Evidence-based effects and studies
Detailed analysis of research findings
A combined nutraceutical containing bergamot extract and phytosterols improved triglycerides, LDL-C, and insulin resistance markers versus placebo in overweight dyslipidemic subjects.
Randomized trial comparing rosuvastatin vs placebo and various dietary supplements found rosuvastatin markedly reduced LDL-C; none of the tested dietary supplements (not including elemental calcium) reduced LDL-C versus placebo.
Patient-level pooled analysis of two dietary RCTs assessing adherence to the Portfolio Diet (which includes plant sterols) and change in HbA1c over 6 months; greater adherence was associated with modest reductions in HbA1c and improvements in lipid measures, while intake of plant sterols showed minimal change in this cohort.
Three-week double-blind RCT: daily 1.5 g phytosterols in low-fat milk reduced LDL-C and total cholesterol and modestly lowered diastolic blood pressure versus placebo.
Four-month double-blind RCT of a multi-ingredient supplement (includes 1.8 g phytosterols/day) found no significant change in LDL-C or other lipid and oxidative markers versus placebo.
Three-month double-blind RCT of a monacolin K–free nutraceutical (contains phytosterols 400 mg per capsule, two capsules/day) found no significant changes in LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides or inflammatory markers versus placebo.
Eight-week double-blind RCT: soymilk with 2 g/day phytosterols (and 10 g/day inulin) twice daily produced significant LDL-C and total cholesterol reductions versus standard soymilk (effect apparent from week 2).
In HIV patients on HAART, phytosterol 2 g/day for 4 weeks modestly lowered LDL and total cholesterol; adding phytosterols to pravastatin did not further reduce LDL versus pravastatin alone.
A multi-ingredient nutraceutical containing sterol esters/stanols improved fasting and post‑prandial lipid profile and reduced endothelial damage markers after 3 months versus placebo.
In metabolic syndrome patients on a western diet, 4 g/day phytosterols for 2 months significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL‑C, small dense LDL, apoB, and triglycerides.
3-week randomized double-blind trial: sterol-enriched milk lowered LDL cholesterol and showed strong HDL–ApoA1 association.
Randomized double-blind crossover: plant sterol–enriched spread lowered total and LDL cholesterol vs control without affecting HDL.
26-week open-label follow-up: daily plant sterol–enriched spread produced sustained LDL and total cholesterol reductions and increased circulating plant sterol markers.
Large multicentre randomized trial: a portfolio diet including phytosterols reduced LDL-C substantially (~13%) and did not alter fat‑soluble vitamin levels after cholesterol adjustment.
Double-blind RCT in men with mild–moderate BPH comparing β-sitosterol–enriched saw palmetto (VISPO), conventional saw palmetto, and placebo for 12 weeks; VISPO improved urinary symptoms, flow rate, residual volume, and several symptom/quality-of-life scores versus placebo.
Double-blind RCT in men with mild–moderate BPH comparing β-sitosterol–enriched saw palmetto (VISPO), conventional saw palmetto, and placebo for 12 weeks; VISPO improved urinary symptoms, flow rate, residual volume, and several symptom/quality-of-life scores versus placebo.
Double-blind RCT in men with mild–moderate BPH comparing β-sitosterol–enriched saw palmetto (VISPO), conventional saw palmetto, and placebo for 12 weeks; VISPO improved urinary symptoms, flow rate, residual volume, and several symptom/quality-of-life scores versus placebo.
Patient-level pooled analysis of two dietary RCTs assessing adherence to the Portfolio Diet (which includes plant sterols) and change in HbA1c over 6 months; greater adherence was associated with modest reductions in HbA1c and improvements in lipid measures, while intake of plant sterols showed minimal change in this cohort.
Patient-level pooled analysis of two dietary RCTs assessing adherence to the Portfolio Diet (which includes plant sterols) and change in HbA1c over 6 months; greater adherence was associated with modest reductions in HbA1c and improvements in lipid measures, while intake of plant sterols showed minimal change in this cohort.
Phase I randomized placebo-controlled trial in healthy women testing an oral herbal supplement (contains phytosterols) for 3 months; overall well tolerated with no reported clinically significant adverse events.
Phase I randomized placebo-controlled trial in healthy women testing an oral herbal supplement (contains phytosterols) for 3 months; overall well tolerated with no reported clinically significant adverse events.
Phase I randomized placebo-controlled trial in healthy women testing an oral herbal supplement (contains phytosterols) for 3 months; overall well tolerated with no reported clinically significant adverse events.
Eating cocoa-flavanol dark chocolate bars with added sterol esters (≈2.2 g/day) for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol and lowered systolic blood pressure at 8 weeks.
Pilot randomized phase II trial comparing two doses of a phytosterol-containing herbal supplement versus estrogen–progestogen therapy in postmenopausal women over 3 months; the herbal supplement groups showed larger short-term reductions in global, physical, and psychosocial menopausal symptom scores versus hormone therapy, while hormone therapy produced earlier improvement in vasomotor symptoms and greater changes in sex hormones and lipids.
Pilot randomized phase II trial comparing two doses of a phytosterol-containing herbal supplement versus estrogen–progestogen therapy in postmenopausal women over 3 months; the herbal supplement groups showed larger short-term reductions in global, physical, and psychosocial menopausal symptom scores versus hormone therapy, while hormone therapy produced earlier improvement in vasomotor symptoms and greater changes in sex hormones and lipids.
Pilot randomized phase II trial comparing two doses of a phytosterol-containing herbal supplement versus estrogen–progestogen therapy in postmenopausal women over 3 months; the herbal supplement groups showed larger short-term reductions in global, physical, and psychosocial menopausal symptom scores versus hormone therapy, while hormone therapy produced earlier improvement in vasomotor symptoms and greater changes in sex hormones and lipids.
A nutraceutical drink containing red yeast rice lowered total and LDL cholesterol; the version without RYR showed no effect.
Mildly hypercholesterolemic adults who drank orange juice fortified with 2 g/day plant sterols for 8 weeks had clinically meaningful reductions in LDL and total cholesterol.
Three-week double-blind RCT: daily 1.5 g phytosterols in low-fat milk reduced LDL-C and total cholesterol and modestly lowered diastolic blood pressure versus placebo.
Eight-week double-blind RCT: soymilk with 2 g/day phytosterols (and 10 g/day inulin) twice daily produced significant LDL-C and total cholesterol reductions versus standard soymilk (effect apparent from week 2).
Softgel capsules delivering 2 g/day phytosterols for 4 weeks did not significantly lower total- or LDL-cholesterol compared with placebo in adults with mild–moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Daily ~2.24 g plant sterols in fortified skim milk for 3-week periods in a double-blind crossover reduced total and LDL cholesterol versus control in young adults.
Double-blind RCT of a combined product (red yeast rice, phytosterols, L-tyrosol) in 50 hypercholesterolemic subjects showing improved lipids, liver enzymes and endothelial function after 8 weeks.
In HIV patients on HAART, phytosterol 2 g/day for 4 weeks modestly lowered LDL and total cholesterol; adding phytosterols to pravastatin did not further reduce LDL versus pravastatin alone.
A multi-ingredient nutraceutical containing sterol esters/stanols improved fasting and post‑prandial lipid profile and reduced endothelial damage markers after 3 months versus placebo.
In metabolic syndrome patients on a western diet, 4 g/day phytosterols for 2 months significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL‑C, small dense LDL, apoB, and triglycerides.
In 34 adults, bars containing plant sterols ± glucomannan showed that the sterol+glucomannan combination lowered total and LDL cholesterol; plant sterol alone had limited effect.
In 38 postmenopausal women, a 4-week milk drink with phytosterols plus β-cryptoxanthin lowered cholesterol and bone-turnover markers versus control.
In 90 randomized (85 completers) mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, an 8-week nutraceutical tablet containing phytosterols plus red yeast rice markedly lowered LDL-C and other lipids versus placebo.
Daily bread with 2.3 g phytosterols for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced calculated CVD risk; HDL and TG unchanged.
A 3-month nutraceutical (contains 1.5 g phytosterols plus other agents) reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB and lowered hs-CRP vs placebo.
Daily spread with ~2.2 g plant sterols for 6 weeks lowered fasting triglycerides and LDL-C in individuals with or at risk of T2DM (per-protocol analysis).
Softgel providing 1.8 g/day esterified plant sterols/stanols reduced LDL-C, non-HDL-C and total cholesterol versus placebo in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Randomized double-blind crossover trial: 1.8 g/day non-esterified plant sterol/stanol tablets (6 weeks) added to TLC diet produced modest but significant reductions in atherogenic lipids.
In healthy Japanese volunteers, daily plant stanol ester spread modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol and markedly reduced oxidized LDL over the trial period.
Crossover RCT: yogurt with 4 g/day plant stanol esters reduced total and LDL cholesterol over 4 weeks versus placebo without safety concerns.
Replacing usual cooking oil with plant sterol–enriched palm oil for 8 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol in hyperlipidemic adults; CRP showed a small rise vs baseline but no significant between-group change.
Plant sterol ester–enriched low-fat milk and yoghurt reduced total and LDL cholesterol (~5–10%) in modestly hypercholesterolemic adults, with no effect on HDL or triglycerides.
In type 2 diabetic patients, a phytosterol-enriched spread reduced total and LDL cholesterol (peak ~5–7% at 4 weeks) with effects attenuating over 12 weeks; small HDL increase and transient HbA1c reduction observed.
Adults with mild–moderate hypercholesterolemia who ate low-fat foods providing 1.8 g/day phytosterols plus oat beta-glucan for 6 weeks had small but significant reductions in LDL and total cholesterol.
In HIV patients, ritonavir-boosted lopinavir increased total cholesterol and serum markers of cholesterol absorption (serum phytosterol ratios), indicating increased cholesterol absorption rather than synthesis.
Adults with low baseline lathosterol-to-cholesterol ratio (low endogenous synthesis) had larger reductions in total and LDL cholesterol when consuming 2 g/day plant sterols for 28 days, whereas high-synthesis individuals did not respond.
In healthy and mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, margarines enriched with plant sterols or sitostanol esters reduced total and LDL cholesterol by about 8–13% over ~3.5-week treatment periods without lowering HDL.
In 157 adults with hypercholesterolemia consuming milk with 1.58 g/day phytosterol ester for 2 months, total cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly reduced vs normal milk and non-dairy groups.
In a controlled, crossover feeding study, adding plant sterols (3.3 g/day) reduced total and LDL cholesterol independently and additively with dietary fat reduction.
Controlled feeding trials showed that low- and moderate-fat plant sterol–fortified soymilks reduced total and LDL cholesterol (≈10–15%) versus 1% dairy milk; moderate-fat soymilk also reduced cholesterol absorption and triglycerides.
In people with metabolic syndrome and high LDL, adding a soy/phytosterol medical food plus other plant compounds to a diet improved several cholesterol measures more than diet alone.
In statin-intolerant/unwilling adults, snack products containing a mix of cholesterol-lowering bioactives (including phytosterols) twice daily reduced LDL and total cholesterol over four weeks compared with control snacks.
In healthy middle-aged adults, daily plant stanol ester margarine reduced total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides over 4 weeks of supplementation.
A spread containing milk peptides plus 2 g plant sterols daily modestly reduced home systolic blood pressure and lowered total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo.
In healthy volunteers consuming margarine with ~8.6 g/day phytosterols, total and LDL cholesterol fell substantially with no biologically important adverse effects on gut flora or female sex hormones.
Daily intake of 1.6 g plant sterol esters in a spread for 1 year lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly and was safe with no adverse hormone or clinical-chemical effects.
In a controlled crossover trial in overweight hyperlipidemic men, phytosterols delivered in a functional oil reduced total and LDL cholesterol compared with olive oil.
Hypercholesterolemic men consuming 21 g/day of a plant sterol-enriched spread had modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol; beta-carotene fell unless dietary fruit/veg advice was followed.
People eating bakery products delivering 3.2 g/day sterol esters for 8 weeks had lower total and LDL cholesterol without reductions in measured antioxidants.
A once-daily 2.5 g phytosterol drink reduced LDL-C, total cholesterol and ApoB-100 versus placebo; larger reductions seen in those with higher Mediterranean-diet adherence.
Randomized double-blind crossover: plant sterol–enriched spread lowered total and LDL cholesterol vs control without affecting HDL.
26-week open-label follow-up: daily plant sterol–enriched spread produced sustained LDL and total cholesterol reductions and increased circulating plant sterol markers.
In 84 sedentary adults with high cholesterol, 8 weeks of plant sterol supplementation lowered total cholesterol and absolute LDL and increased blood plant-sterol markers; combining sterols with exercise gave the best lipid changes.
In ~84 mildly hypercholesterolemic patients, 2 g/day phytosterol-enriched low‑fat milk for 3 months reduced total and LDL cholesterol similarly across diets (LDL reductions ~7–9.6%) without consistent harm to carotenoids when combined with a healthy diet.
In 67 hypercholesterolemic adults, consuming cocoa snack bars with 1.5 g phytosterols twice daily for 6 weeks lowered total cholesterol (~4.7%) and LDL (~6%) and the total/HDL ratio, with a small reduction in lipid-adjusted beta‑carotene.
Stanol ester intervention lowered cholesterol but did not affect serum 25‑hydroxyvitamin D; the study did not investigate vitamin D supplementation effects.
Yoghurt enriched with 1–2 g/d plant sterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner over the study periods; HDL and triglycerides were unchanged.
Postmenopausal women randomized to a plant‑based dietary program had higher circulating phytosterols (especially beta‑sitosterol) and larger total cholesterol reductions than controls.
Sitostanol-ester margarine (3 g/d) reduced total and LDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women, including when combined with statin therapy.
Cookies containing psyllium plus 2.6 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol and decreased apoB and numbers of atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions.
Daily phytosterol‑enriched margarine modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol and raised HDL over 3 weeks, with larger LDL effects in higher‑intake subgroups.
Daily rice‑bran plant sterols (2.1 g) lowered total and LDL cholesterol in healthy adults; triterpene alcohols showed no effect.
Older hyperlipidemic adults consuming soy milk powder with phytosterol esters (≈2 g/day free phytosterols) for 6 months had reduced total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo.
An 8.8 g/day plant stanol ester intervention for 10 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and decreased absorption markers while increasing synthesis markers; serum stanol levels rose modestly and normalized after washout.
A 12-week low-GI diet including 30 g soy protein and 4 g phytosterols/day lowered cholesterol and triglycerides more than a standard diet in postmenopausal women.
Six-week addition of 1.8 g soy stanol tablets to ongoing statin therapy produced additional ~9% LDL-C lowering versus placebo.
Daily soy drink with plant sterols for 8 weeks lowered LDL, total and non-HDL cholesterol in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
In hypercholesterolemic children, sterol-ester spreads lowered plasma total and LDL cholesterol and increased red-cell plant sterol ratios when sterol esters were consumed.
In overweight adults on an 8-week calorie-restricted diet, adding plant sterols to rice bran led to larger reductions in total (and a trend for LDL) cholesterol versus rice bran alone.
In a randomized double-blind crossover (4-week PS phase), soy milk with phytosterols (1.6 g/day) modestly lowered total cholesterol (~-5.5%) and LDL-C (~-7.6%) and raised plasma campesterol and sitosterol, with changes in synthesis/absorption markers.
Phytosterol-enriched chocolate (1.8 g/d) given for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL or triglycerides and raised markers of sterol absorption; no adverse effects.
Replacing butter with a polyunsaturated spread containing 2 g plant sterols daily in a reduced-fat diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol more than spread without sterols.
Both stanol-ester and sterol-ester margarines (~2 g/d) consumed for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol similarly; sterol esters increased serum sitosterol and campesterol.
Daily dressing containing 800 mg plant sterol for 12 weeks reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB versus placebo with no adverse events reported.
6-week crossover in hypercholesterolemic adults: sterol-enriched yogurt and vine-ripened tomato sauce (high adherence) both reduced LDL-C; tomato sauce effects similar magnitude to sterol product in adherent subjects.
Adults with mild-moderate hypercholesterolemia consumed low-fat yoghurt with ~1.9 g/day plant stanols for 4 weeks and showed modest but significant LDL and total cholesterol reductions.
Mildly hypercholesterolemic Thais drank soy milk with 2 g/day plant stanols for 6 weeks and had substantial LDL and total cholesterol reductions; some fat-soluble carotenoids decreased.
Volunteers consumed meat products enriched with plant sterols (different doses) and minerals in 3-week periods; higher-dose sterol meat reduced total cholesterol modestly.
Taking encapsulated phytosterol esters for 12 weeks modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol in people with high LDL.
Adding plant sterol esters to a reduced‑fat spread in a low‑fat diet lowered blood cholesterol and related lipids in adults with mild‑to‑moderate high cholesterol.
Different doses of plant stanol esters produced a dose‑dependent reduction in total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults.
