Low-Fat Nondairy Minidrink Containing Plant Stanol Ester Effectively Reduces LDL Cholesterol in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Hypercholesterolemia as Part of a Western Diet

Abstract EN

The cholesterol-lowering efficacy of plant stanol ester (STAEST) added to fat- or milk-based products is well documented.

However, their efficacy when added to nondairy liquid drinks is less certain.

Therefore, we have investigated the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of STAEST added to a soymilk-based minidrink in the hypercholesterolemic subjects.

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study, the intervention group (n=27) consumed 2.7 g/d of plant stanols as the ester in soymilk-based minidrink (65 mL/d) with the control group (n=29) receiving the same drink without added plant stanols once a day with a meal for 4 weeks.

Serum total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations were reduced by 8.0, 11.1, and 10.2% compared with controls (P<0.05 for all).

Serum plant sterol concentrations and their ratios to cholesterol declined by 12–25% from baseline in the STAEST group while the ratio of campesterol to cholesterol was increased by 10% in the controls (P<0.05 for all).

Serum precursors of cholesterol remained unchanged in both groups.

In conclusion, STAEST-containing soymilk-based low-fat minidrink consumed once a day with a meal lowered LDL and non-HDL cholesterol concentrations without evoking any side effects in subjects consuming normal Western diet.

The clinical trial registration number is NCT01716390.