Plant sterols and blood lipid levels.
Plant sterols have recently been recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Panel for use with the more traditional approaches of limiting saturated fat and cholesterol intakes, maintaining a healthy body weight and engaging in regular exercise, as a non-pharmacological approach to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Recent data confirm the original observation that approximately 1.6 g of plant sterol esters per day results in a maximal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering of approximately 10%. Few side-effects of plant sterols have been reported, with the exception of decreased levels of circulating carotenoids.
Lichtenstein
Alice H
AH
Cardiovascular Nutrition Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. lichtenstein@hnrc.tufts.edu
D000042:Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D010840:Phytosterols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D008055:Lipids; D010840:Phytosterols; D002338:Carotenoids