Short preoperative consumption of stanol or sterol spreads lowered blood cholesterol in statin‑treated patients; stanols tended to reduce arterial plant sterols.
A spread with plant stanol esters (2 g/d) rapidly lowered cholesterol, hsCRP, and estimated cardiovascular risk compared with placebo.
Daily consumption of 0.45 g/day phytosterol ester in oil lowered total cholesterol and certain atherogenic lipoproteins in men with higher baseline cholesterol.
In hypercholesterolemic subjects, oat-bran produced a transient total cholesterol decrease but did not change serum plant sterol proportions or cholesterol synthesis precursors substantially.
Four weeks of yoghurt with 2 g plant stanol ester in obese women lowered total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL or triglycerides.
Fat-free foods containing soy stanol-lecithin reduced single-meal cholesterol absorption substantially and, over 4 weeks, lowered total cholesterol (~10%) and LDL (~14%).
In 309 Chinese adults, daily plant-sterol–enriched milk tea (1.5–2.3 g/day) for 5 weeks reduced total cholesterol modestly and produced a non-significant trend to lower LDL.
In 68 healthy people, rye bread with 2–4 g/day plant sterols for short treatment periods lowered total and LDL cholesterol and improved apoB/apoA1 and cholesterol/HDL ratios without affecting fat‑soluble vitamins.
Eating cocoa-flavanol dark chocolate bars with added sterol esters (≈2.2 g/day) for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol and lowered systolic blood pressure at 8 weeks.
In 29 rheumatoid arthritis patients, a strict uncooked vegan diet for 2–3 months lowered total and LDL cholesterol and changed plant sterol ratios (higher sitosterol:campesterol).
Low-fat margarines containing plant stanol esters added to a low-fat diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults.
Daily phytostanol softgels for 28 days lowered total and LDL cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol.
Daily plant stanol ester margarine reduced total and LDL cholesterol in healthy 6-year-old children regardless of gender or apoE phenotype.
In a 3‑month randomized study, adding phytosterols to canned tuna produced a significantly larger reduction in total and LDL cholesterol than tuna alone.
Milk powder with 2.5 g/day plant sterol esters lowered 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol over 6 weeks.
Postmenopausal women who drank a beverage with 2 g/day plant sterols for 6 weeks had lower total and LDL cholesterol and changes in some sterol and cytokine markers.
A phytosterol-enriched rice bran oil spread consumed as part of the diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults.
Plant stanol (2.5 g/day) margarine for 3 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced triglycerides especially in subjects with high baseline TAG.
Ten-day administration of tall oil phytosterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL or triglycerides.
Low‑fat margarine and milk providing 2.3 g/day plant sterols reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
Adding 5.1 g/day plant stanol spread to stable statin therapy further lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared with placebo spread.
Low‑fat foods enriched with 1.25–5.0 g/day natural plant sterols reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly–moderately hypercholesterolemic adults.
Study tested plant sterol–fortified spreads on cholesterol; measured 25-OH-vitamin D and found no change, but the intervention was not vitamin D supplementation.
Adding 2 g/day plant sterol–enriched milk to a healthy diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol without worsening overall antioxidant status, though one carotenoid (cryptoxanthin) fell.
Six weeks of daily phytosterol-enriched low-fat fermented milk lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced a plasma isoprostane marker of oxidative burden.
Three months of 2 g/day phytosterol plus healthy diet lowered total and LDL cholesterol and improved apolipoprotein ratio, with no change in LDL particle size.
Meta-analysis of four parallel double-blind substudies (5-week each) found low-fat milk products with 2 g/day stanols modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol.
Replacing part of daily fat with sitostanol-ester margarine for one year lowered total and LDL cholesterol and was well tolerated.
Daily intake of a plant sterol–enriched spread for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B without affecting HDL.
Checklist: - Confirm human RCT testing plant stanol (phytosterol) effect in children; - Extract main measured outcomes (total cholesterol, LDL-C, beta-carotene/LDL ratio); - Record participant count and numerical changes; assess study quality quickly. Simple summary: In a double-blind crossover trial in 6-year-old children, replacing fat with plant stanol–enriched margarine slightly lowered total and LDL cholesterol but reduced beta-carotene/LDL ratio.
Checklist: - Confirm human semirandomized double-blind crossover trial testing free plant sterols with high vs low dietary cholesterol; - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, total cholesterol, plasma beta-sitosterol); - Note participant count and interaction results. Simple summary: In a 22-person crossover trial, plant sterol supplementation lowered cholesterol independent of dietary cholesterol level and increased plasma beta-sitosterol.
Phytosterol-enriched milk (2 g/day) reduced cholesterol measures in non-MetS patients (LDL ~-10.5%) but produced little or no benefit in MetS patients.
Daily ingestion of 2 g plant stanols lowered LDL-C (~9–10%) and ApoB (~5–9%) in Japanese subjects; response was not influenced by ApoE phenotype.
In patients undergoing carotid surgery, cholestyramine plus sitosterol lowered LDL-C less than atorvastatin and plaques showed higher macrophage content versus high‑dose statin.
In 72 healthy adults, a reduced-calorie orange juice with plant sterols (2 g/day) for 8 weeks lowered LDL (~9.4%), total cholesterol (~5%), and CRP (~12%) and increased HDL.
Children with familial hypercholesterolemia given plant sterols had lower cholesterol but no short-term improvement in blood vessel function.
- Checklist: - Confirm human study and outcomes (lipids, endothelial function). - Extract participant count and main outcomes (TC, LDL-C, FMD). - Report numeric changes, assess quality. Children with familial high cholesterol took yogurt with 2.0 g plant stanols daily; their LDL and total cholesterol fell but blood vessel function (FMD) did not improve.
In a 4-week crossover double-blind study, margarine with phytosterol esters lowered blood cholesterol levels, with genotype affecting the size of the effect.
Five-week randomized double-blind trial showed cheese with 2 g/day plant stanols lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared with control cheese.
Three-week double-blind RCT: daily 1.5 g phytosterols in low-fat milk reduced LDL-C and total cholesterol and modestly lowered diastolic blood pressure versus placebo.
Omega-3 plant sterol esters reduced triglycerides and modestly lowered diastolic BP and hsCRP but did not change LDL in mixed hyperlipidemic patients.
Four-month double-blind RCT of a multi-ingredient supplement (includes 1.8 g phytosterols/day) found no significant change in LDL-C or other lipid and oxidative markers versus placebo.
Three-month double-blind RCT of a monacolin K–free nutraceutical (contains phytosterols 400 mg per capsule, two capsules/day) found no significant changes in LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides or inflammatory markers versus placebo.
Three-month double-blind RCT of a monacolin K–free nutraceutical (contains phytosterols 400 mg per capsule, two capsules/day) found no significant changes in LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides or inflammatory markers versus placebo.
Pilot randomized crossover study in adults with dyslipidemia: adding phytosterol capsules to diet produced no significant changes in classical lipid profile or LDL particle quality versus diet alone; a trend toward lower intermediate HDL-7 was observed.
Pilot randomized crossover study in adults with dyslipidemia: adding phytosterol capsules to diet produced no significant changes in classical lipid profile or LDL particle quality versus diet alone; a trend toward lower intermediate HDL-7 was observed.
Pilot randomized crossover study in adults with dyslipidemia: adding phytosterol capsules to diet produced no significant changes in classical lipid profile or LDL particle quality versus diet alone; a trend toward lower intermediate HDL-7 was observed.
Eight-week double-blind RCT: soymilk with 2 g/day phytosterols (and 10 g/day inulin) twice daily produced significant LDL-C and total cholesterol reductions versus standard soymilk (effect apparent from week 2).
In patients taking red yeast rice, adding phytosterol tablets (900 mg twice daily) did not further reduce LDL-C over 12–52 weeks compared with placebo; lifestyle change produced additional LDL-C and weight reductions.
In patients taking red yeast rice, adding phytosterol tablets (900 mg twice daily) did not further reduce LDL-C over 12–52 weeks compared with placebo; lifestyle change produced additional LDL-C and weight reductions.
A nutraceutical drink containing red yeast rice lowered total and LDL cholesterol; the version without RYR showed no effect.
In 134 adults with impaired glucose regulation, 12-week plant sterol (1.7 g/day) supplementation decreased triglycerides and hs-CRP; combined plant sterol+omega‑3 produced additional benefits on HDL and glucose/insulin indices.
Daily bread with 2.3 g phytosterols for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced calculated CVD risk; HDL and TG unchanged.
Daily spread with ~2.2 g plant sterols for 6 weeks lowered fasting triglycerides and LDL-C in individuals with or at risk of T2DM (per-protocol analysis).
Softgel providing 1.8 g/day esterified plant sterols/stanols reduced LDL-C, non-HDL-C and total cholesterol versus placebo in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
In postmenopausal women, different stanol-enriched margarines and butters (≈2.4–3.2 g/d stanols) reduced LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio and modestly increased HDL, while some carotenoids decreased.
During active weight loss phytosterol (campesterol) levels rose and synthesis marker (lanosterol) fell, with rebounds over long-term follow-up and an overall increase from baseline at 24 months.
In a controlled crossover trial in overweight hyperlipidemic men, phytosterols delivered in a functional oil reduced total and LDL cholesterol compared with olive oil.
Daily intake of 2 g plant sterols reduced LDL-C and triglycerides in mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults; fish oil mainly reduced TAG and increased HDL; combination lowered TAG without interaction on cholesterol.
Daily phytosterol‑enriched margarine modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol and raised HDL over 3 weeks, with larger LDL effects in higher‑intake subgroups.
Daily rice‑bran plant sterols (2.1 g) lowered total and LDL cholesterol in healthy adults; triterpene alcohols showed no effect.
Phytosterol-enriched chocolate (1.8 g/d) given for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL or triglycerides and raised markers of sterol absorption; no adverse effects.
Replacing butter with a polyunsaturated spread containing 2 g plant sterols daily in a reduced-fat diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol more than spread without sterols.
Four weeks of yoghurt with 2 g plant stanol ester in obese women lowered total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL or triglycerides.
In a 9-week double-blind crossover (n=76), a spread enriched with 0.8 g/day free soybean-derived plant sterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly; another sterol source did not lower cholesterol.
Consuming low-fat dairy products with ~2 g/day plant sterols for 6 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol without lowering fat-soluble vitamin levels.
Daily low-fat yoghurt containing plant stanol esters lowered LDL cholesterol within 1 week; some fat-soluble antioxidants changed.
Daily spreads with microcrystalline plant sterols (1.5–3.0 g/day) lowered total and LDL cholesterol over 6 months with no apparent adverse effects on fat‑soluble vitamins.
Milk powder with 2.5 g/day plant sterol esters lowered 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol over 6 weeks.
Ten-day administration of tall oil phytosterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL or triglycerides.
Consuming 2.5 g plant stanols daily (either once or divided) lowered LDL cholesterol; HDL and triglycerides were unchanged.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized crossover feeding trial and main outcomes (LDL-C, HDL-C). - Extract completed participant count and LDL/HDL changes. - Provide quality judgement. In a controlled crossover feeding study, replacing part of the diet with a plant-sterol–enriched spread lowered LDL cholesterol more than replacing the spread with carbohydrate.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized crossover single-blind human trial and primary outcomes (lipids). - Extract participant count and main lipid changes. - Note study limitations (single morning dose administration). In adults with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia, single morning doses of several plant sterol preparations for 29 days did not lower total or LDL cholesterol but were associated with an approximate 8% increase in HDL.
A nutraceutical drink containing red yeast rice lowered total and LDL cholesterol; the version without RYR showed no effect.
In patients with severe aortic stenosis consuming 2 g/day plant stanols or sterols until valve replacement (~2.6 months), LDL fell but valve sterol content, structure, and inflammation were unchanged.
Mildly hypercholesterolemic adults who drank orange juice fortified with 2 g/day plant sterols for 8 weeks had clinically meaningful reductions in LDL and total cholesterol.
2 g/day plant sterols for 28 days reduced LDL cholesterol by ~0.30 mmol/L; reductions were similar across APOE/CYP7A1 genosets (no genotype interaction).
Softgel capsules delivering 2 g/day phytosterols for 4 weeks did not significantly lower total- or LDL-cholesterol compared with placebo in adults with mild–moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Daily ~2.24 g plant sterols in fortified skim milk for 3-week periods in a double-blind crossover reduced total and LDL cholesterol versus control in young adults.
Phytosterols (2 g/day) lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly; combining phytosterols with curcumin produced larger reductions over 4 weeks.
Daily soya drink fortified with 2 g phytosterols for 3 weeks produced a small but significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol versus placebo.
Double-blind RCT of a combined product (red yeast rice, phytosterols, L-tyrosol) in 50 hypercholesterolemic subjects showing improved lipids, liver enzymes and endothelial function after 8 weeks.
In 34 adults, bars containing plant sterols ± glucomannan showed that the sterol+glucomannan combination lowered total and LDL cholesterol; plant sterol alone had limited effect.
In 38 postmenopausal women, a 4-week milk drink with phytosterols plus β-cryptoxanthin lowered cholesterol and bone-turnover markers versus control.
In 90 randomized (85 completers) mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, an 8-week nutraceutical tablet containing phytosterols plus red yeast rice markedly lowered LDL-C and other lipids versus placebo.
In 127 hypercholesterolemic adults, probiotic L. reuteri reduced LDL-C and lowered circulating plant sterol markers (campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol), consistent with reduced sterol absorption.
Daily bread with 2.3 g phytosterols for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced calculated CVD risk; HDL and TG unchanged.
A 3-month nutraceutical (contains 1.5 g phytosterols plus other agents) reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB and lowered hs-CRP vs placebo.
Incorporating phytosterols (2 g/d) in a cocoa cream for 4 weeks reduced LDL-C and improved inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers (hsCRP, oxLDL) compared with control.
Daily spread with ~2.2 g plant sterols for 6 weeks lowered fasting triglycerides and LDL-C in individuals with or at risk of T2DM (per-protocol analysis).
Softgel providing 1.8 g/day esterified plant sterols/stanols reduced LDL-C, non-HDL-C and total cholesterol versus placebo in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Placebo-controlled double-blind trial: rapidly disintegrating stanol-lecithin tablets (1.26 g stanols/day) for 6 weeks lowered LDL compared with placebo; slowly disintegrating capsules had no effect.
Pragmatic RCT of written dietary advice that included plant sterol recommendations among many items; overall no between-group LDL benefit, but short-term association found between self-reported use of plant sterol advice and lower LDL at 3 weeks.
Randomized double-blind crossover trial: 1.8 g/day non-esterified plant sterol/stanol tablets (6 weeks) added to TLC diet produced modest but significant reductions in atherogenic lipids.
In healthy Japanese volunteers, daily plant stanol ester spread modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol and markedly reduced oxidized LDL over the trial period.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, plant sterol intake (with or without exercise) lowered LDL cholesterol and increased adiponectin; no changes were seen in apoA1, apoB, ghrelin, or growth hormone.
Crossover RCT: yogurt with 4 g/day plant stanol esters reduced total and LDL cholesterol over 4 weeks versus placebo without safety concerns.
Replacing usual cooking oil with plant sterol–enriched palm oil for 8 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol in hyperlipidemic adults; CRP showed a small rise vs baseline but no significant between-group change.
Plant sterol ester–enriched low-fat milk and yoghurt reduced total and LDL cholesterol (~5–10%) in modestly hypercholesterolemic adults, with no effect on HDL or triglycerides.
In type 2 diabetic patients, a phytosterol-enriched spread reduced total and LDL cholesterol (peak ~5–7% at 4 weeks) with effects attenuating over 12 weeks; small HDL increase and transient HbA1c reduction observed.
Adults with mild–moderate hypercholesterolemia who ate low-fat foods providing 1.8 g/day phytosterols plus oat beta-glucan for 6 weeks had small but significant reductions in LDL and total cholesterol.
Adults with low baseline lathosterol-to-cholesterol ratio (low endogenous synthesis) had larger reductions in total and LDL cholesterol when consuming 2 g/day plant sterols for 28 days, whereas high-synthesis individuals did not respond.
In healthy and mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, margarines enriched with plant sterols or sitostanol esters reduced total and LDL cholesterol by about 8–13% over ~3.5-week treatment periods without lowering HDL.
Six months of plant stanol ester (~3 g/day) reduced LDL (~10%) and non-HDL cholesterol and improved arterial stiffness in small arteries (AI) and prevented progression of large-artery stiffness (CAVI) in men.
Randomized double-blind trial (4 weeks) showed a spread with 2.0 g/day plant sterols + 1.0 g/day EPA+DHA lowered triglycerides and LDL‑cholesterol versus placebo.
Over 85 weeks in 30 statin users, plant sterol margarine raised serum campesterol and lowered LDL-C; increased campesterol correlated with a small, non-significant increase in retinal venular diameter.
