Mixed
Consumption of plant sterols/stanols reduces LDL cholesterol by approximately 0.31 mmol/L, with efficacy significantly modulated by baseline LDL levels, food carrier type, and dosing frequency.
To lower LDL cholesterol effectively, consume 1.5 to 2.5 grams of plant sterols or stanols daily. Do not take them as a single morning dose, as this may be ineffective. Instead, split the dose across meals or take it with lunch. Ensure they are delivered in a food matrix with fat, such as fat spreads, milk, or yoghurt, rather than low-fat beverages or baked goods, as these carriers significantly enhance efficacy.
Plant sterol containing products decreased LDL levels by 0.31 mmol/L (95% CI, -0.35 to -0.27, P <0.0001) compared with placebo... Reductions in LDL levels were greater in individuals with high baseline LDL levels... Reductions in LDL were greater when plant sterols were incorporated into fat spreads, mayonnaise and salad dressing, milk and yoghurt... Plant sterols consumed as a single morning dose did not have a significant effect on LDL cholesterol levels.
Why this rating
Based on a systematic meta-analysis of 59 randomized controlled trials involving ~4500 subjects.
Source
Plant sterols/stanols as cholesterol lowering agents: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
SuhadS. Abumweis et al. · Food & Nutrition Research · 2008
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