Abstract
Plant sterol-enriched foods are an effective dietary adjuvant in reducing cardiovascular risk by lowering total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum by up to approximately 15%. The mechanism of action of plant sterols is different from those of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors (statins) and thus their effect is additive. Combining plant sterols with other dietary components known to reduce cholesterol in a portfolio approach has proven to be most effective for reduction of hypercholesterolemia and provide an alternative treatment option for clinicians. Plant sterol-enriched foods provides clinicians with a relatively cheap, safe, and effective way to help patients manage their cardiovascular risk.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anticholesteremic Agents / administration & dosage
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Anticholesteremic Agents / adverse effects
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Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
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Cholesterol / blood
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Cholesterol, LDL / blood
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Diet*
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Dietary Supplements*
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Drug Therapy, Combination
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Hypercholesterolemia / blood
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Hypercholesterolemia / complications
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Hypercholesterolemia / diet therapy
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Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
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Phytosterols / administration & dosage
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Phytosterols / adverse effects
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Phytosterols / therapeutic use*
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Phytotherapy*
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Practice Guidelines as Topic
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Risk Factors
Substances
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Anticholesteremic Agents
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Cholesterol, LDL
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Phytosterols
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Cholesterol