scholarly journals Consumption of plant sterols in Belgium: consumption patterns of plant sterol-enriched foods in Flanders, Belgium

2011 ◽  
Vol 105 (6) ◽  
pp. 911-918 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Sioen ◽  
Christophe Matthys ◽  
Inge Huybrechts ◽  
John Van Camp ◽  
Stefaan De Henauw

The present study describes the consumption of foods enriched with plant sterols (PS) and supplements containing PS, and evaluates PS intakes via the current consumption and for specific consumption scenarios. A market inventory was performed to collate different PS-enriched food items and supplements available in Belgium. An FFQ was developed to investigate the consumption of PS-enriched foods and supplements. A total of 139 pre-school children (2·5–7 years old) and 569 adults (308 women and 261 men) living in Flanders (the northern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) participated in the study. Of these, 21 % (Flemish pre-school children) and 28·5 % (Flemish adults) consume PS-enriched food products, leading to a mean PS intake in the consumer group of 0·70 (sd 0·61) g/d for pre-school children and 1·51 (sd 1·42) g/d for adults. Of the adult PS consumers, 23·2 % did not suffer from elevated blood cholesterol levels; 50 % of them had a PS intake less than or equal to 1 g/d and 16·4 % had a PS intake above 3 g/d and 7·8 % even had an intake above 4 g/d. Scenario studies assessed the intake when all Belgian adults would consume PS-enriched margarines without (scenario 1) or with (scenario 2) a daily consumption of a PS-enriched yoghurt drink. This resulted in an intake above 3 g/d in 17 % (women) and 29 % (men) for scenario 1 and 40 % (women) and 53 % (men) for scenario 2. The results indicate that PS-enriched food products are also consumed by the non-target group. Efficient communication tools are needed to inform consumers better about the target group of PS-enriched products, the advised dose per day and alternative dietary strategies to lower the blood cholesterol level.

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umidakhon Makhmudova ◽  
P. Christian Schulze ◽  
Dieter Lütjohann ◽  
Oliver Weingärtner

Abstract Purpose of Review Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Elevated blood cholesterol levels are not only the major but also the best modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Lifestyle modifications which include a healthy diet are the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy. So-called functional foods supplemented with plant sterols lower blood cholesterol levels by about 10–15%. Recent Findings In the recent revision of the ESC/EAS dyslipidemia guideline 2019, plant sterols are recommended for the first time as an adjunct to lifestyle modification to lower blood cholesterol levels. However, the German Cardiac Society (DGK) is more critical of food supplementation with plant sterols and calls for randomized controlled trials investigating hard cardiovascular outcomes. An increasing body of evidence suggests that plant sterols per se are atherogenic. Summary This review discusses this controversy based on findings from in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical trials, and genetic evidence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 724-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter J H Jones

Abstract Despite the abundance of clinical trial data demonstrating the cholesterol-lowering action of plant sterol supplementation, substantial variability in efficacy exists in responsiveness across individuals. The goal of this review is to examine factors responsible for this heterogeneity in responsiveness of blood cholesterol levels to dietary plant sterols. Although initially thought to be due to random noise in the data, demonstrated consistency in degree of responsiveness in the context of controlled feeding designs from person to person suggests that other systematic drivers are responsible. Genetic explanations explaining this phenomenon appear to be gaining momentum. Particularly, single nucleotide polymorphisms within the genes coding for CYP7A1 and ApoE, as well as possibly other genes including ABCG5 and ABCG8, exist as predictors of whether LDL-C levels will decrease or even increase subsequent to plant sterol administration. In summary, nutrigenetic differences across genes associated with cholesterol trafficking pathways may be important in predicting how well any given individual will respond to dietary interventions. It is anticipated that eventually genetic tests will be developed that can guide health care professionals to optimize dietary strategies for health optimization.


