1. Cholesterol-Lowering Ability of a Phytostanol Softgel Supplement in Adults with Mild to Moderate Hypercholesterolemia
Woodgate D et al. Lipids. 2006;41:

2. Rationale
Previous studies have examined the effect of phytostanol in food sources such as margarine, yogurt, milk, juice, and others. Decreases in total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations of up to 15% have been observed. The aim of the study was to examine whether supplementation with phytostanol ester softgel capsules alters lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations in subjects with hypercholesterolaemia.
*DALY; disability-adjusted life years
Woodgate D et al. Lipids. 2006;41:

3. Design
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study design
Stanol ester 2.7 g/d (phytostanol ester 1.6 g/d)
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4. Patient population Inclusion criteria: Exclusion criteria:
Age years
Total cholesterol concentration >5.0 mmol/l
BMI >18 kg/m2 and <34 kg/m2
Exclusion criteria:
Pregnancy or breast-feeding
Hormone replacement therapy
Diabetes
Myocardial infarction, heart surgery
Cholesterol-lowering medication within the past 3 months
Allergy to the treatment
Use of street drugs within the past 3 months
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5. Protocol
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6. Results
Day 0
Day 29
Figure 1. Phytostanol supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in total cholesterol by 8% and LDL- cholesterol by 9%. There were no alterations in concentrations of HDL-cholesterol or triacylglycerols.
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7. Conclusion
Phytostanol esters 1.6 g/d in softgel form are effective in lowering total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations in mildly to moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Thus, the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced.
*DALY; disability-adjusted life years
Woodgate D et al. Lipids. 2006;41:

8. Editor’s note
“The present study shows the efficacy of a softgel form of phytostanol esters in lowering total and LDL-cholesterol. These changes were noted in the absence of dietary modification and were in the same order of magnitude as those reported in various studies in which individuals consumed phytostanol-enriched nonmargarine food products for 3-4 weeks.”
*DALY; disability-adjusted life years
Woodgate D et al. Lipids. 2006;41: