The present invention relates to methods of treating, preventing, or decreasing the occurrence of a condition characterized by Th2 overactivation or impaired Th1, or mitigating symptoms associated with a condition characterized by Th2 overactivation or impaired Th1, comprising orally administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising a plant stanol and/or plant stanol ester. The present invention also relates to methods of improving the health status of a subject suffering from asthma and increasing the levels of IL-10 in a subject in need thereof.