In 157 adults with hypercholesterolemia consuming milk with 1.58 g/day phytosterol ester for 2 months, total cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly reduced vs normal milk and non-dairy groups.
In people with hyperlipidemia, a diet portfolio including plant sterols lowered LDL cholesterol substantially over 6 months compared with a low-saturated-fat control.
In a controlled, crossover feeding study, adding plant sterols (3.3 g/day) reduced total and LDL cholesterol independently and additively with dietary fat reduction.
In hyperlipidemic subjects, a dietary portfolio high in plant sterols and other components reduced LDL-C nearly as much as 20 mg lovastatin over 4 weeks.
Controlled feeding trials showed that low- and moderate-fat plant sterol–fortified soymilks reduced total and LDL cholesterol (≈10–15%) versus 1% dairy milk; moderate-fat soymilk also reduced cholesterol absorption and triglycerides.
In people with metabolic syndrome and high LDL, adding a soy/phytosterol medical food plus other plant compounds to a diet improved several cholesterol measures more than diet alone.
In statin-intolerant/unwilling adults, snack products containing a mix of cholesterol-lowering bioactives (including phytosterols) twice daily reduced LDL and total cholesterol over four weeks compared with control snacks.
In statin-treated patients, adding plant sterol or stanol (2.5 g/day) for 16 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol but did not change antioxidant status, oxidative stress markers, endothelial or low-grade inflammation markers.
In postmenopausal women, different stanol-enriched margarines and butters (≈2.4–3.2 g/d stanols) reduced LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio and modestly increased HDL, while some carotenoids decreased.
In healthy middle-aged adults, daily plant stanol ester margarine reduced total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides over 4 weeks of supplementation.
A spread containing milk peptides plus 2 g plant sterols daily modestly reduced home systolic blood pressure and lowered total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo.
In healthy volunteers consuming margarine with ~8.6 g/day phytosterols, total and LDL cholesterol fell substantially with no biologically important adverse effects on gut flora or female sex hormones.
Daily intake of 1.6 g plant sterol esters in a spread for 1 year lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly and was safe with no adverse hormone or clinical-chemical effects.
Daily intake of ~2 g phytosterols delivered in milk for 4 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol by about 7–8% in hypercholesterolaemic subjects.
In a controlled crossover trial in overweight hyperlipidemic men, phytosterols delivered in a functional oil reduced total and LDL cholesterol compared with olive oil.
In medicated secondary prevention patients, a low-fat diet that included 2 g/day phytosterols (TLCD) decreased LDL and oxidized LDL compared with a Mediterranean diet, but diets differed in multiple components.
Hypercholesterolemic men consuming 21 g/day of a plant sterol-enriched spread had modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol; beta-carotene fell unless dietary fruit/veg advice was followed.
People eating bakery products delivering 3.2 g/day sterol esters for 8 weeks had lower total and LDL cholesterol without reductions in measured antioxidants.
Phytostanol-ester enriched foods reduced LDL-C ~10–13% and lowered cholesterol absorption similarly in high and low absorbers.
A once-daily 2.5 g phytosterol drink reduced LDL-C, total cholesterol and ApoB-100 versus placebo; larger reductions seen in those with higher Mediterranean-diet adherence.
In 84 sedentary adults with high cholesterol, 8 weeks of plant sterol supplementation lowered total cholesterol and absolute LDL and increased blood plant-sterol markers; combining sterols with exercise gave the best lipid changes.
In 41 statin-treated coronary patients, 6 weeks of plant-sterol spread (2 g/day) reduced LDL (~16.6%); combining plant sterols with ezetimibe gave the largest LDL drop (~27.3%).
In ~84 mildly hypercholesterolemic patients, 2 g/day phytosterol-enriched low‑fat milk for 3 months reduced total and LDL cholesterol similarly across diets (LDL reductions ~7–9.6%) without consistent harm to carotenoids when combined with a healthy diet.
In 67 hypercholesterolemic adults, consuming cocoa snack bars with 1.5 g phytosterols twice daily for 6 weeks lowered total cholesterol (~4.7%) and LDL (~6%) and the total/HDL ratio, with a small reduction in lipid-adjusted beta‑carotene.
Healthy adults consuming plant sterol or stanol margarine had lower LDL cholesterol; sterols did not raise oxyphytosterols, while stanols reduced some oxyphytosterol metabolites.
In high cardiovascular risk subjects, increasing phytosterols from natural foods (nuts) raised phytosterol intake and was associated with lower LDL cholesterol and improved LDL/HDL ratio.
In metabolic syndrome subjects, fermented milk containing lactotripeptides plus 2 g/d plant sterol esters produced a borderline lipid-lowering effect but did not change blood pressure or haemodynamic measures versus placebo.
Stanol ester intervention lowered cholesterol but did not affect serum 25‑hydroxyvitamin D; the study did not investigate vitamin D supplementation effects.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, a 12-week plant-sterol-enriched spread lowered total and LDL cholesterol and raised plasma phytosterols but did not change endothelial function (FMD).
Yoghurt enriched with 1–2 g/d plant sterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner over the study periods; HDL and triglycerides were unchanged.
In hypercholesterolemic subjects, ultra-heat-treated soy protein preparations did not lower cholesterol; LDL cholesterol unexpectedly increased by ~17–19% across groups.
Adults with moderate high cholesterol drank phytosterol-enriched soy milk and had lower LDL and endothelin-1, with some lipid improvements in higher‑LDL participants.
Low-dose soy protein with added beta-sitosterol given daily for 40 days lowered LDL-C and apoB but did not affect Lp(a) or oxidized LDL antibodies.
Sitostanol-ester margarine (3 g/d) reduced total and LDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women, including when combined with statin therapy.
A Mediterranean low-glycemic diet improved metabolic syndrome variables; adding a phytochemical-rich medical food containing phytosterols led to greater improvements in LDL and related lipoprotein markers and lowered homocysteine.
Daily intake of 2 g plant sterols reduced LDL-C and triglycerides in mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults; fish oil mainly reduced TAG and increased HDL; combination lowered TAG without interaction on cholesterol.
A novel phytosterol ester emulsion (1.5 g/day) given as capsules reduced LDL-C by ~10% over one month compared with placebo in a remote crossover trial.
Cookies containing psyllium plus 2.6 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol and decreased apoB and numbers of atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions.
Daily low-fat milk with free plant sterols for 4 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
Short crossover feeding study showed serum campesterol and sitosterol rose proportionally to intake and both sterol/stanol mixtures similarly lowered LDL cholesterol.
Daily phytosterol‑enriched margarine modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol and raised HDL over 3 weeks, with larger LDL effects in higher‑intake subgroups.
Daily rice‑bran plant sterols (2.1 g) lowered total and LDL cholesterol in healthy adults; triterpene alcohols showed no effect.
~2 g/day plant stanol or sterol esters for 10 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol modestly but did not change flow-mediated dilation; sterol esters slightly reduced brachial artery diameter.
Short trials testing doses of plant sterol in dressings found LDL lowering at higher doses and no safety problems at very high dose.
Daily phytosterol-enriched milk (1.57 g/day) for 28 days reduced LDL-C and increased LDL resistance to oxidation and altered LDL lipid composition.
Crossover trial: fish-oil–ester plant sterols lowered triglycerides markedly and plant sterol esters lowered LDL and apoB compared with control oil.
Three-month randomized study: plant stanol esters (2 g/day) lowered LDL-C but produced no overall change in arterial elasticity or endothelial function; subjects with low baseline values improved.
Older hyperlipidemic adults consuming soy milk powder with phytosterol esters (≈2 g/day free phytosterols) for 6 months had reduced total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo.
In a 3-period crossover in healthy adults, 2 g/day plant sterols reduced cholesterol absorption but did not significantly lower LDL due to a compensatory increase in synthesis.
Daily intake of 2 g plant stanols in a yogurt drink for 12 months produced modest but significant LDL cholesterol reductions (~11%) in adults with hypercholesterolemia.
An 8.8 g/day plant stanol ester intervention for 10 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and decreased absorption markers while increasing synthesis markers; serum stanol levels rose modestly and normalized after washout.
A 12-week low-GI diet including 30 g soy protein and 4 g phytosterols/day lowered cholesterol and triglycerides more than a standard diet in postmenopausal women.
Six-month randomized double-blind trial where 3 g/day plant stanol esters reduced LDL-C ~10% without changing serum PCSK9.
Crossover trial showing margarines with 2 g/day plant sterols (rapeseed or tall oil) reduced LDL-C and apoB but lowered lipid-adjusted beta-carotene.
Six-week addition of 1.8 g soy stanol tablets to ongoing statin therapy produced additional ~9% LDL-C lowering versus placebo.
Forty-two-day randomized double-blind trial where 1.6 g/day phytosterol yogurt reduced LDL-C ~10–12%, lowered triglycerides, and increased the proportion reaching LDL targets.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, a low-fat spread with plant sterols reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; adding EPA+DHA further reduced VLDL components.
Daily soy drink with plant sterols for 8 weeks lowered LDL, total and non-HDL cholesterol in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
In hypercholesterolemic children, sterol-ester spreads lowered plasma total and LDL cholesterol and increased red-cell plant sterol ratios when sterol esters were consumed.
In overweight adults on an 8-week calorie-restricted diet, adding plant sterols to rice bran led to larger reductions in total (and a trend for LDL) cholesterol versus rice bran alone.
In a randomized double-blind crossover (4-week PS phase), soy milk with phytosterols (1.6 g/day) modestly lowered total cholesterol (~-5.5%) and LDL-C (~-7.6%) and raised plasma campesterol and sitosterol, with changes in synthesis/absorption markers.
Phytosterol-enriched chocolate (1.8 g/d) given for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL or triglycerides and raised markers of sterol absorption; no adverse effects.
Replacing butter with a polyunsaturated spread containing 2 g plant sterols daily in a reduced-fat diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol more than spread without sterols.
Both stanol-ester and sterol-ester margarines (~2 g/d) consumed for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol similarly; sterol esters increased serum sitosterol and campesterol.
Daily dressing containing 800 mg plant sterol for 12 weeks reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB versus placebo with no adverse events reported.
6-week crossover in hypercholesterolemic adults: sterol-enriched yogurt and vine-ripened tomato sauce (high adherence) both reduced LDL-C; tomato sauce effects similar magnitude to sterol product in adherent subjects.
Adding 2.7 g phytosterols to daily ground beef for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol in young men with mild hypercholesterolemia.
Obese Japanese men with high LDL took rice bran ASG extract or placebo for 12 weeks; the extract group had greater reductions in LDL and some fat measures.
Adults with mild-moderate hypercholesterolemia consumed low-fat yoghurt with ~1.9 g/day plant stanols for 4 weeks and showed modest but significant LDL and total cholesterol reductions.
Heterozygotes and controls took ~1.6 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks; LDL fell in both groups while plant sterol levels rose and absorption decreased with compensatory synthesis increase.
Mildly hypercholesterolemic Thais drank soy milk with 2 g/day plant stanols for 6 weeks and had substantial LDL and total cholesterol reductions; some fat-soluble carotenoids decreased.
Volunteers consumed meat products enriched with plant sterols (different doses) and minerals in 3-week periods; higher-dose sterol meat reduced total cholesterol modestly.
Taking encapsulated phytosterol esters for 12 weeks modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol in people with high LDL.
Adding plant sterol esters to a reduced‑fat spread in a low‑fat diet lowered blood cholesterol and related lipids in adults with mild‑to‑moderate high cholesterol.
Different doses of plant stanol esters produced a dose‑dependent reduction in total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults.
Short preoperative consumption of stanol or sterol spreads lowered blood cholesterol in statin‑treated patients; stanols tended to reduce arterial plant sterols.
A spread with plant stanol esters (2 g/d) rapidly lowered cholesterol, hsCRP, and estimated cardiovascular risk compared with placebo.
Four weeks of yoghurt with 2 g plant stanol ester in obese women lowered total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL or triglycerides.
Plant sterol esters and stanols incorporated into various foods lowered LDL cholesterol (sterol esters ~13.6% fall; stanols ~8.3% fall) and altered plasma sterol markers without reducing plasma carotenoids.
Fat-free foods containing soy stanol-lecithin reduced single-meal cholesterol absorption substantially and, over 4 weeks, lowered total cholesterol (~10%) and LDL (~14%).
In 309 Chinese adults, daily plant-sterol–enriched milk tea (1.5–2.3 g/day) for 5 weeks reduced total cholesterol modestly and produced a non-significant trend to lower LDL.
In 68 healthy people, rye bread with 2–4 g/day plant sterols for short treatment periods lowered total and LDL cholesterol and improved apoB/apoA1 and cholesterol/HDL ratios without affecting fat‑soluble vitamins.
One month of psyllium plus plant sterols lowered LDL cholesterol, shifted LDL toward larger particles, and increased LDL receptor abundance.
Consuming low-fat dairy products with ~2 g/day plant sterols for 6 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol without lowering fat-soluble vitamin levels.
Eating cocoa-flavanol dark chocolate bars with added sterol esters (≈2.2 g/day) for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol and lowered systolic blood pressure at 8 weeks.
In 21 overweight people with high cholesterol, olive-oil-esterified plant sterols reduced LDL and (for the olive-oil formulation) decreased LDL susceptibility to peroxidation.
In 29 rheumatoid arthritis patients, a strict uncooked vegan diet for 2–3 months lowered total and LDL cholesterol and changed plant sterol ratios (higher sitosterol:campesterol).
In 32 adults given stearate-enriched plant sterol esters (3 g/day) for 4 weeks, LDL cholesterol fell ~11% and LDL:HDL ratio decreased ~10%.
In 58 hypercholesterolemic volunteers, margarines with 2 g/day plant sterols lowered LDL (~8–9%) and rapeseed-derived sterols improved some vascular markers (E-selectin, tPAI-1).
Low-fat margarines containing plant stanol esters added to a low-fat diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults.
Daily phytostanol softgels for 28 days lowered total and LDL cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol.
Daily plant stanol ester margarine reduced total and LDL cholesterol in healthy 6-year-old children regardless of gender or apoE phenotype.
Consuming plant sterol ester-enriched salad dressings (3.6 g/d) lowered LDL and triglycerides but also reduced plasma carotenoids in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
Daily low-fat yoghurt containing plant stanol esters lowered LDL cholesterol within 1 week; some fat-soluble antioxidants changed.
Daily spreads with microcrystalline plant sterols (1.5–3.0 g/day) lowered total and LDL cholesterol over 6 months with no apparent adverse effects on fat‑soluble vitamins.
Ezetimibe plus statin produced greater and more sustained LDL-C lowering than doubling statin dose, with persistent decreases in absorption markers (campesterol) over 52 weeks.
In a 3‑month randomized study, adding phytosterols to canned tuna produced a significantly larger reduction in total and LDL cholesterol than tuna alone.
Milk powder with 2.5 g/day plant sterol esters lowered 'bad' (LDL) cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol over 6 weeks.
Postmenopausal women who drank a beverage with 2 g/day plant sterols for 6 weeks had lower total and LDL cholesterol and changes in some sterol and cytokine markers.
A phytosterol-enriched rice bran oil spread consumed as part of the diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults.
Plant stanol (2.5 g/day) margarine for 3 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced triglycerides especially in subjects with high baseline TAG.
Ten-day administration of tall oil phytosterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL or triglycerides.
Low‑fat margarine and milk providing 2.3 g/day plant sterols reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
Consuming 2.5 g plant stanols daily (either once or divided) lowered LDL cholesterol; HDL and triglycerides were unchanged.
Adding 5.1 g/day plant stanol spread to stable statin therapy further lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared with placebo spread.
Low‑fat foods enriched with 1.25–5.0 g/day natural plant sterols reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly–moderately hypercholesterolemic adults.
Study tested plant sterol–fortified spreads on cholesterol; measured 25-OH-vitamin D and found no change, but the intervention was not vitamin D supplementation.
Adding 2 g/day plant sterol–enriched milk to a healthy diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol without worsening overall antioxidant status, though one carotenoid (cryptoxanthin) fell.
Six weeks of daily phytosterol-enriched low-fat fermented milk lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced a plasma isoprostane marker of oxidative burden.
Three months of 2 g/day phytosterol plus healthy diet lowered total and LDL cholesterol and improved apolipoprotein ratio, with no change in LDL particle size.
Meta-analysis of four parallel double-blind substudies (5-week each) found low-fat milk products with 2 g/day stanols modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol.
Replacing part of daily fat with sitostanol-ester margarine for one year lowered total and LDL cholesterol and was well tolerated.
Daily intake of a plant sterol–enriched spread for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B without affecting HDL.
Checklist: - Confirm human RCT testing plant stanol (phytosterol) effect in children; - Extract main measured outcomes (total cholesterol, LDL-C, beta-carotene/LDL ratio); - Record participant count and numerical changes; assess study quality quickly. Simple summary: In a double-blind crossover trial in 6-year-old children, replacing fat with plant stanol–enriched margarine slightly lowered total and LDL cholesterol but reduced beta-carotene/LDL ratio.
