Lowering cholesterol with phytosterols
 Researchers from Wageningen University in The Netherlands reviewed the research on the LDL (bad) cholesterol–lowering effects of different phytosterol doses.
First, the details.
- Data from 84 studies were combined for a meta-analysis of the LDL cholesterol-lowering effect of different phytosterol doses.
And, the results.
- The LDL cholesterol reduction was 0.34 mmol/L for an average daily dose of 2.15 grams of phytosterols.
- Higher baseline LDL cholesterol concentrations resulted in greater LDL cholesterol reductions.
- No significant differences were found between dose and response for plant sterols vs stanols, fat-based vs nonfat-based foods, and dairy vs nondairy foods.
- Solid foods had a greater effect than liquid foods only at high phytosterol doses (greater than 2 grams/day).
- Taking phytosterols once or several times per day had no significant effect on LDL cholesterol lowering.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded that eating more phytosterol-containing foods results in greater LDL cholesterol–lowering.
Information on the extent of LDL cholesterol lowering can be found here and here.
1/30/09 21:57 JR