMed
  20. Simoneau G. Absence of rebound effect with calcium carbonate. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 1996;21:351-7. PubMed
  21. Peters ML, Leonard M, Licata AA. Role of alendronate and risedronate in preventing and treating osteoporosis. Cleve Clin J Med 2001;68:945-51. PubMed
  22. Bourke JF, Mumford R, Whittaker P, et al. The effects of topical calcipotriol on systemic calcium homeostasis in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;37:929-34.
  23. Gueguen L, Pointillart A. The bioavailability of dietary calcium. J Am Coll Nutr 2000;19:119s-136s. PubMed
  24. Vella A, Gerber TC, Hayes DL, Reeder GS. Digoxin, hypercalcaemia, and cardiac conduction. Postgrad Med J 1999;75:554-6. PubMed
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  26. Tseng M, Breslow RA, Graubard BI, Ziegler RG. Dairy, calcium, and vitamin D intakes and prostate cancer risk in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Epidemiologic Follow-up Study cohort. Am J Clin Nutr 2005;81:1147-54. PubMed
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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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