Phytosterols: Summaries of and links to the literature
ADA Nutrition Fact Sheet. The Plant Sterol Story: Using Food Choices to Help Manage Cholesterol. Available here
Van Horn L et al. J Am Diet Assoc. 2008;108:287–331.
A comprehensive and systematic review of the evidence for key dietary factors and their associated risk of cardiovascular disease. Abstract available here
National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel.
Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III): Final Report. Available here
St-Onge MP et al. J Nutr. 2003;133:1815–1820.
Study of the effects of plant phytosterols on plasma lipids. Available here
De Jong A et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2008;62:263–273.
Study of plant phytosterols in combination with statin therapy. Abstract available here
US Food and Drug Administration. Federal Register 65 FR 54685-54739, September 8, 2000 – Food Labeling: Health Claims; Plant Sterol/Stanol Esters and Coronary Heart Disease; Interim Final Rule. Available here
Earnest CP et al. Nutrition. 2007;23:625–633. Study suggesting phytosterol capsules may improve total and LDL-cholesterol in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia. Abstract available here.
Madsen MB et al. Clin Nutrition. 2007;26:792–798. Study suggesting improved LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides—in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia—following consumption of low fat spread and milk supplemented with phytosterols. Abstract available here.
Sialvera TE et al. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2011. Epub ahead of print. Study suggesting improved LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides—in patients with metabolic syndrome—following consumption of yoghurt supplemented with phytosterols. Abstract available here.