Checklist: - Confirm human randomized trial of plant sterol–enriched low-fat fermented milk; - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, oxidized LDL, plasma sitosterol); - Record participant count and numeric changes and safety markers. Simple summary: In hypercholesterolemic adults, daily low-fat fermented milk with plant sterols (1.6 g/day) reduced LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL and raised plasma sitosterol without adverse oxidative-stress signals.
Checklist: - Confirm human crossover trial comparing PS esters with different fatty-acid carriers (sunflower, olive, fish oil); - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, triglycerides, PAI-1) and their numeric changes; - Note sample size, crossover design, and industry involvement when assessing trust. Simple summary: In a small crossover study, plant sterol esters carried by fish oil lowered triglycerides and PAI-1 more than vegetable-oil carriers; all PS treatments lowered cholesterol versus baseline.
Checklist: - Confirm human semirandomized double-blind crossover trial testing free plant sterols with high vs low dietary cholesterol; - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, total cholesterol, plasma beta-sitosterol); - Note participant count and interaction results. Simple summary: In a 22-person crossover trial, plant sterol supplementation lowered cholesterol independent of dietary cholesterol level and increased plasma beta-sitosterol.
Checklist: - Confirm human randomized crossover dietary intervention in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH); - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C response, endothelial function, LDL particle size), focusing on LDL changes by baseline sitosterol tertiles; - Record numerical LDL changes per tertile. Simple summary: In FH patients, baseline plasma sitosterol levels predicted LDL response to sitosterol-enriched diets: those with higher basal sitosterol had larger LDL reductions.
In hypercholesterolemic subjects, spreads with plant sterol/stanol esters lowered LDL (~7.7–9.5%) while dietary advice to add a high-carotenoid serving maintained plasma carotenoids.
Phytosterol-enriched milk (2 g/day) reduced cholesterol measures in non-MetS patients (LDL ~-10.5%) but produced little or no benefit in MetS patients.
Daily ingestion of 2 g plant stanols lowered LDL-C (~9–10%) and ApoB (~5–9%) in Japanese subjects; response was not influenced by ApoE phenotype.
In patients undergoing carotid surgery, cholestyramine plus sitosterol lowered LDL-C less than atorvastatin and plaques showed higher macrophage content versus high‑dose statin.
In 152 adults with primary hypercholesterolemia, sterol‑ester margarine lowered LDL by ~8%; combined with cerivastatin the LDL reduction was additive (~39% combined).
In 72 healthy adults, a reduced-calorie orange juice with plant sterols (2 g/day) for 8 weeks lowered LDL (~9.4%), total cholesterol (~5%), and CRP (~12%) and increased HDL.
In 112 non-hypercholesterolemic adults, consumption of stanol-ester products (vegetable or wood based) lowered LDL by ~13–15% with no change in HDL or triglycerides.
- Checklist: - Confirm human study and outcomes (lipids, endothelial function). - Extract participant count and main outcomes (TC, LDL-C, FMD). - Report numeric changes, assess quality. Children with familial high cholesterol took yogurt with 2.0 g plant stanols daily; their LDL and total cholesterol fell but blood vessel function (FMD) did not improve.
- Checklist: - Confirm human intervention(s) and select top outcomes (non-HDL/LDL, TAG, VLDL particle counts). - Extract participant numbers per study and reported numeric changes. - Assess study design and report likely mechanisms discussed. Two controlled human intervention studies (metabolic syndrome and normolipidemic groups) showed that plant stanol esters lower cholesterol and, in subjects with high baseline TAG, markedly reduce triglycerides and large VLDL particles.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized crossover feeding trial and main outcomes (LDL-C, HDL-C). - Extract completed participant count and LDL/HDL changes. - Provide quality judgement. In a controlled crossover feeding study, replacing part of the diet with a plant-sterol–enriched spread lowered LDL cholesterol more than replacing the spread with carbohydrate.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized crossover single-blind human trial and primary outcomes (lipids). - Extract participant count and main lipid changes. - Note study limitations (single morning dose administration). In adults with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia, single morning doses of several plant sterol preparations for 29 days did not lower total or LDL cholesterol but were associated with an approximate 8% increase in HDL.
In a 4-week crossover double-blind study, margarine with phytosterol esters lowered blood cholesterol levels, with genotype affecting the size of the effect.
Five-week randomized double-blind trial showed cheese with 2 g/day plant stanols lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared with control cheese.
A combined nutraceutical containing bergamot extract and phytosterols improved triglycerides, LDL-C, and insulin resistance markers versus placebo in overweight dyslipidemic subjects.
In HIV patients on HAART, phytosterol 2 g/day for 4 weeks modestly lowered LDL and total cholesterol; adding phytosterols to pravastatin did not further reduce LDL versus pravastatin alone.
A multi-ingredient nutraceutical containing sterol esters/stanols improved fasting and post‑prandial lipid profile and reduced endothelial damage markers after 3 months versus placebo.
In metabolic syndrome patients on a western diet, 4 g/day phytosterols for 2 months significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL‑C, small dense LDL, apoB, and triglycerides.
In 134 adults with impaired glucose regulation, 12-week plant sterol (1.7 g/day) supplementation decreased triglycerides and hs-CRP; combined plant sterol+omega‑3 produced additional benefits on HDL and glucose/insulin indices.
Daily spread with ~2.2 g plant sterols for 6 weeks lowered fasting triglycerides and LDL-C in individuals with or at risk of T2DM (per-protocol analysis).
Softgel providing 1.8 g/day esterified plant sterols/stanols reduced LDL-C, non-HDL-C and total cholesterol versus placebo in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
In healthy middle-aged adults, daily plant stanol ester margarine reduced total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides over 4 weeks of supplementation.
Adults with moderate high cholesterol drank phytosterol-enriched soy milk and had lower LDL and endothelin-1, with some lipid improvements in higher‑LDL participants.
Low-dose soy protein with added beta-sitosterol given daily for 40 days lowered LDL-C and apoB but did not affect Lp(a) or oxidized LDL antibodies.
Crossover trial: fish-oil–ester plant sterols lowered triglycerides markedly and plant sterol esters lowered LDL and apoB compared with control oil.
A 12-week low-GI diet including 30 g soy protein and 4 g phytosterols/day lowered cholesterol and triglycerides more than a standard diet in postmenopausal women.
Forty-two-day randomized double-blind trial where 1.6 g/day phytosterol yogurt reduced LDL-C ~10–12%, lowered triglycerides, and increased the proportion reaching LDL targets.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, a low-fat spread with plant sterols reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; adding EPA+DHA further reduced VLDL components.
Omega-3 plant sterol esters reduced triglycerides and modestly lowered diastolic BP and hsCRP but did not change LDL in mixed hyperlipidemic patients.
Consuming plant sterol ester-enriched salad dressings (3.6 g/d) lowered LDL and triglycerides but also reduced plasma carotenoids in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized double-blind pediatric RCT and primary outcome (triglycerides). - Extract participant count and numeric triglyceride change. - Rate study trustworthiness and report concise result. Children given low-fat milk with ~2.24 g plant sterols/day had a small reduction in blood triglycerides versus control milk.
Eight weeks of soymilk enriched with 2 g/day phytosterols and 10 g/day inulin increased fasting GLP-1 and GLP-1 AUC in healthy men, while insulin and glucose AUCs did not change significantly.
Eight weeks of soymilk enriched with 2 g/day phytosterols and 10 g/day inulin increased fasting GLP-1 and GLP-1 AUC in healthy men, while insulin and glucose AUCs did not change significantly.
In a controlled, crossover feeding study, adding plant sterols (3.3 g/day) reduced total and LDL cholesterol independently and additively with dietary fat reduction.
A 3-month nutraceutical (contains 1.5 g phytosterols plus other agents) reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB and lowered hs-CRP vs placebo.
Daily soya drink fortified with 2 g phytosterols for 3 weeks produced a small but significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol versus placebo.
A 6-week diet-induced weight loss (~10.3 kg) in abdominally obese men increased markers of intestinal cholesterol absorption and decreased markers of endogenous cholesterol synthesis.
In overweight adults on an 8-week calorie-restricted diet, adding plant sterols to rice bran led to larger reductions in total (and a trend for LDL) cholesterol versus rice bran alone.
A 6-week diet-induced weight loss (~10.3 kg) in abdominally obese men increased markers of intestinal cholesterol absorption and decreased markers of endogenous cholesterol synthesis.
A 6-week diet-induced weight loss (~10.3 kg) in abdominally obese men increased markers of intestinal cholesterol absorption and decreased markers of endogenous cholesterol synthesis.
Phytosterols (2 g/day) lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly; combining phytosterols with curcumin produced larger reductions over 4 weeks.
3.0 g/d plant stanol esters for 4 weeks reduced total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in statin-treated adults with type 1 diabetes.
1.6 g/d plant sterols in low-fat yogurt consumed as a snack modestly lowered total cholesterol and tended to lower LDL while increasing cholesterol synthesis; fat-soluble vitamins unchanged.
Plant sterol esters (1.1–2.2 g/d) lowered total and LDL cholesterol in ApoE2 and ApoE3 carriers but not in ApoE4 carriers, and reduced certain serum carotenoids in some genotypes.
Softgel capsules providing 1.8 g/d esterified plant sterols/stanols for 6 weeks reduced LDL, non-HDL and total cholesterol in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Daily 2 g plant sterols in a yogurt-drink for 6–12 months significantly reduced small dense LDL-C and lowered LDL-C and total cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic children.
Adding 2.7 g phytosterols to daily ground beef for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol in young men with mild hypercholesterolemia.
Phytosterols (2 g/day) lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly; combining phytosterols with curcumin produced larger reductions over 4 weeks.
Daily soya drink fortified with 2 g phytosterols for 3 weeks produced a small but significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol versus placebo.
In controlled feeding studies, the plasma campesterol/5α-cholestanol ratio best reflected dietary phytosterol intake (high correlation).
In controlled feeding studies, the plasma campesterol/5α-cholestanol ratio best reflected dietary phytosterol intake (high correlation).
In controlled feeding studies, the plasma campesterol/5α-cholestanol ratio best reflected dietary phytosterol intake (high correlation).
Randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial in hospitalized pulmonary TB patients testing beta-sitosterol plus standard therapy versus placebo.
Randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial in hospitalized pulmonary TB patients testing beta-sitosterol plus standard therapy versus placebo.
Randomized, blinded placebo-controlled trial in hospitalized pulmonary TB patients testing beta-sitosterol plus standard therapy versus placebo.
Randomized trial testing oral beta-sitosterol/sterolin mixture as an adjuvant to cryotherapy for anogenital warts in 123 patients.
Randomized trial testing oral beta-sitosterol/sterolin mixture as an adjuvant to cryotherapy for anogenital warts in 123 patients.
Randomized trial testing oral beta-sitosterol/sterolin mixture as an adjuvant to cryotherapy for anogenital warts in 123 patients.
Double-blind RCT of a combined product (red yeast rice, phytosterols, L-tyrosol) in 50 hypercholesterolemic subjects showing improved lipids, liver enzymes and endothelial function after 8 weeks.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, a 12-week plant-sterol-enriched spread lowered total and LDL cholesterol and raised plasma phytosterols but did not change endothelial function (FMD).
Three-month randomized study: plant stanol esters (2 g/day) lowered LDL-C but produced no overall change in arterial elasticity or endothelial function; subjects with low baseline values improved.
Randomized double-blind crossover: plant sterol–enriched spread lowered total and LDL cholesterol vs control without affecting HDL.
Very-low-birth-weight infants given a multicomponent lipid emulsion grew better and had higher blood omega-3 levels than those given pure soybean oil; phytosterol levels were higher in the soybean-oil group.
In a randomized double-blind crossover (4-week PS phase), soy milk with phytosterols (1.6 g/day) modestly lowered total cholesterol (~-5.5%) and LDL-C (~-7.6%) and raised plasma campesterol and sitosterol, with changes in synthesis/absorption markers.
In preeclampsia patients, adding phytosterol to oral nifedipine shortened time to blood pressure control, delayed recurrence of hypertensive crisis, and reduced required dose without added adverse effects.
In preeclampsia patients, adding phytosterol to oral nifedipine shortened time to blood pressure control, delayed recurrence of hypertensive crisis, and reduced required dose without added adverse effects.
In preeclampsia patients, adding phytosterol to oral nifedipine shortened time to blood pressure control, delayed recurrence of hypertensive crisis, and reduced required dose without added adverse effects.
A combined nutraceutical containing bergamot extract and phytosterols improved triglycerides, LDL-C, and insulin resistance markers versus placebo in overweight dyslipidemic subjects.
In 34 adults, bars containing plant sterols ± glucomannan showed that the sterol+glucomannan combination lowered total and LDL cholesterol; plant sterol alone had limited effect.
In patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, ezetimibe reduced phytosterol (absorption) markers, statins reduced synthesis markers, and combined therapy lowered both classes of non-cholesterol sterols.
In 38 postmenopausal women, a 4-week milk drink with phytosterols plus β-cryptoxanthin lowered cholesterol and bone-turnover markers versus control.
Sub-study of a crossover RCT (32 overweight adults) showed 4 weeks of phytosterol-enriched milk reduced a pro-inflammatory plasma protein (SAP) and lowered CCL2 gene expression.
Sub-study of a crossover RCT (32 overweight adults) showed 4 weeks of phytosterol-enriched milk reduced a pro-inflammatory plasma protein (SAP) and lowered CCL2 gene expression.
In 90 randomized (85 completers) mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, an 8-week nutraceutical tablet containing phytosterols plus red yeast rice markedly lowered LDL-C and other lipids versus placebo.
Two years of ezetimibe 10 mg/day in homozygous sitosterolemia markedly lowered circulating plant sterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and modestly lowered LDL-related sterols and apoB.
In 112 non-hypercholesterolemic adults, consumption of stanol-ester products (vegetable or wood based) lowered LDL by ~13–15% with no change in HDL or triglycerides.
In 127 hypercholesterolemic adults, probiotic L. reuteri reduced LDL-C and lowered circulating plant sterol markers (campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol), consistent with reduced sterol absorption.
In 127 hypercholesterolemic adults, probiotic L. reuteri reduced LDL-C and lowered circulating plant sterol markers (campesterol, sitosterol, stigmasterol), consistent with reduced sterol absorption.
In 134 adults with impaired glucose regulation, 12-week plant sterol (1.7 g/day) supplementation decreased triglycerides and hs-CRP; combined plant sterol+omega‑3 produced additional benefits on HDL and glucose/insulin indices.
High-dose simvastatin or atorvastatin changed muscle sterol content and, with simvastatin, reduced muscle ubiquinone and mitochondrial enzyme activities.
High-dose simvastatin or atorvastatin changed muscle sterol content and, with simvastatin, reduced muscle ubiquinone and mitochondrial enzyme activities.
High-dose simvastatin or atorvastatin changed muscle sterol content and, with simvastatin, reduced muscle ubiquinone and mitochondrial enzyme activities.
A 3-month nutraceutical (contains 1.5 g phytosterols plus other agents) reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB and lowered hs-CRP vs placebo.
In a controlled, crossover feeding study, adding plant sterols (3.3 g/day) reduced total and LDL cholesterol independently and additively with dietary fat reduction.
A 3-month nutraceutical (contains 1.5 g phytosterols plus other agents) reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB and lowered hs-CRP vs placebo.
Incorporating phytosterols (2 g/d) in a cocoa cream for 4 weeks reduced LDL-C and improved inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers (hsCRP, oxLDL) compared with control.
In hyperlipidemic adults, combined n‑3 PUFA and plant sterols for 3 weeks lowered inflammation markers and overall cardiovascular risk.
Controlled feeding trials showed that low- and moderate-fat plant sterol–fortified soymilks reduced total and LDL cholesterol (≈10–15%) versus 1% dairy milk; moderate-fat soymilk also reduced cholesterol absorption and triglycerides.
Plant sterol (2 g/day) lowered LDL cholesterol variably; genetic variants (CYP7A1 and APOE) influenced the magnitude of LDL lowering.
In an 8-week randomized trial plant sterols (with or without exercise) reduced cholesterol absorption and, when combined with exercise, produced favorable lipid changes including lower LDL.
In a randomized crossover trial in men, both free and esterified plant sterols reduced cholesterol absorption (~60%) and lowered beta-carotene (~50%) and alpha-tocopherol (~20%) bioavailability; esters had larger reductions than free sterols.
Single‑meal isotope absorption tests showed micellar (water‑dispersible) phytosterols significantly reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption at doses as low as 300–500 mg.
In a 3-period crossover in healthy adults, 2 g/day plant sterols reduced cholesterol absorption but did not significantly lower LDL due to a compensatory increase in synthesis.
