Phytosterols Lower Cholesterol

PARMA, ItalyThe European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that foods such as yogurt and margarine containing certain levels of plant stanols and sterols can reduce blood cholesterol levels by an average of 7 percent to 10.5 percent if a person consumes 1.5 to 2.4 grams of the phytosterols daily.

Scientists on the NDA Panel found that the effect is usually established within the first two to three weeks. Studies, which covered periods of up to 85 weeks, showed that the effect could be sustained throughout that period.

The NDA Panel also concluded that foods such as yogurts and milk, including low-fat yogurts and cheese, margarine-type spreads, mayonnaise, salad dressing and other dairy products, were the most suitable for delivering the cholesterol-lowering effects from plant stanols and sterols to the body. For other foods, information either was lacking or appeared to be less effective in reducing blood cholesterol levels.