The role of fats in the lifecycle stages. Adulthood--treatment: cholesterol-lowering with plant sterols.

Abstract

Margarines enriched with plant sterols are effective at lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels when eaten as recommended. LDL-cholesterol level reductions of more than 10% are achieved in most people. Phytosterol-containing foods are valuable additions to other cholesterol-lowering treatments, including statins. They should be considered for all patients with increased cardiovascular risk factors in whom LDL reduction is desirable. The only recognised possible adverse effect is reduction in some carotenoids in plasma, but this can be overcome by eating an additional serving of a carotenoid-rich (yellow or orange) fruit or vegetable.