Fat-free foods containing soy stanol-lecithin reduced single-meal cholesterol absorption substantially and, over 4 weeks, lowered total cholesterol (~10%) and LDL (~14%).
In 40 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, oat beta-glucan reduced LDL by 5.0% and adding 1.5 g plant stanols reduced LDL by 9.6% vs control over 4 weeks.
Daily plant stanol ester margarine reduced total and LDL cholesterol in healthy 6-year-old children regardless of gender or apoE phenotype.
In 26 hyperlipidemic subjects undergoing repeated plant sterol phases, some individuals showed little cholesterol absorption reduction and were non-responders; common SNPs did not explain most non-responsiveness.
In healthy Japanese volunteers, daily plant stanol ester spread modestly lowered total and LDL cholesterol and markedly reduced oxidized LDL over the trial period.
In medicated secondary prevention patients, a low-fat diet that included 2 g/day phytosterols (TLCD) decreased LDL and oxidized LDL compared with a Mediterranean diet, but diets differed in multiple components.
Checklist: - Confirm human randomized trial of plant sterol–enriched low-fat fermented milk; - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, oxidized LDL, plasma sitosterol); - Record participant count and numeric changes and safety markers. Simple summary: In hypercholesterolemic adults, daily low-fat fermented milk with plant sterols (1.6 g/day) reduced LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL and raised plasma sitosterol without adverse oxidative-stress signals.
Topical β-sitosterol (Mebo) vs trolamine (Biafine) during breast radiotherapy; Mebo reduced severe itch and pain but did not change dermatitis grade.
Topical β-sitosterol (Mebo) vs trolamine (Biafine) during breast radiotherapy; Mebo reduced severe itch and pain but did not change dermatitis grade.
Topical β-sitosterol (Mebo) vs trolamine (Biafine) during breast radiotherapy; Mebo reduced severe itch and pain but did not change dermatitis grade.
NAFLD patients received phytosterol esters ± omega-3; combination tended to improve liver attenuation and significantly reduced inflammatory marker TGF-β and lipids.
NAFLD patients received phytosterol esters ± omega-3; combination tended to improve liver attenuation and significantly reduced inflammatory marker TGF-β and lipids.
NAFLD patients received phytosterol esters ± omega-3; combination tended to improve liver attenuation and significantly reduced inflammatory marker TGF-β and lipids.
MEBO ointment (contains β-sitosterol) improved pressure-ulcer healing, reduced wound area, PUSH score, pain, and increased complete healing rate versus placebo.
MEBO ointment (contains β-sitosterol) improved pressure-ulcer healing, reduced wound area, PUSH score, pain, and increased complete healing rate versus placebo.
MEBO ointment (contains β-sitosterol) improved pressure-ulcer healing, reduced wound area, PUSH score, pain, and increased complete healing rate versus placebo.
Replacing usual cooking oil with plant sterol–enriched palm oil for 8 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol in hyperlipidemic adults; CRP showed a small rise vs baseline but no significant between-group change.
Randomized trial in preterm infants showing vegetable-oil based lipid emulsions raise plasma phytosterols; cholestasis was rare.
Overweight/obese adults consuming 4 g/day plant stanol ester around COVID-19 vaccination had larger anti-Spike IgM responses (and higher IgG in those who seroconverted) and reduced stimulated cytokine responses, without LDL changes.
Overweight/obese adults consuming 4 g/day plant stanol ester around COVID-19 vaccination had larger anti-Spike IgM responses (and higher IgG in those who seroconverted) and reduced stimulated cytokine responses, without LDL changes.
Overweight/obese adults consuming 4 g/day plant stanol ester around COVID-19 vaccination had larger anti-Spike IgM responses (and higher IgG in those who seroconverted) and reduced stimulated cytokine responses, without LDL changes.
Six months of plant stanol ester (~3 g/day) reduced LDL (~10%) and non-HDL cholesterol and improved arterial stiffness in small arteries (AI) and prevented progression of large-artery stiffness (CAVI) in men.
Randomized trial in preterm infants showing vegetable-oil based lipid emulsions raise plasma phytosterols; cholestasis was rare.
After consuming plant sterol or stanol margarine, individuals showed stable and person-specific plasma oxyphytosterol levels; some people are consistent 'high' or 'low' oxidizers.
After consuming plant sterol or stanol margarine, individuals showed stable and person-specific plasma oxyphytosterol levels; some people are consistent 'high' or 'low' oxidizers.
Giving 4 g/day phytosterols in yogurt to people with metabolic syndrome for 2 months did not change plasma antioxidant capacity.
Plant sterol (2 g/day) lowered LDL cholesterol variably; genetic variants (CYP7A1 and APOE) influenced the magnitude of LDL lowering.
Plant sterol (2 g/day) lowered LDL cholesterol variably; genetic variants (CYP7A1 and APOE) influenced the magnitude of LDL lowering.
1.6 g/d plant sterols in low-fat yogurt consumed as a snack modestly lowered total cholesterol and tended to lower LDL while increasing cholesterol synthesis; fat-soluble vitamins unchanged.
In healthy volunteers consuming margarine with ~8.6 g/day phytosterols, total and LDL cholesterol fell substantially with no biologically important adverse effects on gut flora or female sex hormones.
In a 12-month randomized placebo-controlled trial, freshwater clam extract (contains phytosterols) significantly lowered serum TNF-α after 6 months and the reduction persisted 6 months after stopping the supplement.
In a 12-month randomized placebo-controlled trial, freshwater clam extract (contains phytosterols) significantly lowered serum TNF-α after 6 months and the reduction persisted 6 months after stopping the supplement.
In a 12-month randomized placebo-controlled trial, freshwater clam extract (contains phytosterols) significantly lowered serum TNF-α after 6 months and the reduction persisted 6 months after stopping the supplement.
3-week randomized double-blind trial: sterol-enriched milk lowered LDL cholesterol and showed strong HDL–ApoA1 association.
In 84 sedentary adults with high cholesterol, 8 weeks of plant sterol supplementation lowered total cholesterol and absolute LDL and increased blood plant-sterol markers; combining sterols with exercise gave the best lipid changes.
Very-low-birth-weight infants given a multicomponent lipid emulsion grew better and had higher blood omega-3 levels than those given pure soybean oil; phytosterol levels were higher in the soybean-oil group.
Very-low-birth-weight infants given a multicomponent lipid emulsion grew better and had higher blood omega-3 levels than those given pure soybean oil; phytosterol levels were higher in the soybean-oil group.
Very-low-birth-weight infants given a multicomponent lipid emulsion grew better and had higher blood omega-3 levels than those given pure soybean oil; phytosterol levels were higher in the soybean-oil group.
In high cardiovascular risk subjects, increasing phytosterols from natural foods (nuts) raised phytosterol intake and was associated with lower LDL cholesterol and improved LDL/HDL ratio.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, a 12-week plant-sterol-enriched spread lowered total and LDL cholesterol and raised plasma phytosterols but did not change endothelial function (FMD).
In hypercholesterolemic adults, a 12-week plant-sterol-enriched spread lowered total and LDL cholesterol and raised plasma phytosterols but did not change endothelial function (FMD).
Four-week crossover consumption of oat beta-glucan with or without plant stanols did not change LPS-stimulated IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, or hs-CRP; only minimal gene expression changes (3/84 genes) after plant stanol ester.
Four-week crossover consumption of oat beta-glucan with or without plant stanols did not change LPS-stimulated IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, or hs-CRP; only minimal gene expression changes (3/84 genes) after plant stanol ester.
Four-week crossover consumption of oat beta-glucan with or without plant stanols did not change LPS-stimulated IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, or hs-CRP; only minimal gene expression changes (3/84 genes) after plant stanol ester.
Yoghurt enriched with 1–2 g/d plant sterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol in a dose-dependent manner over the study periods; HDL and triglycerides were unchanged.
Softgel capsules providing 1.8 g/d esterified plant sterols/stanols for 6 weeks reduced LDL, non-HDL and total cholesterol in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Low-dose soy protein with added beta-sitosterol given daily for 40 days lowered LDL-C and apoB but did not affect Lp(a) or oxidized LDL antibodies.
Daily dressing containing 800 mg plant sterol for 12 weeks reduced total cholesterol, LDL-C and ApoB versus placebo with no adverse events reported.
A novel phytosterol ester emulsion (1.5 g/day) given as capsules reduced LDL-C by ~10% over one month compared with placebo in a remote crossover trial.
Cookies containing psyllium plus 2.6 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol and decreased apoB and numbers of atherogenic lipoprotein subfractions.
Eating stanol-ester margarines had little overall effect on measured blood carotenoids over 8 weeks.
Eating stanol-ester margarines had little overall effect on measured blood carotenoids over 8 weeks.
Eating stanol-ester margarines had little overall effect on measured blood carotenoids over 8 weeks.
CoQ10 formulated with low-dose soybean phytosterols showed similar bioavailability to a generic CoQ10 product in healthy men.
CoQ10 formulated with low-dose soybean phytosterols showed similar bioavailability to a generic CoQ10 product in healthy men.
CoQ10 formulated with low-dose soybean phytosterols showed similar bioavailability to a generic CoQ10 product in healthy men.
Daily fortified milk (including phytosterols) plus lifestyle counselling for 3 months improved several CVD-related markers (lower homocysteine, higher folate/B12) and tended to improve LDL:HDL; effects are from combined intervention.
Plant stanol ester intake reduced LDL-C more in subjects with ABCG5 Q604E (QE) genotype than in QQ genotype (greater LDL-C lowering when QE present).
Daily phytosterol-enriched milk (1.57 g/day) for 28 days reduced LDL-C and increased LDL resistance to oxidation and altered LDL lipid composition.
Daily phytosterol-enriched milk (1.57 g/day) for 28 days reduced LDL-C and increased LDL resistance to oxidation and altered LDL lipid composition.
In a 3-period crossover in healthy adults, 2 g/day plant sterols reduced cholesterol absorption but did not significantly lower LDL due to a compensatory increase in synthesis.
In hypercholesterolemic children, sterol-ester spreads lowered plasma total and LDL cholesterol and increased red-cell plant sterol ratios when sterol esters were consumed.
One-year sitostanol-ester margarine use lowered markers of cholesterol absorption and reduced serum beta-carotene but did not change vitamin D or retinol.
In patients with severe aortic stenosis consuming 2 g/day plant stanols or sterols until valve replacement (~2.6 months), LDL fell but valve sterol content, structure, and inflammation were unchanged.
In patients with severe aortic stenosis consuming 2 g/day plant stanols or sterols until valve replacement (~2.6 months), LDL fell but valve sterol content, structure, and inflammation were unchanged.
Phytosterol-enriched chocolate (1.8 g/d) given for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL or triglycerides and raised markers of sterol absorption; no adverse effects.
Phytosterol-enriched chocolate (1.8 g/d) given for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL or triglycerides and raised markers of sterol absorption; no adverse effects.
Daily plant stanol ester spread (3 g/d) for 6 months reduced LDL aggregation susceptibility and altered LDL lipid composition, alongside expected LDL-C lowering.
Daily plant stanol ester spread (3 g/d) for 6 months reduced LDL aggregation susceptibility and altered LDL lipid composition, alongside expected LDL-C lowering.
Daily plant stanol ester spread (3 g/d) for 6 months reduced LDL aggregation susceptibility and altered LDL lipid composition, alongside expected LDL-C lowering.
Adding 2.7 g phytosterols to daily ground beef for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol in young men with mild hypercholesterolemia.
Beta-sitosterol (a phytosterol mixture) for 6 months improved urinary symptoms and flow in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia compared with placebo.
Beta-sitosterol (a phytosterol mixture) for 6 months improved urinary symptoms and flow in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia compared with placebo.
Beta-sitosterol (a phytosterol mixture) for 6 months improved urinary symptoms and flow in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia compared with placebo.
Beta-sitosterol (a phytosterol mixture) for 6 months improved urinary symptoms and flow in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia compared with placebo.
Obese Japanese men with high LDL took rice bran ASG extract or placebo for 12 weeks; the extract group had greater reductions in LDL and some fat measures.
Mildly hypercholesterolemic Thais drank soy milk with 2 g/day plant stanols for 6 weeks and had substantial LDL and total cholesterol reductions; some fat-soluble carotenoids decreased.
Daily consumption of 0.45 g/day phytosterol ester in oil lowered total cholesterol and certain atherogenic lipoproteins in men with higher baseline cholesterol.
Daily consumption of 0.45 g/day phytosterol ester in oil lowered total cholesterol and certain atherogenic lipoproteins in men with higher baseline cholesterol.
In hypercholesterolemic subjects, oat-bran produced a transient total cholesterol decrease but did not change serum plant sterol proportions or cholesterol synthesis precursors substantially.
In a 6‑week randomized placebo-controlled trial, increasing dietary POP doses raised serum POP rapidly (steady state <7 days) in a dose‑dependent but nonlinear way, while COP were unchanged; serum plant sterols rose modestly and cholesterol changes were minimal.
In a 6‑week randomized placebo-controlled trial, increasing dietary POP doses raised serum POP rapidly (steady state <7 days) in a dose‑dependent but nonlinear way, while COP were unchanged; serum plant sterols rose modestly and cholesterol changes were minimal.
In a 6‑week randomized placebo-controlled trial, increasing dietary POP doses raised serum POP rapidly (steady state <7 days) in a dose‑dependent but nonlinear way, while COP were unchanged; serum plant sterols rose modestly and cholesterol changes were minimal.
In a 6‑week randomized placebo-controlled trial, increasing dietary POP doses raised serum POP rapidly (steady state <7 days) in a dose‑dependent but nonlinear way, while COP were unchanged; serum plant sterols rose modestly and cholesterol changes were minimal.
Plant sterol esters and stanols incorporated into various foods lowered LDL cholesterol (sterol esters ~13.6% fall; stanols ~8.3% fall) and altered plasma sterol markers without reducing plasma carotenoids.
Plant sterol esters and stanols incorporated into various foods lowered LDL cholesterol (sterol esters ~13.6% fall; stanols ~8.3% fall) and altered plasma sterol markers without reducing plasma carotenoids.
In 40 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, oat beta-glucan reduced LDL by 5.0% and adding 1.5 g plant stanols reduced LDL by 9.6% vs control over 4 weeks.
In 40 mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, oat beta-glucan reduced LDL by 5.0% and adding 1.5 g plant stanols reduced LDL by 9.6% vs control over 4 weeks.
Adding margarine with ~2 g/day plant sterols/stanols for 12 weeks helped some patients achieve ≥15% cholesterol reductions versus usual care.
In 29 rheumatoid arthritis patients, a strict uncooked vegan diet for 2–3 months lowered total and LDL cholesterol and changed plant sterol ratios (higher sitosterol:campesterol).
Eating bakery products enriched with sterol esters plus antioxidants for 8 weeks reduced a marker of lipid peroxidation compared with control products.
Post-hoc analysis in FH patients found baseline plant-sterol markers did not predict LDL‑C lowering by ezetimibe/simvastatin, though the drug markedly reduced circulating campesterol and sitosterol.
Post-hoc analysis in FH patients found baseline plant-sterol markers did not predict LDL‑C lowering by ezetimibe/simvastatin, though the drug markedly reduced circulating campesterol and sitosterol.
Post-hoc analysis in FH patients found baseline plant-sterol markers did not predict LDL‑C lowering by ezetimibe/simvastatin, though the drug markedly reduced circulating campesterol and sitosterol.
Ezetimibe plus statin produced greater and more sustained LDL-C lowering than doubling statin dose, with persistent decreases in absorption markers (campesterol) over 52 weeks.
Ezetimibe plus statin produced greater and more sustained LDL-C lowering than doubling statin dose, with persistent decreases in absorption markers (campesterol) over 52 weeks.
Postmenopausal women who drank a beverage with 2 g/day plant sterols for 6 weeks had lower total and LDL cholesterol and changes in some sterol and cytokine markers.
A phytosterol-enriched rice bran oil spread consumed as part of the diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults.
A daily stanol drink (2.0 g) lowered non‑HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in metabolic syndrome patients, including added benefit with simvastatin.
A daily stanol drink (2.0 g) lowered non‑HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in metabolic syndrome patients, including added benefit with simvastatin.
- Checklist: - Confirm human intervention(s) and select top outcomes (non-HDL/LDL, TAG, VLDL particle counts). - Extract participant numbers per study and reported numeric changes. - Assess study design and report likely mechanisms discussed. Two controlled human intervention studies (metabolic syndrome and normolipidemic groups) showed that plant stanol esters lower cholesterol and, in subjects with high baseline TAG, markedly reduce triglycerides and large VLDL particles.
Three months of 2 g/day phytosterol plus healthy diet lowered total and LDL cholesterol and improved apolipoprotein ratio, with no change in LDL particle size.
Daily bread with 2.3 g phytosterols for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced calculated CVD risk; HDL and TG unchanged.
