Phytosterols May Reduce Triglyceride Levels

LA GRANGE, Ill.Phytosterols may reduce triglycerides, as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, according to recent findings presented by Todd Rideout at SupplySide West 2010. Rideout, adjunct professor, Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, Richardson Centre for Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals, Canada, shared research showing the promising benefits of phytosterols for reducing triglycerides, for use in personalized nutritional programs, and for combination therapies with other dietary supplements and drugs.

Specifically, the triglyceride lowering effects of phytosterols have been recently suggested in several human trials including a meta-analysis ( J Nutr 2009, 139, 1143-1149 and J Am Coll Nutr 2008, 27, 117-126). Rideout pointed out that results from previous animal studies have been inconsistent and is encouraging more research in this area to understand the utility of phytosterols in lowering triglyceride concentrations.

We are very excited about the potential of sterols in safely and effectively combating heart-related conditions worldwide," he said. The totality of evidence supports phytosterols in lowering LDL cholesterol and now we have new information suggesting benefits on a broader scale."

Understanding why some patients respond to phytosterols better than others is driving his studies into the factors affecting response to lipid-lowering therapies. We have to move away from a one-size fits all mentality," he said. Instead we need to break it down by individual and look at things like metabolic variations, genotype, diet, dose and baseline LDL." He said individual factors affecting cholesterol synthesis will give doctors detailed information so they can prescribe the best therapy for a patient.

Phytosterols are found naturally in vegetables, fruits, vegetable oils, legumes, nuts and grains.

Dr. Rideout suggested that patients may see even greater benefits when combining sterols with other therapies. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to work well with plant sterols and in these combination studies we have seen a 20- to 25-percent drop in triglycerides and a 5- to 15-percent increase in high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol."