Plant Sterols/Stanol and Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)

Category: Conditions of the Circulatory System

Plant Sterol/Stanol enriched margarine effectively lowers blood lipids in patients with Hyperlipidemia when combined with dietary recommendations:

A recent study published January in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association concluded that plant sterol/stanol enriched margarine can be used to manage patients with high cholesterol.

The study involved 25 individuals in an outpatient setting who were referred by their general practitioner. Individuals were randomized and divided into two groups. The intervention group received dietary advice and was instructed to consume 25 grams of enriched margarine per day that would provide an estimated 2 g of plant sterol/stanol per day. The control group received dietary advice only.

The study was conducted over a 12-week period in an outpatient setting. The dietary guidelines were consistent with the National Cholesterol Education Program. Dietary guidelines were given two both groups. Over the 12-week period changes in diet, weight, and blood serum lipids including total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL were measured.

Five out of fourteen subjects in the intervention group had a reduction in their total cholesterol greater than 15%. Not one of the subjects in the control group had a reduction greater than 15%. Other differences between the groups included an greater increase in the intake of polyunsaturated fats in the intervention group compared to control as well as a greater decrease in saturated fats in the intervention group compared to the control.

The study concluded that inclusion of a plant sterol/stanol enriched food into the diet of individuals with high cholesterol is a valuable asset to the current dietary recommendations for reducing cholesterol. This study was the bridging gap between those conducted in a clinical setting and the application to home settings. The next exploration will be to monitor the effects of functional foods in the real life setting.

Posted by on November 20, 2008 10:00 AM