Evaluation of the lipid-lowering efficacy of a water dispersible formulation of free sterols versus plant sterol esters in humans consuming a supplemented dairy product

Abstract

Reduced bioavailability in some formulations of phytosterols accounts for the variable results observed in LDL- C- lowering efficacy among trials. This study examined the effects of a water-dispersible formulation of free phytosterols (WD-PS) versus phytosterol esters (PS-esters) on plasma lipid and fat soluble vitamins concentrations in hypercholesterolemic individuals. Using a double-blind, randomized, crossover study, 47 hypercholesterolemics were provided for 4 wk: WD-PS-enriched yogurt (2g/d), PS-esters-enriched yogurt (2g/d), or yogurt alone (placebo), in a random order. Each study phase was separated by 4 wk washout intervals. Supplementation of WD-PS or PS-esters similarly decreased serum TC (7.7% and 6.3%, respectively) and LDL-C levels (11.7% and 11.6%, respectively, p<0.001). The ratio of TC/ HDL-C decreased for WD-PS (10.6%, p<0.05) but not for PS-esters. Moreover, WD-PS reduced serum TG (13.9%, p<0.05) as compared to PS-esters (0.6%). The results of the current study confirm the importance of the formulation of phytosterols in their bioavailability and efficacy.