Research question 

 

The objective of this study is to identify a genetic basis for heterogeneity in responsiveness of lipids to plant sterol use, and to identify which regulators of cholesterol metabolism associate with the genetic factors identified.

 

Importance of proposed work

 

Numerous studies have shown that consumption of plant sterols and stanols can effectively reduce LDL-C levels. However, growing research has shown that not all individuals respond equally to doses of plant sterols and stanols. Thus, this study will examine the genetic basis for differing responses to plant stanol consumption. The long-term goal is to predetermine who will, and will not, respond to plant sterols as functional food ingredients.