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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #205357
Title: SHORT-TERM EFFICACY OF PLANT STEROLS CONSUMED AT BREAKFAST OR AT EACH MEAL IN LOWERING BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

Author
item ABUMWEIS, SUHAD - MCGILL UNIVERSITY
item VANSTONE, C - MCGILL UNIVERSITY
item JONES, PETER - MCGILL UNIVERSITY
item Lichtenstein, Alice

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/17/2006
Publication Date: 5/25/2006
Citation: Abumweis, S., Vanstone, C.A., Jones, P.J., Lichtenstein, A.H. 2006. Short-term efficacy of plant sterols consumed at breakfast or at each meal in lowering blood cholesterol levels. Canadian Society of Clinical Nutrition (CSCN) 5th Annual Meeting. Edmonton, Alberta. May 25-27, 2006. Abstract no. CSCN abstract 1.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Objective: To compare under controlled conditions the effect of plant sterol consumed as a single morning dose or divided through the day on blood lipid profile. Method: A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover-feeding, single blind trial was conducted in 19 subjects with LDL- cholesterol levels ' 3.0 mmol/l. Three isocaloric meals with similar macronutrient and cholesterol content were prepared each day for 5 days over 3 phases. Subjects consumed 2 of 3 daily meals under supervision. Each subject consumed in random order; control margarine with no plant sterol with each meal; plant sterol enriched margarine that provided 1.8 g of plant sterol with breakfast and control margarine with lunch and supper; and plant sterol enriched margarine that provided 1.8 g of plant sterol divided equally over the 3 meals. Blood samples were taken at days 5 & 6 of each phase to measure blood lipid levels. Results: Endpoint plasma LDL-cholesterol was lower (P< 0.05) when plant sterols were consumed at each meal (3.22+/-0.58 mmol/l) but not when consumed as single dose at breakfast (3.30+/-0.65 mmol/l) compared with control (3.43+/-0.62 mmol/l). Similarly, endpoint total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio was lower (P< 0.05) when plant sterols were consumed at each meal (4.13+/-0.79) but not when consumed at breakfast (4.32+/-0.80) compared with control (4.22+/-0.77). Endpoint plasma concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerol did not change significantly. Conclusion: This is the first study to show that short term use plant sterols (5 days) significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels and the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio. It was likewise demonstrated that dividing the dose throughout the day (3-times) results in greater efficacy than a single dose in the morning. If confirmed with longer term studies these data indicate that dosing frequency is a critical factor in the cholesterol lowering potential of plant sterols.