The World Health Organisation has estimated that 80% of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke cases could be prevented by implementing positive diet and lifestyle changes.[1] Such changes include the uptake of a healthier diet, increasing physical activity and cessation of smoking. Elevated LDL cholesterol is widely accepted as one of the key modifiable risk factors associated with CHD.[2]

The role of plant sterols in lowering cholesterol has been studied extensively since the 1950s, and has been reviewed by independent health and scientific experts and international regulatory authorities[3]. To date, over 190 clinical studies have proven that plant sterols significantly lower cholesterol. .[4]1.5-2.4g of plant sterols can lower LDL cholesterol by 7-10% in 2-3 weeks,5 which can be increased to 15% when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

EU legislation shows that the optimal intake of plant sterols is 2.0-2.5g per day, and needs to be consumed every day for continued cholesterol lowering effect.

The efficacy and safety of the long-term consumption of spreads containing plant sterols has also been studied, demonstrating that plant sterol-enriched foods are an effective way to lower blood cholesterol concentrations, and are safe to use over a longer period of time..[5][6]

Dr Liz, Leigh-Firbank, Nutritionist at Unilever says: "We have a long history of supporting scientific research into cholesterol and being at the forefront of its management through diet and lifestyle. Our scientists continue to closely monitor developments in cholesterol and plant sterol and stanol research, and will continue to operate within regulatory requirements across the globe, including those for EU."

1. World Health Organisation (WHO). WHO Technical Report Series 916, Geneva, 2003

2. Tolonen H et al. Int J Epidemiol 2005; 34(1): 181-192

3. Novel Foods Approval - European Commission Decision 2000/500/EC 24 July 2000, EC Approval - Official Journal of the European Union. Commission Regulation (EC) No 983/2009 of 21 October 2009, EFSA The EFSA Journal (2009) 1175,1-9

4. References included in these studies and others:
-Katan et al (2003) and Demonty et al (2009): Continuous dose-response relationship of the LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of phytosterol intake.
-Demonty I et al., J Nutr 2009; 139 (2): 271-284:Efficacy and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood cholesterol levels.
-Katan MB et al. (Stresa Workshop, Italy 2001), Mayo Clin Proc 2003; 78:965-978.

5. Katan MB et al. Mayo Clin Proc 2003; 78: 965-978

6. Wolfs M et al (2006) Food and Chemical Toxicology 44: 1682-8

Source:
Flora pro.activ