Daily bread with 2.3 g phytosterols for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced calculated CVD risk; HDL and TG unchanged.
Incorporating phytosterols (2 g/d) in a cocoa cream for 4 weeks reduced LDL-C and improved inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers (hsCRP, oxLDL) compared with control.
Daily spread with ~2.2 g plant sterols for 6 weeks lowered fasting triglycerides and LDL-C in individuals with or at risk of T2DM (per-protocol analysis).
Softgel providing 1.8 g/day esterified plant sterols/stanols reduced LDL-C, non-HDL-C and total cholesterol versus placebo in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Randomized double-blind crossover trial: 1.8 g/day non-esterified plant sterol/stanol tablets (6 weeks) added to TLC diet produced modest but significant reductions in atherogenic lipids.
Six months of plant stanol ester (~3 g/day) reduced LDL (~10%) and non-HDL cholesterol and improved arterial stiffness in small arteries (AI) and prevented progression of large-artery stiffness (CAVI) in men.
In a controlled feeding crossover trial, 1.8 g/day plant sterols reduced LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in both diabetic and nondiabetic hypercholesterolemic participants.
3.0 g/d plant stanol esters for 4 weeks reduced total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in statin-treated adults with type 1 diabetes.
Softgel capsules providing 1.8 g/d esterified plant sterols/stanols for 6 weeks reduced LDL, non-HDL and total cholesterol in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Older hyperlipidemic adults consuming soy milk powder with phytosterol esters (≈2 g/day free phytosterols) for 6 months had reduced total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo.
Daily soy drink with plant sterols for 8 weeks lowered LDL, total and non-HDL cholesterol in adults with moderate hypercholesterolemia.
Obese Japanese men with high LDL took rice bran ASG extract or placebo for 12 weeks; the extract group had greater reductions in LDL and some fat measures.
Adults with mild-moderate hypercholesterolemia consumed low-fat yoghurt with ~1.9 g/day plant stanols for 4 weeks and showed modest but significant LDL and total cholesterol reductions.
- Checklist: - Confirm human intervention(s) and select top outcomes (non-HDL/LDL, TAG, VLDL particle counts). - Extract participant numbers per study and reported numeric changes. - Assess study design and report likely mechanisms discussed. Two controlled human intervention studies (metabolic syndrome and normolipidemic groups) showed that plant stanol esters lower cholesterol and, in subjects with high baseline TAG, markedly reduce triglycerides and large VLDL particles.
3-week double-blind placebo-controlled 2x2 factorial RCT: combination of 2 g/day phytosterols with 1.4 g/day n-3 LCPUFA produced greater lipid improvements than either alone in hyperlipidemic adults.
3-week double-blind placebo-controlled 2x2 factorial RCT: combination of 2 g/day phytosterols with 1.4 g/day n-3 LCPUFA produced greater lipid improvements than either alone in hyperlipidemic adults.
In 4-week treatment periods, plant sterols and ezetimibe each lowered LDL-C; combination reduced LDL-C most versus placebo but offered no clear benefit over ezetimibe alone.
3-week double-blind placebo-controlled 2x2 factorial RCT: combination of 2 g/day phytosterols with 1.4 g/day n-3 LCPUFA produced greater lipid improvements than either alone in hyperlipidemic adults.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, plant sterol intake (with or without exercise) lowered LDL cholesterol and increased adiponectin; no changes were seen in apoA1, apoB, ghrelin, or growth hormone.
Plant sterol ester–enriched low-fat milk and yoghurt reduced total and LDL cholesterol (~5–10%) in modestly hypercholesterolemic adults, with no effect on HDL or triglycerides.
One-year sitostanol-ester margarine use lowered markers of cholesterol absorption and reduced serum beta-carotene but did not change vitamin D or retinol.
Adults with mild–moderate hypercholesterolemia who ate low-fat foods providing 1.8 g/day phytosterols plus oat beta-glucan for 6 weeks had small but significant reductions in LDL and total cholesterol.
In HIV patients, ritonavir-boosted lopinavir increased total cholesterol and serum markers of cholesterol absorption (serum phytosterol ratios), indicating increased cholesterol absorption rather than synthesis.
In HIV patients, ritonavir-boosted lopinavir increased total cholesterol and serum markers of cholesterol absorption (serum phytosterol ratios), indicating increased cholesterol absorption rather than synthesis.
Adults with low baseline lathosterol-to-cholesterol ratio (low endogenous synthesis) had larger reductions in total and LDL cholesterol when consuming 2 g/day plant sterols for 28 days, whereas high-synthesis individuals did not respond.
Short randomized placebo-controlled trial: processed quinoa for 28 days reduced BMI and HbA1c and increased satiety in prediabetic patients.
Short randomized placebo-controlled trial: processed quinoa for 28 days reduced BMI and HbA1c and increased satiety in prediabetic patients.
Short randomized placebo-controlled trial: processed quinoa for 28 days reduced BMI and HbA1c and increased satiety in prediabetic patients.
Esterified phytosterols (0–9 g/day) for 8 weeks were well tolerated in 84 adults; increased serum campesterol and improved total:HDL ratio at the highest dose were observed without major adverse effects.
Over 85 weeks in 30 statin users, plant sterol margarine raised serum campesterol and lowered LDL-C; increased campesterol correlated with a small, non-significant increase in retinal venular diameter.
Short crossover feeding study showed serum campesterol and sitosterol rose proportionally to intake and both sterol/stanol mixtures similarly lowered LDL cholesterol.
In 32 adults given stearate-enriched plant sterol esters (3 g/day) for 4 weeks, LDL cholesterol fell ~11% and LDL:HDL ratio decreased ~10%.
Esterified phytosterols (0–9 g/day) for 8 weeks were well tolerated in 84 adults; increased serum campesterol and improved total:HDL ratio at the highest dose were observed without major adverse effects.
Esterified phytosterols (0–9 g/day) for 8 weeks were well tolerated in 84 adults; increased serum campesterol and improved total:HDL ratio at the highest dose were observed without major adverse effects.
In 86 patients on lipid-lowering therapy, adding 2 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks produced additional LDL-C reductions (~4–6.5% depending on background therapy) without further changes in absorption/synthesis markers.
In 86 patients on lipid-lowering therapy, adding 2 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks produced additional LDL-C reductions (~4–6.5% depending on background therapy) without further changes in absorption/synthesis markers.
In 86 patients on lipid-lowering therapy, adding 2 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks produced additional LDL-C reductions (~4–6.5% depending on background therapy) without further changes in absorption/synthesis markers.
Mildly hypercholesterolemic adults who drank orange juice fortified with 2 g/day plant sterols for 8 weeks had clinically meaningful reductions in LDL and total cholesterol.
In people with metabolic syndrome and high LDL, adding a soy/phytosterol medical food plus other plant compounds to a diet improved several cholesterol measures more than diet alone.
Ezetimibe treatment reduced plasma sitosterol and campesterol concentrations in patients with sitosterolemia over 8 weeks.
Crossover trial: fish-oil–ester plant sterols lowered triglycerides markedly and plant sterol esters lowered LDL and apoB compared with control oil.
Crossover trial showing margarines with 2 g/day plant sterols (rapeseed or tall oil) reduced LDL-C and apoB but lowered lipid-adjusted beta-carotene.
Adding plant sterol esters to a reduced‑fat spread in a low‑fat diet lowered blood cholesterol and related lipids in adults with mild‑to‑moderate high cholesterol.
Different doses of plant stanol esters produced a dose‑dependent reduction in total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults.
Low‑fat margarine and milk providing 2.3 g/day plant sterols reduced total and LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
Daily intake of a plant sterol–enriched spread for 4 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B without affecting HDL.
Daily ingestion of 2 g plant stanols lowered LDL-C (~9–10%) and ApoB (~5–9%) in Japanese subjects; response was not influenced by ApoE phenotype.
In statin-intolerant/unwilling adults, snack products containing a mix of cholesterol-lowering bioactives (including phytosterols) twice daily reduced LDL and total cholesterol over four weeks compared with control snacks.
In statin-treated patients, adding plant sterol or stanol (2.5 g/day) for 16 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol but did not change antioxidant status, oxidative stress markers, endothelial or low-grade inflammation markers.
In statin-treated patients, adding plant sterol or stanol (2.5 g/day) for 16 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol but did not change antioxidant status, oxidative stress markers, endothelial or low-grade inflammation markers.
During active weight loss phytosterol (campesterol) levels rose and synthesis marker (lanosterol) fell, with rebounds over long-term follow-up and an overall increase from baseline at 24 months.
During active weight loss phytosterol (campesterol) levels rose and synthesis marker (lanosterol) fell, with rebounds over long-term follow-up and an overall increase from baseline at 24 months.
A spread containing milk peptides plus 2 g plant sterols daily modestly reduced home systolic blood pressure and lowered total and LDL cholesterol versus placebo.
Daily intake of 1.6 g plant sterol esters in a spread for 1 year lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly and was safe with no adverse hormone or clinical-chemical effects.
In an 8-week randomized trial plant sterols (with or without exercise) reduced cholesterol absorption and, when combined with exercise, produced favorable lipid changes including lower LDL.
In an 8-week randomized trial plant sterols (with or without exercise) reduced cholesterol absorption and, when combined with exercise, produced favorable lipid changes including lower LDL.
Daily intake of ~2 g phytosterols delivered in milk for 4 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol by about 7–8% in hypercholesterolaemic subjects.
Daily intake of ~2 g phytosterols delivered in milk for 4 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol by about 7–8% in hypercholesterolaemic subjects.
In medicated secondary prevention patients, a low-fat diet that included 2 g/day phytosterols (TLCD) decreased LDL and oxidized LDL compared with a Mediterranean diet, but diets differed in multiple components.
People eating bakery products delivering 3.2 g/day sterol esters for 8 weeks had lower total and LDL cholesterol without reductions in measured antioxidants.
Phytostanol-ester enriched foods reduced LDL-C ~10–13% and lowered cholesterol absorption similarly in high and low absorbers.
In 100 postmenopausal women given Diascorea (source of phytosterols) for 12 months, transient antioxidant improvement at 6 months and changes in blood cell indices (decreased WBC at 6 months; increased hematocrit and MCV at 12 months) were observed, while lipid changes were not significant.
In 100 postmenopausal women given Diascorea (source of phytosterols) for 12 months, transient antioxidant improvement at 6 months and changes in blood cell indices (decreased WBC at 6 months; increased hematocrit and MCV at 12 months) were observed, while lipid changes were not significant.
In 100 postmenopausal women given Diascorea (source of phytosterols) for 12 months, transient antioxidant improvement at 6 months and changes in blood cell indices (decreased WBC at 6 months; increased hematocrit and MCV at 12 months) were observed, while lipid changes were not significant.
In 100 postmenopausal women given Diascorea (source of phytosterols) for 12 months, transient antioxidant improvement at 6 months and changes in blood cell indices (decreased WBC at 6 months; increased hematocrit and MCV at 12 months) were observed, while lipid changes were not significant.
In 100 postmenopausal women given Diascorea (source of phytosterols) for 12 months, transient antioxidant improvement at 6 months and changes in blood cell indices (decreased WBC at 6 months; increased hematocrit and MCV at 12 months) were observed, while lipid changes were not significant.
In 177 men with BPH, 6 months of 130 mg/day beta‑sitosterol improved urinary symptoms (IPSS) and quality of life, increased peak urine flow, and reduced post-void residual volume versus placebo.
In 177 men with BPH, 6 months of 130 mg/day beta‑sitosterol improved urinary symptoms (IPSS) and quality of life, increased peak urine flow, and reduced post-void residual volume versus placebo.
In 177 men with BPH, 6 months of 130 mg/day beta‑sitosterol improved urinary symptoms (IPSS) and quality of life, increased peak urine flow, and reduced post-void residual volume versus placebo.
In 36 BPH patients, a 3-month Difaprost® (contains β-sitosterol among other agents) course showed non-significant improvements in urine residual and flow and reduced some histologic edema.
Healthy adults consuming plant sterol or stanol margarine had lower LDL cholesterol; sterols did not raise oxyphytosterols, while stanols reduced some oxyphytosterol metabolites.
Healthy adults consuming plant sterol or stanol margarine had lower LDL cholesterol; sterols did not raise oxyphytosterols, while stanols reduced some oxyphytosterol metabolites.
In healthy volunteers, recommended (2.5 g/d) or high (9.0 g/d) plant stanol intake did not change ex vivo T-cell cytokine production; the high dose did lower total and LDL cholesterol.
In healthy volunteers, recommended (2.5 g/d) or high (9.0 g/d) plant stanol intake did not change ex vivo T-cell cytokine production; the high dose did lower total and LDL cholesterol.
In healthy volunteers, recommended (2.5 g/d) or high (9.0 g/d) plant stanol intake did not change ex vivo T-cell cytokine production; the high dose did lower total and LDL cholesterol.
In healthy volunteers, recommended (2.5 g/d) or high (9.0 g/d) plant stanol intake did not change ex vivo T-cell cytokine production; the high dose did lower total and LDL cholesterol.
In a randomized crossover trial in men, both free and esterified plant sterols reduced cholesterol absorption (~60%) and lowered beta-carotene (~50%) and alpha-tocopherol (~20%) bioavailability; esters had larger reductions than free sterols.
In a randomized crossover trial in men, both free and esterified plant sterols reduced cholesterol absorption (~60%) and lowered beta-carotene (~50%) and alpha-tocopherol (~20%) bioavailability; esters had larger reductions than free sterols.
Adults with moderate high cholesterol drank phytosterol-enriched soy milk and had lower LDL and endothelin-1, with some lipid improvements in higher‑LDL participants.
Postmenopausal women randomized to a plant‑based dietary program had higher circulating phytosterols (especially beta‑sitosterol) and larger total cholesterol reductions than controls.
Postmenopausal women randomized to a plant‑based dietary program had higher circulating phytosterols (especially beta‑sitosterol) and larger total cholesterol reductions than controls.
Small randomized study in pregnant women found maternal biochemical markers changed in expected directions with stanol intake and no major clinical safety signals for mothers or infants, though infant carotene merits monitoring.
Small randomized study in pregnant women found maternal biochemical markers changed in expected directions with stanol intake and no major clinical safety signals for mothers or infants, though infant carotene merits monitoring.
Small randomized study in pregnant women found maternal biochemical markers changed in expected directions with stanol intake and no major clinical safety signals for mothers or infants, though infant carotene merits monitoring.
Plant sterol esters (1.1–2.2 g/d) lowered total and LDL cholesterol in ApoE2 and ApoE3 carriers but not in ApoE4 carriers, and reduced certain serum carotenoids in some genotypes.
1.5 g/d phytosterol capsules added to NCEP Step 2 diet for 8 weeks did not reduce LDL-C or other measured metabolic parameters in children/adolescents with dyslipidemia.
Fifteen-week consumption of foods enriched with increasing doses of nonesterified plant sterols raised serum sitosterol but caused no serious adverse effects; a modest fall in serum alpha‑tocopherol was observed (dependent on LDL changes).
Short crossover feeding study showed serum campesterol and sitosterol rose proportionally to intake and both sterol/stanol mixtures similarly lowered LDL cholesterol.
Fifteen-week consumption of foods enriched with increasing doses of nonesterified plant sterols raised serum sitosterol but caused no serious adverse effects; a modest fall in serum alpha‑tocopherol was observed (dependent on LDL changes).
Ezetimibe treatment reduced plasma sitosterol and campesterol concentrations in patients with sitosterolemia over 8 weeks.
Ezetimibe treatment reduced plasma sitosterol and campesterol concentrations in patients with sitosterolemia over 8 weeks.
A 3-month combination product including B‑sitosterol improved nocturia, daytime frequency, and overall BPH symptom scores versus placebo.
A 3-month combination product including B‑sitosterol improved nocturia, daytime frequency, and overall BPH symptom scores versus placebo.
A 3-month combination product including B‑sitosterol improved nocturia, daytime frequency, and overall BPH symptom scores versus placebo.
~2 g/day plant stanol or sterol esters for 10 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol modestly but did not change flow-mediated dilation; sterol esters slightly reduced brachial artery diameter.
~2 g/day plant stanol or sterol esters for 10 weeks lowered LDL cholesterol modestly but did not change flow-mediated dilation; sterol esters slightly reduced brachial artery diameter.
Short trials testing doses of plant sterol in dressings found LDL lowering at higher doses and no safety problems at very high dose.
An 8.8 g/day plant stanol ester intervention for 10 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and decreased absorption markers while increasing synthesis markers; serum stanol levels rose modestly and normalized after washout.
An 8.8 g/day plant stanol ester intervention for 10 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and decreased absorption markers while increasing synthesis markers; serum stanol levels rose modestly and normalized after washout.
In hyperlipidemic adults, combined n‑3 PUFA and plant sterols for 3 weeks lowered inflammation markers and overall cardiovascular risk.
