Phytosterol Superstars

Phytosterols in the food supply

A great deal of evidence specifically relates phytosterol-enriched foods with LDL cholesterol–lowering benefits. In a meta-analysis published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings (2003;78(8):965-978), researchers analyzed data from 23 clinical trials of plant sterol–enriched foods, and 27 clinical trials of plant stanol–enriched foods, determining that plant sterols, as well as stanols, decreased LDL-cholesterol levels by about 10% at doses of at least 2 grams per day. Higher doses did not show substantial improvements in cholesterol-lowering ability. Although the FDA health claim notes that plant sterols and stanols should be consumed in two meals, recent research suggests that similar benefits occur when 2.5 grams of plant stanols are consumed at lunch, instead of divided into three meals (American Journal of Cardiology, 2005;96(1A):15D-22D).

Sterol- and stanol-enriched foods seem to have similar cholesterol-lowering effects in short-term studies, but a 2004 study (Annals of Medicine, 36(2):126-134) found that, at one year, plant sterol–enriched spread showed inconsistent effects compared with plant stanol–enriched spread. The study favored plant stanol–enriched spread for long-term lowering of serum cholesterol. More research is needed to better understand the differences between sterol- and stanol-enriched foods in long-term cholesterol reduction.

While phytosterol-enriched spreads seem to be the bread and butter of the phytosterol functional-food business, a more-diverse range of products is making its way to shelves. “It is estimated that the U.S. market for retail sterol products was $80 million in 2006,” says Mathieu.

Liza Pepple, product manager, ADM Natural Health & Nutrition, reports that the company’s plant sterols are GRAS in 19 different categories, including pasta and noodles, salty snacks, milk-type products, processed soups, puddings, soymilk, ice cream, cream substitutes, adult confections, edible vegetable oil (home use), adult ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, baked goods and fruit and/or vegetable juices, as well as vegetarian meat analogues, cheese and cream.

“Plant sterols could potentially save many thousands from premature death and significantly reduce health-care costs,” Mathieu says.

Sharon Palmer is a registered dietitian with 16 years of experience in health-care and foodservice management. She writes on food and nutrition for newspapers, magazines, websites and books. Palmer makes her home in Southern California and can be reached atinfo@sharonpalmer.com.