Now Foods, Cholesterol Pro 120 tabs

Now Foods bergamot extract and pine phytosterols – 120 tablets

This NOW Foods food supplement combines two plant-based ingredients: Bergamonte® full-spectrum bergamot fruit extract and phytosterol powder derived from pine. A serving of two tablets provides 500 mg of bergamot extract, standardised to at least 25% flavanones, and 800 mg of soy-free pine phytosterol powder. The pack contains 120 tablets. The manufacturer recommends taking 2 tablets twice a day, i.e. 4 tablets a day, for the first 30 days and then continuing with 2 tablets a day. The tablets have a vegetarian coating, and according to NOW Foods they are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The product is made in the United States by NOW Foods, a family-owned company that has been producing food supplements since 1968.

Bergamot and pine phytosterols

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is a citrus fruit grown mainly in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The oil from its peel is best known as the flavouring of Earl Grey tea, while food supplements use an extract of the fruit. Bergamonte® is a full-spectrum bergamot fruit extract, a polyphenolic extract complex containing at least 25% flavanones, including melitidine and bruteridine. Flavanones are plant compounds typical of citrus fruits.

Phytosterols, or plant sterols, are natural components of plant cell membranes. They occur in small amounts in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, legumes and wholegrain products. The phytosterols in this product are derived from pine and contain no soy. Four tablets, the daily dose for the first 30 days, provide 1000 mg of bergamot extract and 1600 mg of pine phytosterol powder.

How to use?

For the first 30 days, take 2 tablets twice a day with food, for example with breakfast and dinner. After that, continue with the maintenance dose of 2 tablets once a day with food. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. At 4 tablets a day, one pack of 120 tablets lasts for the first 30 days; at the maintenance dose, one pack lasts 60 days. After opening, store the container in a cool, dry place.

Key features

• Two plant-based ingredients – Bergamonte® bergamot fruit extract and pine phytosterol powder in one tablet.
• 500 mg bergamot extract – per two-tablet serving, standardised to at least 25% flavanones.
• 800 mg pine phytosterol powder – per two-tablet serving; the phytosterol powder is soy-free.
• Two-step dosing – 4 tablets a day for the first 30 days, then 2 tablets a day.
• Vegetarian coating – according to NOW Foods, the product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
• Certifications – according to NOW Foods, non-GMO, kosher and halal; GMP-certified production.

Who is it for?

This food supplement is suitable for adults who want to add bergamot fruit extract and plant sterols derived from pine to their everyday diet and prefer to take them conveniently as tablets. The two-step dosing – four tablets a day for the first 30 days and two after that – suits those who are ready to follow the directions consistently. According to NOW Foods, the tablets are also suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and the phytosterol powder is soy-free. The product is intended for adults only. Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking statins or other medication, or have a medical condition.

Ingredients and quality

Besides the bergamot extract and pine phytosterol powder, the tablets contain microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate and stearic acid of vegetable origin, silicon dioxide and a vegetarian coating. The product is not made with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients, but the production facility also processes ingredients containing these allergens. NOW Foods makes its products in GMP-certified production. Bergamonte® is a registered trademark of HP Ingredients Corporation. Natural colour variation may occur in this product. Store in a cool, dry place after opening. Country of origin: United States of America. Brand: Now Foods.