Efficacy of plant stanol esters in subjects consuming NCEP diets

Increased concentrations of serum cholesterol, and in particular low-densit y lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, constitute the main risk factor for athero sclerotic vascular diseases (ASVD). Dietary modification, increased physica l activity, weight reduction in overweight people, and moderate alcohol con sumption form the first line of treatment for hypercholesterolaemia. Combin ing the cholesterol-lowering effect of foods containing plant stanol esters with a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet makes it possible to achieve a clinic ally significant additional reduction in serum cholesterol concentrations b eyond that obtained with a low-fat diet alone. Based on recent studies, ser um LDL cholesterol decreases by 18-24% with this approach. To achieve the o ptimal cholesterol-lowering effect with foods containing stanol esters, con sumers should be counselled about the principles of making healthy food cho ices and appropriate use of food products containing plant stanol esters.