Progress and perspectives in plant sterol and plant stanol research

Nutr Rev. 2018 Oct 1;76(10):725-746. doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuy032.

Abstract

Current evidence indicates that foods with added plant sterols or stanols can lower serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This review summarizes the recent findings and deliberations of 31 experts in the field who participated in a scientific meeting in Winnipeg, Canada, on the health effects of plant sterols and stanols. Participants discussed issues including, but not limited to, the health benefits of plant sterols and stanols beyond cholesterol lowering, the role of plant sterols and stanols as adjuncts to diet and drugs, and the challenges involved in measuring plant sterols and stanols in biological samples. Variations in interindividual responses to plant sterols and stanols, as well as the personalization of lipid-lowering therapies, were addressed. Finally, the clinical aspects and treatment of sitosterolemia were reviewed. Although plant sterols and stanols continue to offer an efficacious and convenient dietary approach to cholesterol management, long-term clinical trials investigating the endpoints of cardiovascular disease are still lacking.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Canada
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / therapy*
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Congresses as Topic
  • Diet / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / blood
  • Hypercholesterolemia / therapy*
  • Intestinal Diseases / blood
  • Intestinal Diseases / therapy*
  • Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / blood
  • Lipid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / therapy*
  • Phytosterols / adverse effects*
  • Phytosterols / blood
  • Phytosterols / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Phytosterols
  • Cholesterol

Supplementary concepts

  • Sitosterolemia