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Published on: November 17, 2018
Plant stanols dose-dependently decrease LDL-cholesterol concentrations, but not cholesterol-standardized fat-soluble
Ronald P Mensink1, Arienne de Jong, Dieter Lütjohann
1Department of Human Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands. r.mensink@hb.unimaas.nl
Plant stanols effectively lower LDL cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner, reducing it by up to 17.4% with higher intakes. However, they did not significantly impact fat-soluble antioxidant levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Dietary Interventions
Background:
- Uncertainty exists regarding the dose-dependent effects of plant stanols on LDL cholesterol and antioxidant levels beyond recommended intakes.
- Investigating plant stanol ester consumption exceeding 3.0 g daily is crucial for understanding their full impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between varying doses of plant stanols (as esters) and changes in serum LDL cholesterol.
- To assess the impact of plant stanols on serum concentrations of fat-soluble antioxidants.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 93 healthy adults with slightly elevated cholesterol.
- Participants consumed control products or 3g, 6g, or 9g of plant stanols (as esters) daily for 4 weeks.
- Serum lipid profiles and antioxidant concentrations were measured.
Main Results:
- Serum LDL cholesterol decreased dose-dependently, with a 17.4% reduction in the 9g group compared to controls.
- Significant reductions were observed at 3g (7.4%) and further reductions at 6g and 9g.
- No significant effects were found on cholesterol-standardized beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, or lutein concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Plant stanols, consumed daily up to 9g, linearly reduce serum LDL cholesterol.
- The study could not establish a dose-dependent relationship for cholesterol-standardized fat-soluble antioxidant concentrations.
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