Can a functional food exert a cholesterol lowering effect in renal transplant patients?

This study examined whether stanols can exert their cholesterol lowering effect in renal transplant recipients who develop hypercholesterolaemia. The rise in cholesterol is related to the use of cyclosporine. The study was a randomised parallel-group intervention study. The Intervention group (I) was given three months supply of stanol containing food products. Fasting serum lipids were measured monthly. Parameters that might influence serum cholesterol were measured on all subjects at the start of the study period and at three months. These included body weight, blood pressure and drug therapy, dietary intake, exercise, smoking and alcohol intake. 84 patients completed the study. Cholesterol was reduced in both groups. The difference between control (C) and I group reached significance at p = 0.0196. Reduction in cholesterol in subjects also using statins was greater in the I group. Functional foods appear to be effective in reducing cholesterol in this group of patients. Data collection with respect to other factors that influence CV risk suggests that an overall assessment of diet and lifestyle as well as cholesterol lowering should be undertaken.