Phytosterol Calculator (sterols , stanols)
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Background Info
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Phytosterols (plant-derived sterols) have been found to lower LDL in a
dose-dependent manner. By analyzing existing trials (combined results
from 84 randomized, controlled trials), a newly derived equation was developed
to estimate the average decrease in LDL based on the daily dose of
phytosterols administered.
Final equation developed from the meta-analysis:1
Predicted LDL-C change =
-12.68 * [1 - EXP ( - phytosterol dose/ (1.12 /ln(2)) ]
Because elevated LDL cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart
disease, interventions that can reliably reduce LDL with virtually no side
effects are a welcome addition. The main mechanism of action of
phytosterols that produces the cholesterol-lowering effect is the
inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption. A daily intake of
approximately 2 grams of phytosterols can reduce cholesterol absorption by
30-40%.
The average reduction in LDL when this dose is administered over 21-182
days is roughly 9 percent. This roughly translateds into 10-20% fewer
new cases of CHD. Individuals with higher baseline LDL cholesterol
levels are likely to experience greater reductions.
Daily doses versus divided doses:
There is slightly lower efficacy with single daily doses compared to divided
doses, however,
both were found to have a signficant effect on LDL cholesterol-lowering.
Maximum dose versus efficacy:
The LDL cholesterol-lowering effect appears to level off when the daily intake
of phytosterols exceeds 2.5 grams/day. The usual suggested daily dose of
phytosterols that is practical based on available products is 2 grams/day.
| "Phytosterol-enriched foods and supplements are the only way to achieve intakes
high enough to reduce blood LDL cholesterol. Products currently on the market
(enriched spreads, fermented milk drinks, etc.) usually contain the proposed
daily phytosterol dose of 2 g in 1 to 3 portions."1
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Common food sources:
Phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol and are found in several
food sources such as whole grains, unrefined plant oils, nuts, seeds,
and legumes.
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Select the total daily dose of phytosterols:
Sample custom value:
grams/day
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Sample products
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Product |
Serv |
Plant sterols |
Serv/cont |
Price |
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Twinlab cholesterol success
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2 tabs |
900mg |
60 |
$20.57 |
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Nature Made Cholest-Off Plus |
2 caps |
900mg |
100 |
24.96 |
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Benecol Smart Chews |
2 chew |
800mg |
60 |
26.95 |
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TruHeart 100 Softgels Heart Health
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4 caps |
2000mg |
25 |
14.11 |
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References
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1.
Demonty I, Ras RT, van der Knaap HC, Duchateau GS, Meijer L, Zock PL,
Geleijnse JM, Trautwein EA. (2009) Continuous dose-response relationship of
the LDL-cholesterol-lowering effect of phytosterol intake. Journal of
Nutrition 139(2):271-84.
2. Katan MB, Grundy SM, Jones P, Law M, Miettinen T, Paoletti R. Efficacy
and safety of plant stanols and sterols in the management of blood
cholesterol levels. Mayo Clin Proc. 2003;78:965-78.
3. Naumann E, Plat J, Kester ADM, Mensink RP. The baseline serum lipoprotein
profile is related to plant stanol induced changes in serum lipoprotein
cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations. J Am Coll Nutr.
2008;27:117-26.
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