Effects of Yoghurt with Plant Stanols on Serum Lipid Profile in Patients with Mild to Moderate Hyperlipidemia

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of low fat yoghurt with plant stanols as esters on serum lipids in subjects with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia. Subjects and Methods: A parallel, randomised, double-blind study design was used. In total, 70 mildly to moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects participated and they were randomly divided into two groups: a plant stanol ester group and a control group. The subjects in plant stanol ester group consumed low-fat yoghurt with 1.9 g plant stanols as esters (115 g) daily for 4 weeks where as subjects in control group consumed same amount of low fat yoghurt with outplant stanols as esters. Blood samples were collected at baseline, end of second, third and fourth week of intervention and the parameters of lipid profiles were analysed. Results: Four weeks’ intake of 1.9 g/d plant stanols as esters lowered total and LDL cholesterol levels by 4.6% and 6.3%, respectively (p<0.05). There was no change in serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or triacylglycerol concentrations (p>0.05). Conclusion: Low fat dairy products with plant stanols as esters might be useful tools to reduce serum total and LDL cholesterol levels in mildly or moderately hypercholesterolemic individuals to prevent more severe hypercholesterolemia.