Phytosterol capsules and serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Health
• Nutritional Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Phytosterols are recommended for lowering LDL-cholesterol, typically around 2g/day in fat-based foods.
• Meta-analyses show a 10% LDL-cholesterol reduction with dietary phytosterols.
• The efficacy of phytosterols delivered via capsules for cholesterol reduction is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of phytosterol-containing capsules on circulating LDL-cholesterol levels.
• To assess the cholesterol-lowering potential of 2.0 g/day phytosterols in capsule form.
• To evaluate phytosterols as a treatment for mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Main Methods:

• A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study.
• 41 participants with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia received either phytosterol capsules (2.0 g/day) or placebo (sunflower oil).
• Intervention periods lasted four weeks, separated by a three-week washout period.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in total cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol was observed between the phytosterol and placebo groups.
• The change in LDL-cholesterol was -0.1 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.3 to 0.1, P=0.32).
• The change in total cholesterol was 0.0 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.3 to 0.2, P=0.74).

Conclusions:

• Daily intake of 2g phytosterols in capsule form did not significantly reduce total or LDL-cholesterol.
• The study suggests that the dosage-delivery system is crucial for achieving optimal cholesterol-lowering effects with phytosterols.
• Results indicate that capsules may not be an effective delivery method for phytosterols in this patient group.