In hyperlipidemic adults, combined n‑3 PUFA and plant sterols for 3 weeks lowered inflammation markers and overall cardiovascular risk.
6-week crossover in hypercholesterolemic adults: sterol-enriched yogurt and vine-ripened tomato sauce (high adherence) both reduced LDL-C; tomato sauce effects similar magnitude to sterol product in adherent subjects.
Adding plant sterol esters to a reduced‑fat spread in a low‑fat diet lowered blood cholesterol and related lipids in adults with mild‑to‑moderate high cholesterol.
Four weeks of yoghurt with 2 g plant stanol ester in obese women lowered total and LDL cholesterol but did not change HDL or triglycerides.
Consuming 2.5 g plant stanols daily (either once or divided) lowered LDL cholesterol; HDL and triglycerides were unchanged.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized crossover single-blind human trial and primary outcomes (lipids). - Extract participant count and main lipid changes. - Note study limitations (single morning dose administration). In adults with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia, single morning doses of several plant sterol preparations for 29 days did not lower total or LDL cholesterol but were associated with an approximate 8% increase in HDL.
Short preoperative consumption of stanol or sterol spreads lowered blood cholesterol in statin‑treated patients; stanols tended to reduce arterial plant sterols.
In a 9-week double-blind crossover (n=76), a spread enriched with 0.8 g/day free soybean-derived plant sterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly; another sterol source did not lower cholesterol.
In a 9-week double-blind crossover (n=76), a spread enriched with 0.8 g/day free soybean-derived plant sterols lowered total and LDL cholesterol modestly; another sterol source did not lower cholesterol.
In 61 hypercholesterolemic outpatients on low-dose pravastatin, PS dissolved in DAG oil (≈0.5 g/d PS) produced additional cholesterol-lowering vs controls and greater apoB reductions in patients with higher baseline campesterol.
In 61 hypercholesterolemic outpatients on low-dose pravastatin, PS dissolved in DAG oil (≈0.5 g/d PS) produced additional cholesterol-lowering vs controls and greater apoB reductions in patients with higher baseline campesterol.
In 61 hypercholesterolemic outpatients on low-dose pravastatin, PS dissolved in DAG oil (≈0.5 g/d PS) produced additional cholesterol-lowering vs controls and greater apoB reductions in patients with higher baseline campesterol.
In 53 people with metabolic syndrome, plant-sterol–enriched margarine (recommended serving) lowered Apo-B and the Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio versus other fats, with no change in inflammatory markers.
In 53 people with metabolic syndrome, plant-sterol–enriched margarine (recommended serving) lowered Apo-B and the Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio versus other fats, with no change in inflammatory markers.
In 53 people with metabolic syndrome, plant-sterol–enriched margarine (recommended serving) lowered Apo-B and the Apo-B/Apo-A1 ratio versus other fats, with no change in inflammatory markers.
Eating margarine with plant sterols/stanols for 18 months lowered blood carotenoid levels but did not change macular pigment.
Eating margarine with plant sterols/stanols for 18 months lowered blood carotenoid levels but did not change macular pigment.
One month of psyllium plus plant sterols lowered LDL cholesterol, shifted LDL toward larger particles, and increased LDL receptor abundance.
One month of psyllium plus plant sterols lowered LDL cholesterol, shifted LDL toward larger particles, and increased LDL receptor abundance.
In 58 hypercholesterolemic volunteers, margarines with 2 g/day plant sterols lowered LDL (~8–9%) and rapeseed-derived sterols improved some vascular markers (E-selectin, tPAI-1).
In 58 hypercholesterolemic volunteers, margarines with 2 g/day plant sterols lowered LDL (~8–9%) and rapeseed-derived sterols improved some vascular markers (E-selectin, tPAI-1).
Low-fat margarines containing plant stanol esters added to a low-fat diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic adults.
Omega-3 plant sterol esters reduced triglycerides and modestly lowered diastolic BP and hsCRP but did not change LDL in mixed hyperlipidemic patients.
Daily low-fat yoghurt containing plant stanol esters lowered LDL cholesterol within 1 week; some fat-soluble antioxidants changed.
Randomized trial (MEBO versus standard therapy using povidone iodine plus bepanthenol) in ~211 hospitalized patients with partial-thickness burns: MEBO reduced hospital stay, time to 50% wound healing (superficial burns), and pain/analgesic use compared with the povidone-iodine standard.
Randomized trial (MEBO versus standard therapy using povidone iodine plus bepanthenol) in ~211 hospitalized patients with partial-thickness burns: MEBO reduced hospital stay, time to 50% wound healing (superficial burns), and pain/analgesic use compared with the povidone-iodine standard.
Randomized trial (MEBO versus standard therapy using povidone iodine plus bepanthenol) in ~211 hospitalized patients with partial-thickness burns: MEBO reduced hospital stay, time to 50% wound healing (superficial burns), and pain/analgesic use compared with the povidone-iodine standard.
In a 3‑month randomized study, adding phytosterols to canned tuna produced a significantly larger reduction in total and LDL cholesterol than tuna alone.
Adding 2 g/day plant sterol–enriched milk to a healthy diet reduced total and LDL cholesterol without worsening overall antioxidant status, though one carotenoid (cryptoxanthin) fell.
Incorporating phytosterols (2 g/d) in a cocoa cream for 4 weeks reduced LDL-C and improved inflammatory/oxidative biomarkers (hsCRP, oxLDL) compared with control.
Daily fortified milk (including phytosterols) plus lifestyle counselling for 3 months improved several CVD-related markers (lower homocysteine, higher folate/B12) and tended to improve LDL:HDL; effects are from combined intervention.
Placebo-controlled double-blind trial: rapidly disintegrating stanol-lecithin tablets (1.26 g stanols/day) for 6 weeks lowered LDL compared with placebo; slowly disintegrating capsules had no effect.
In high cardiovascular risk subjects, increasing phytosterols from natural foods (nuts) raised phytosterol intake and was associated with lower LDL cholesterol and improved LDL/HDL ratio.
Study tested plant sterol–fortified spreads on cholesterol; measured 25-OH-vitamin D and found no change, but the intervention was not vitamin D supplementation.
Crossover RCT: yogurt with 4 g/day plant stanol esters reduced total and LDL cholesterol over 4 weeks versus placebo without safety concerns.
In 112 non-hypercholesterolemic adults, consumption of stanol-ester products (vegetable or wood based) lowered LDL by ~13–15% with no change in HDL or triglycerides.
One-year consumption of plant sterol or stanol esters in hypercholesterolemic adults reduced serum cholesterol; genetic polymorphisms did not predict cholesterol-lowering response, though some genotypes related to vascular measures.
One-year consumption of plant sterol or stanol esters in hypercholesterolemic adults reduced serum cholesterol; genetic polymorphisms did not predict cholesterol-lowering response, though some genotypes related to vascular measures.
One-year consumption of plant sterol or stanol esters in hypercholesterolemic adults reduced serum cholesterol; genetic polymorphisms did not predict cholesterol-lowering response, though some genotypes related to vascular measures.
In type 2 diabetic patients, a phytosterol-enriched spread reduced total and LDL cholesterol (peak ~5–7% at 4 weeks) with effects attenuating over 12 weeks; small HDL increase and transient HbA1c reduction observed.
In healthy and mildly hypercholesterolemic adults, margarines enriched with plant sterols or sitostanol esters reduced total and LDL cholesterol by about 8–13% over ~3.5-week treatment periods without lowering HDL.
Individuals with metabolic syndrome took phytosterol nanoparticles or placebo for 6 months; phytosterols reduced triglycerides and waist circumference and lowered metabolic syndrome severity, while vitamin D levels fell similarly in both groups (seasonal effect).
Randomized double-blind trial (4 weeks) showed a spread with 2.0 g/day plant sterols + 1.0 g/day EPA+DHA lowered triglycerides and LDL‑cholesterol versus placebo.
Individuals with metabolic syndrome took phytosterol nanoparticles or placebo for 6 months; phytosterols reduced triglycerides and waist circumference and lowered metabolic syndrome severity, while vitamin D levels fell similarly in both groups (seasonal effect).
Individuals with metabolic syndrome took phytosterol nanoparticles or placebo for 6 months; phytosterols reduced triglycerides and waist circumference and lowered metabolic syndrome severity, while vitamin D levels fell similarly in both groups (seasonal effect).
Phytostanol-ester enriched foods reduced LDL-C ~10–13% and lowered cholesterol absorption similarly in high and low absorbers.
Heterozygotes and controls took ~1.6 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks; LDL fell in both groups while plant sterol levels rose and absorption decreased with compensatory synthesis increase.
Randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial: 17-day spirulina or wakame (4.8 g/day) did not change markers of cholesterol absorption/synthesis or serum lipids, glucose, or blood pressure in healthy non‑hypercholesterolemic adults.
Randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial: 17-day spirulina or wakame (4.8 g/day) did not change markers of cholesterol absorption/synthesis or serum lipids, glucose, or blood pressure in healthy non‑hypercholesterolemic adults.
Over 85 weeks in 30 statin users, plant sterol margarine raised serum campesterol and lowered LDL-C; increased campesterol correlated with a small, non-significant increase in retinal venular diameter.
In 157 adults with hypercholesterolemia consuming milk with 1.58 g/day phytosterol ester for 2 months, total cholesterol and LDL-C were significantly reduced vs normal milk and non-dairy groups.
In postmenopausal women, different stanol-enriched margarines and butters (≈2.4–3.2 g/d stanols) reduced LDL cholesterol and LDL/HDL ratio and modestly increased HDL, while some carotenoids decreased.
In 32 adults given stearate-enriched plant sterol esters (3 g/day) for 4 weeks, LDL cholesterol fell ~11% and LDL:HDL ratio decreased ~10%.
In patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, ezetimibe reduced phytosterol (absorption) markers, statins reduced synthesis markers, and combined therapy lowered both classes of non-cholesterol sterols.
Consuming 3 g/day plant sterol spreads raised plasma sitosterol and campesterol within 4 weeks and levels then remained stable through 12 weeks.
In patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, ezetimibe reduced phytosterol (absorption) markers, statins reduced synthesis markers, and combined therapy lowered both classes of non-cholesterol sterols.
Consuming 3 g/day plant sterol spreads raised plasma sitosterol and campesterol within 4 weeks and levels then remained stable through 12 weeks.
In patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, ezetimibe reduced phytosterol (absorption) markers, statins reduced synthesis markers, and combined therapy lowered both classes of non-cholesterol sterols.
In healthy middle-aged adults, daily plant stanol ester margarine reduced total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides over 4 weeks of supplementation.
Different food matrices delivering 1.6 g/day phytosterols variably lowered LDL and total cholesterol, with milk showing the largest reductions.
Different food matrices delivering 1.6 g/day phytosterols variably lowered LDL and total cholesterol, with milk showing the largest reductions.
Different food matrices delivering 1.6 g/day phytosterols variably lowered LDL and total cholesterol, with milk showing the largest reductions.
Different food matrices delivering 1.6 g/day phytosterols variably lowered LDL and total cholesterol, with milk showing the largest reductions.
Different food matrices delivering 1.6 g/day phytosterols variably lowered LDL and total cholesterol, with milk showing the largest reductions.
In a controlled feeding crossover trial, 1.8 g/day plant sterols reduced LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in both diabetic and nondiabetic hypercholesterolemic participants.
In a controlled feeding crossover trial, 1.8 g/day plant sterols reduced LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in both diabetic and nondiabetic hypercholesterolemic participants.
Postmenopausal women drinking a beverage with 2 g/day plant sterols showed changed fecal sterol patterns and reduced microbial conversion of some sterols.
Postmenopausal women drinking a beverage with 2 g/day plant sterols showed changed fecal sterol patterns and reduced microbial conversion of some sterols.
Postmenopausal women drinking a beverage with 2 g/day plant sterols showed changed fecal sterol patterns and reduced microbial conversion of some sterols.
Hypercholesterolemic men consuming 21 g/day of a plant sterol-enriched spread had modest reductions in total and LDL cholesterol; beta-carotene fell unless dietary fruit/veg advice was followed.
In hypercholesterolemic subjects, spreads with plant sterol/stanol esters lowered LDL (~7.7–9.5%) while dietary advice to add a high-carotenoid serving maintained plasma carotenoids.
A once-daily 2.5 g phytosterol drink reduced LDL-C, total cholesterol and ApoB-100 versus placebo; larger reductions seen in those with higher Mediterranean-diet adherence.
Phytosterol-enriched milk (2 g/day) reduced cholesterol measures in non-MetS patients (LDL ~-10.5%) but produced little or no benefit in MetS patients.
26-week open-label follow-up: daily plant sterol–enriched spread produced sustained LDL and total cholesterol reductions and increased circulating plant sterol markers.
Large multicentre randomized trial: a portfolio diet including phytosterols reduced LDL-C substantially (~13%) and did not alter fat‑soluble vitamin levels after cholesterol adjustment.
Large multicentre randomized trial: a portfolio diet including phytosterols reduced LDL-C substantially (~13%) and did not alter fat‑soluble vitamin levels after cholesterol adjustment.
In ~84 mildly hypercholesterolemic patients, 2 g/day phytosterol-enriched low‑fat milk for 3 months reduced total and LDL cholesterol similarly across diets (LDL reductions ~7–9.6%) without consistent harm to carotenoids when combined with a healthy diet.
In 67 hypercholesterolemic adults, consuming cocoa snack bars with 1.5 g phytosterols twice daily for 6 weeks lowered total cholesterol (~4.7%) and LDL (~6%) and the total/HDL ratio, with a small reduction in lipid-adjusted beta‑carotene.
In 21 overweight people with high cholesterol, olive-oil-esterified plant sterols reduced LDL and (for the olive-oil formulation) decreased LDL susceptibility to peroxidation.
A daily stanol drink (2.0 g) lowered non‑HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in metabolic syndrome patients, including added benefit with simvastatin.
In 67 hypercholesterolemic adults, consuming cocoa snack bars with 1.5 g phytosterols twice daily for 6 weeks lowered total cholesterol (~4.7%) and LDL (~6%) and the total/HDL ratio, with a small reduction in lipid-adjusted beta‑carotene.
Crossover trial showing margarines with 2 g/day plant sterols (rapeseed or tall oil) reduced LDL-C and apoB but lowered lipid-adjusted beta-carotene.
In metabolic syndrome subjects, fermented milk containing lactotripeptides plus 2 g/d plant sterol esters produced a borderline lipid-lowering effect but did not change blood pressure or haemodynamic measures versus placebo.
In renal transplant recipients with hypercholesterolaemia, stanol-containing functional foods reduced serum cholesterol more than control over 3 months (between-group difference significant).
Consuming low-fat dairy products with ~2 g/day plant sterols for 6 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol without lowering fat-soluble vitamin levels.
In a large randomized double-blind trial, spreads containing plant sterols (2.5 g/d) plus graded low doses of EPA+DHA dose-dependently lowered triglycerides (9.3–16.2%) and plant-sterol-containing groups lowered LDL-C (11.5–14.7%) versus control.
In a large randomized double-blind trial, spreads containing plant sterols (2.5 g/d) plus graded low doses of EPA+DHA dose-dependently lowered triglycerides (9.3–16.2%) and plant-sterol-containing groups lowered LDL-C (11.5–14.7%) versus control.
3.0 g/d plant stanol esters for 4 weeks reduced total, LDL and non-HDL cholesterol in statin-treated adults with type 1 diabetes.
1.6 g/d plant sterols in low-fat yogurt consumed as a snack modestly lowered total cholesterol and tended to lower LDL while increasing cholesterol synthesis; fat-soluble vitamins unchanged.
Plant sterol esters (1.1–2.2 g/d) lowered total and LDL cholesterol in ApoE2 and ApoE3 carriers but not in ApoE4 carriers, and reduced certain serum carotenoids in some genotypes.
Softgel capsules providing 1.8 g/d esterified plant sterols/stanols for 6 weeks reduced LDL, non-HDL and total cholesterol in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia.
Daily 2 g plant sterols in a yogurt-drink for 6–12 months significantly reduced small dense LDL-C and lowered LDL-C and total cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic children.
1.5 g/d phytosterol capsules added to NCEP Step 2 diet for 8 weeks did not reduce LDL-C or other measured metabolic parameters in children/adolescents with dyslipidemia.
Daily 2 g plant sterols in a yogurt-drink for 6–12 months significantly reduced small dense LDL-C and lowered LDL-C and total cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic children.
Sitostanol-ester margarine (3 g/d) reduced total and LDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women, including when combined with statin therapy.
A Mediterranean low-glycemic diet improved metabolic syndrome variables; adding a phytochemical-rich medical food containing phytosterols led to greater improvements in LDL and related lipoprotein markers and lowered homocysteine.
Daily fortified milk (including phytosterols) plus lifestyle counselling for 3 months improved several CVD-related markers (lower homocysteine, higher folate/B12) and tended to improve LDL:HDL; effects are from combined intervention.
A Mediterranean low-glycemic diet improved metabolic syndrome variables; adding a phytochemical-rich medical food containing phytosterols led to greater improvements in LDL and related lipoprotein markers and lowered homocysteine.
Daily intake of 2 g plant sterols reduced LDL-C and triglycerides in mildly hypercholesterolaemic adults; fish oil mainly reduced TAG and increased HDL; combination lowered TAG without interaction on cholesterol.
Plant stanol (2.5 g/day) margarine for 3 weeks lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced triglycerides especially in subjects with high baseline TAG.
Daily low-fat milk with free plant sterols for 4 weeks reduced LDL cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
Two years of ezetimibe 10 mg/day in homozygous sitosterolemia markedly lowered circulating plant sterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and modestly lowered LDL-related sterols and apoB.
Two years of ezetimibe 10 mg/day in homozygous sitosterolemia markedly lowered circulating plant sterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and modestly lowered LDL-related sterols and apoB.
Dalcetrapib treatment in patients raised HDL and increased campesterol only in certain patient subgroups (FCH, not FHA).
Two years of ezetimibe 10 mg/day in homozygous sitosterolemia markedly lowered circulating plant sterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and modestly lowered LDL-related sterols and apoB.
Two years of ezetimibe 10 mg/day in homozygous sitosterolemia markedly lowered circulating plant sterols (sitosterol, campesterol) and modestly lowered LDL-related sterols and apoB.
In pooled clinical studies, people who did not lower LDL with plant sterols had higher baseline cholesterol synthesis; responders had ~−15% LDL while nonresponders had minor change (~+3.7%).
In pooled clinical studies, people who did not lower LDL with plant sterols had higher baseline cholesterol synthesis; responders had ~−15% LDL while nonresponders had minor change (~+3.7%).
Crossover trial: fish-oil–ester plant sterols lowered triglycerides markedly and plant sterol esters lowered LDL and apoB compared with control oil.
Three-month randomized study: plant stanol esters (2 g/day) lowered LDL-C but produced no overall change in arterial elasticity or endothelial function; subjects with low baseline values improved.
Genetic study: CYP7A1 -204A>C variant associated with larger cholesterol lowering response to plant sterols and increased markers of cholesterol synthesis in C-allele carriers.
Genetic study: CYP7A1 -204A>C variant associated with larger cholesterol lowering response to plant sterols and increased markers of cholesterol synthesis in C-allele carriers.
Six-month randomized double-blind trial where 3 g/day plant stanol esters reduced LDL-C ~10% without changing serum PCSK9.
Forty-two-day randomized double-blind trial where 1.6 g/day phytosterol yogurt reduced LDL-C ~10–12%, lowered triglycerides, and increased the proportion reaching LDL targets.
In hypercholesterolemic adults, a low-fat spread with plant sterols reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; adding EPA+DHA further reduced VLDL components.
One-year sitostanol-ester margarine use lowered markers of cholesterol absorption and reduced serum beta-carotene but did not change vitamin D or retinol.
In asthma patients, 4 g/day plant stanol esters for 8 weeks increased hepatitis A vaccine antibody titres and reduced total IgE and some proinflammatory cytokines versus control.
In asthma patients, 4 g/day plant stanol esters for 8 weeks increased hepatitis A vaccine antibody titres and reduced total IgE and some proinflammatory cytokines versus control.
In asthma patients, 4 g/day plant stanol esters for 8 weeks increased hepatitis A vaccine antibody titres and reduced total IgE and some proinflammatory cytokines versus control.
Both stanol-ester and sterol-ester margarines (~2 g/d) consumed for 4 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol similarly; sterol esters increased serum sitosterol and campesterol.
Consuming margarine enriched with phytosterol esters markedly increased faecal neutral sterol excretion and modestly reduced secondary bile acids, with no increase in sterol oxides.
Consuming margarine enriched with phytosterol esters markedly increased faecal neutral sterol excretion and modestly reduced secondary bile acids, with no increase in sterol oxides.
Consuming margarine enriched with phytosterol esters markedly increased faecal neutral sterol excretion and modestly reduced secondary bile acids, with no increase in sterol oxides.
Heterozygotes and controls took ~1.6 g/day plant sterols for 4 weeks; LDL fell in both groups while plant sterol levels rose and absorption decreased with compensatory synthesis increase.
A spread with plant stanol esters (2 g/d) rapidly lowered cholesterol, hsCRP, and estimated cardiovascular risk compared with placebo.
A spread with plant stanol esters (2 g/d) rapidly lowered cholesterol, hsCRP, and estimated cardiovascular risk compared with placebo.
In hypercholesterolemic subjects, oat-bran produced a transient total cholesterol decrease but did not change serum plant sterol proportions or cholesterol synthesis precursors substantially.
Adding plant sterol or stanol esters for 16 weeks increased serum plant sterols but did not change red blood cell sterol content or osmotic fragility in statin-treated patients.
Adding plant sterol or stanol esters for 16 weeks increased serum plant sterols but did not change red blood cell sterol content or osmotic fragility in statin-treated patients.
Adding plant sterol or stanol esters for 16 weeks increased serum plant sterols but did not change red blood cell sterol content or osmotic fragility in statin-treated patients.
In subjects consuming plant stanol esters long-term, an acute stanol dose reduced certain plant sterols in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and altered postprandial sterol markers.
In subjects consuming plant stanol esters long-term, an acute stanol dose reduced certain plant sterols in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and altered postprandial sterol markers.
In subjects consuming plant stanol esters long-term, an acute stanol dose reduced certain plant sterols in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and altered postprandial sterol markers.
In >1000 elderly patients (analysis n=1061), higher baseline campesterol was associated with fewer cardiovascular events; ezetimibe markedly lowered LDL-C and cholesterol absorption markers at 24 weeks.
In >1000 elderly patients (analysis n=1061), higher baseline campesterol was associated with fewer cardiovascular events; ezetimibe markedly lowered LDL-C and cholesterol absorption markers at 24 weeks.
In >1000 elderly patients (analysis n=1061), higher baseline campesterol was associated with fewer cardiovascular events; ezetimibe markedly lowered LDL-C and cholesterol absorption markers at 24 weeks.
In 68 healthy people, rye bread with 2–4 g/day plant sterols for short treatment periods lowered total and LDL cholesterol and improved apoB/apoA1 and cholesterol/HDL ratios without affecting fat‑soluble vitamins.
In 21 overweight people with high cholesterol, olive-oil-esterified plant sterols reduced LDL and (for the olive-oil formulation) decreased LDL susceptibility to peroxidation.
In 36 BPH patients, a 3-month Difaprost® (contains β-sitosterol among other agents) course showed non-significant improvements in urine residual and flow and reduced some histologic edema.
In 36 BPH patients, a 3-month Difaprost® (contains β-sitosterol among other agents) course showed non-significant improvements in urine residual and flow and reduced some histologic edema.
Consuming plant sterol ester-enriched salad dressings (3.6 g/d) lowered LDL and triglycerides but also reduced plasma carotenoids in mildly hypercholesterolemic adults.
Daily spreads with microcrystalline plant sterols (1.5–3.0 g/day) lowered total and LDL cholesterol over 6 months with no apparent adverse effects on fat‑soluble vitamins.
One-year stanol-ester margarine feeding lowered serum cholesterol in most participants and changed markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
One-year stanol-ester margarine feeding lowered serum cholesterol in most participants and changed markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
One-year stanol-ester margarine feeding lowered serum cholesterol in most participants and changed markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis.
Six weeks of daily phytosterol-enriched low-fat fermented milk lowered total and LDL cholesterol and reduced a plasma isoprostane marker of oxidative burden.
Over 8 weeks, plant sterol supplementation reduced cholesterol content within LDL subfractions (~13–14%) but did not change LDL size distribution; exercise altered LDL size slightly.
Over 8 weeks, plant sterol supplementation reduced cholesterol content within LDL subfractions (~13–14%) but did not change LDL size distribution; exercise altered LDL size slightly.
Checklist: - Confirm human randomized trial of plant sterol–enriched low-fat fermented milk; - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, oxidized LDL, plasma sitosterol); - Record participant count and numeric changes and safety markers. Simple summary: In hypercholesterolemic adults, daily low-fat fermented milk with plant sterols (1.6 g/day) reduced LDL cholesterol and oxidized LDL and raised plasma sitosterol without adverse oxidative-stress signals.
Checklist: - Confirm human crossover trial comparing PS esters with different fatty-acid carriers (sunflower, olive, fish oil); - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, triglycerides, PAI-1) and their numeric changes; - Note sample size, crossover design, and industry involvement when assessing trust. Simple summary: In a small crossover study, plant sterol esters carried by fish oil lowered triglycerides and PAI-1 more than vegetable-oil carriers; all PS treatments lowered cholesterol versus baseline.
Checklist: - Confirm human crossover trial comparing PS esters with different fatty-acid carriers (sunflower, olive, fish oil); - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, triglycerides, PAI-1) and their numeric changes; - Note sample size, crossover design, and industry involvement when assessing trust. Simple summary: In a small crossover study, plant sterol esters carried by fish oil lowered triglycerides and PAI-1 more than vegetable-oil carriers; all PS treatments lowered cholesterol versus baseline.
Checklist: - Confirm human semirandomized double-blind crossover trial testing free plant sterols with high vs low dietary cholesterol; - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C, total cholesterol, plasma beta-sitosterol); - Note participant count and interaction results. Simple summary: In a 22-person crossover trial, plant sterol supplementation lowered cholesterol independent of dietary cholesterol level and increased plasma beta-sitosterol.
Checklist: - Confirm human randomized crossover dietary intervention in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH); - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C response, endothelial function, LDL particle size), focusing on LDL changes by baseline sitosterol tertiles; - Record numerical LDL changes per tertile. Simple summary: In FH patients, baseline plasma sitosterol levels predicted LDL response to sitosterol-enriched diets: those with higher basal sitosterol had larger LDL reductions.
Checklist: - Confirm human randomized crossover dietary intervention in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH); - Extract main outcomes (LDL-C response, endothelial function, LDL particle size), focusing on LDL changes by baseline sitosterol tertiles; - Record numerical LDL changes per tertile. Simple summary: In FH patients, baseline plasma sitosterol levels predicted LDL response to sitosterol-enriched diets: those with higher basal sitosterol had larger LDL reductions.
Replacing part of daily fat with sitostanol-ester margarine for one year lowered total and LDL cholesterol and was well tolerated.
In hypercholesterolemic subjects, spreads with plant sterol/stanol esters lowered LDL (~7.7–9.5%) while dietary advice to add a high-carotenoid serving maintained plasma carotenoids.
In 28 adults with elevated LDL, eating two servings/day of pistachios reduced small, dense LDL and improved some cholesterol efflux measures; β‑sitosterol levels rose, confirming intake.
In 28 adults with elevated LDL, eating two servings/day of pistachios reduced small, dense LDL and improved some cholesterol efflux measures; β‑sitosterol levels rose, confirming intake.
In 28 adults with elevated LDL, eating two servings/day of pistachios reduced small, dense LDL and improved some cholesterol efflux measures; β‑sitosterol levels rose, confirming intake.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized prospective human study in infants and outcomes (serum plant sterols, cholesterol precursors). - Extract participant numbers and percent changes in sterols. - Assess quality briefly. Doubling dietary plant sterols in 13-month-old children nearly doubled serum plant sterol levels (campesterol and sitosterol) but did not change markers of cholesterol synthesis.
In 152 adults with primary hypercholesterolemia, sterol‑ester margarine lowered LDL by ~8%; combined with cerivastatin the LDL reduction was additive (~39% combined).
Healthy young men replaced butter with sterol margarine; LDL fell, platelets were less sticky, fibrinogen rose slightly.
Children with familial hypercholesterolemia given plant sterols had lower cholesterol but no short-term improvement in blood vessel function.
Healthy young men replaced butter with sterol margarine; LDL fell, platelets were less sticky, fibrinogen rose slightly.
Healthy young men replaced butter with sterol margarine; LDL fell, platelets were less sticky, fibrinogen rose slightly.
In 4-week treatment periods, plant sterols and ezetimibe each lowered LDL-C; combination reduced LDL-C most versus placebo but offered no clear benefit over ezetimibe alone.
In 4-week treatment periods, plant sterols and ezetimibe each lowered LDL-C; combination reduced LDL-C most versus placebo but offered no clear benefit over ezetimibe alone.
Checklist: - Confirm human RCT testing plant stanol (phytosterol) effect in children; - Extract main measured outcomes (total cholesterol, LDL-C, beta-carotene/LDL ratio); - Record participant count and numerical changes; assess study quality quickly. Simple summary: In a double-blind crossover trial in 6-year-old children, replacing fat with plant stanol–enriched margarine slightly lowered total and LDL cholesterol but reduced beta-carotene/LDL ratio.
A dietary portfolio including plant sterols reduced LDL-cholesterol comparably to a statin, largely by lowering cholesterol in the small LDL subclass (portfolio -0.69 mmol/L).
A dietary portfolio including plant sterols reduced LDL-cholesterol comparably to a statin, largely by lowering cholesterol in the small LDL subclass (portfolio -0.69 mmol/L).
A dietary portfolio including plant sterols reduced LDL-cholesterol comparably to a statin, largely by lowering cholesterol in the small LDL subclass (portfolio -0.69 mmol/L).
Plant stanol esters increased cholesterol synthesis, lowered cholesterol absorption and LDL, and reduced absolute plasma ubiquinol-10 (~12–15%) and several fat-soluble antioxidants (largest for hydrocarbon carotenoids).
Plant stanol esters increased cholesterol synthesis, lowered cholesterol absorption and LDL, and reduced absolute plasma ubiquinol-10 (~12–15%) and several fat-soluble antioxidants (largest for hydrocarbon carotenoids).
Plant stanol esters increased cholesterol synthesis, lowered cholesterol absorption and LDL, and reduced absolute plasma ubiquinol-10 (~12–15%) and several fat-soluble antioxidants (largest for hydrocarbon carotenoids).
In patients undergoing carotid surgery, cholestyramine plus sitosterol lowered LDL-C less than atorvastatin and plaques showed higher macrophage content versus high‑dose statin.
In 72 healthy adults, a reduced-calorie orange juice with plant sterols (2 g/day) for 8 weeks lowered LDL (~9.4%), total cholesterol (~5%), and CRP (~12%) and increased HDL.
A single-dose 3 g/day plant-sterol yoghurt drink lowered LDL more when taken with a meal than when taken alone.
- Checklist: - Confirm human intervention(s) and select top outcomes (non-HDL/LDL, TAG, VLDL particle counts). - Extract participant numbers per study and reported numeric changes. - Assess study design and report likely mechanisms discussed. Two controlled human intervention studies (metabolic syndrome and normolipidemic groups) showed that plant stanol esters lower cholesterol and, in subjects with high baseline TAG, markedly reduce triglycerides and large VLDL particles.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized prospective human study in infants and outcomes (serum plant sterols, cholesterol precursors). - Extract participant numbers and percent changes in sterols. - Assess quality briefly. Doubling dietary plant sterols in 13-month-old children nearly doubled serum plant sterol levels (campesterol and sitosterol) but did not change markers of cholesterol synthesis.
In a 4-week crossover double-blind study, margarine with phytosterol esters lowered blood cholesterol levels, with genotype affecting the size of the effect.
Five-week randomized double-blind trial showed cheese with 2 g/day plant stanols lowered total and LDL cholesterol compared with control cheese.
In 54 statin-treated patients over 85 weeks, plant sterol esters reduced LDL by ~0.28 mmol/L (~8.7%) and stanol esters by ~0.42 mmol/L (~13.1%).
In 54 statin-treated patients over 85 weeks, plant sterol esters reduced LDL by ~0.28 mmol/L (~8.7%) and stanol esters by ~0.42 mmol/L (~13.1%).
In 54 statin-treated patients over 85 weeks, plant sterol esters reduced LDL by ~0.28 mmol/L (~8.7%) and stanol esters by ~0.42 mmol/L (~13.1%).
Dalcetrapib treatment in patients raised HDL and increased campesterol only in certain patient subgroups (FCH, not FHA).
Children with familial hypercholesterolemia given plant sterols had lower cholesterol but no short-term improvement in blood vessel function.
- Checklist: - Confirm human study and outcomes (lipids, endothelial function). - Extract participant count and main outcomes (TC, LDL-C, FMD). - Report numeric changes, assess quality. Children with familial high cholesterol took yogurt with 2.0 g plant stanols daily; their LDL and total cholesterol fell but blood vessel function (FMD) did not improve.
- Checklist: - Confirm randomized prospective human study in infants and outcomes (serum plant sterols, cholesterol precursors). - Extract participant numbers and percent changes in sterols. - Assess quality briefly. Doubling dietary plant sterols in 13-month-old children nearly doubled serum plant sterol levels (campesterol and sitosterol) but did not change markers of cholesterol synthesis.