Circulation ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 103 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 1369-1369
Author(s):  
Viktorina N Muratova ◽  
Syed S Islam ◽  
Emily C Spangler ◽  
Ellen W Demerath ◽  
William A Neal

P94 Background: Selective blood cholesterol screening of children based upon National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) guidelines of family history of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) or parental hypercholesterolemia is inadequate in a population with high prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), low levels of cholesterol screening, low socio-economic status (SES) and diminished access to preventive health care. We hypothesize that universal cholesterol screening of pre-pubertal school children may be effective in identifying children and their parents with abnormal lipid levels in this high risk rural population. Fifth grade school children from seven rural Appalachian counties participated in a school based cholesterol screening program. Data on family history of premature CHD, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, tobacco smoke exposure, dietary history and physical activity levels were collected at the time of screening. Seven hundred and nine 5 th grade students ( mean age 10.8 years) participated in the program. One hundred seventy four (24.5%) were considered presumptively dyslipidemic after non-fasting finger- stick (FS) cholesterol screening. Thirty six percent of these dyslipidemic children had a fasting lipid profile done. Dyslipidemia was confirmed in 37(59%) of these children. FS cholesterol levels were significantly correlated with fasting TC (r=0.80 p < 0.0001). Among confirmed dyslipidemic children, family history was not a good predictor of dyslipidemia (sensitivity 21.6%). Seventy nine parents of dyslipidemic children participated in fasting lipid profile assessment. Fifty two parents (67%) were dyslipidemic, most of them (79%) did not have a family history of premature CHD or hypercholesterolemia. FS cholesterol levels were also correlated with fasting TC of fathers (r=0.46 p=0.01), and mothers (r=0.32 p=0.02). Conclusion: Significant correlation exists between non-fasting FS cholesterol levels of children and subsequent fasting lipid profile of children and their parents. Family history has low sensitivity in predicting children with elevated serum cholesterol concentrations.


2009 ◽  
Vol 150 (11) ◽  
pp. 483-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Lugasi

Phytosterols are isoprene compounds that may be found in a great variety of different food products. The most important phytosterol compounds are β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. Plant sources of phytosterols are oily seeds, nuts, plant oils, grains, and pulses. Many controlled clinical studies have demonstrated their ability to reduce blood cholesterol levels in hyper- and normocholesterolaemic subjects. Investigators report that phytosterol intakes of 2 to 3 g/d reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by about 7–11% in human subjects, while LDL and TG levels do not change. Phytosterol intake higher than 3 g daily does not result in higher decrease of LDL level, but about consumption of 8.6 g per day does not have any detrimental effect on human health. A documented side effect of elevated phytosterol intake is the reduced level of certain carotenoids in sera but this effect can be balanced by increased consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in carotenoids. Subjects having hereditary sitosterolemia are highly advised to refrain from consuming foods supplemented with phytosterols. While dietary intake of phytosterols is too low to achieve significant reduce of cholesterol level, based on the Community legislation of 258/97/EC regulation related to novel foods and novel food ingredients, the European Union authorized to use phytosterols in certain food products at a concentration which resulted in a daily phytosterol intake less than 3 g. A European survey of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) shows that only 10-15% of the population consume foods supplemented with phytosterols, and phytosterol intake is less than the effective dose. Based on this survey it is supposed that the risk of phytosterols overdose is low. EFSA also stated that – based on the relevant scientific information – regular intake of foods supplemented with phytosterols/phytostanols is in significant correlation with reduced serum cholesterol level. Based on this statement, authorized foods supplemented with phytosterols will be the first food group legally having health claim for reduced risk of disease since the new Community legislation on nutritional and health claim on foods 1924/2006/EC exists. Consumers will have a scientifically substantiated health claim on the label of these foods: “Plant sterols/stanols have been shown to lower/reduce blood cholesterol. Blood cholesterol lowering may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.”


Author(s):  
Hasnidar Hasnidar ◽  
Andi Tamsil ◽  
Andi Akram

Fishery products are one of the products that have very limited durability and perishable so that the community, especially fishermen, preserve the product so that its freshness can last longer. One of the preservatives used is formalin, although it is very dangerous to human health. Some food products that contain formalin include: fresh fish, salted fish, tofu, wet noodles. Counseling on food safety needs to be continued widely to the public in various forms. This activity aims to educate and train partner groups on: 1) the dangers of formaldehyde on health; 2) characteristics of formalin food ingredients; 3) how to detect formalin foods; 4) eliminate / reduce formaldehyde levels in food products; 5) safe preservatives. The activities was carried out on February 7, 2019, in Desa Untia, Kecamatan Biringkanaya, Kota Makassar. The target group is fishermen and fisheries processors, as many as 23 people. The method used in service is counseling and training methods through lectures, discussions, and practice/training. The extension activity was attended by Untia village chiefs, local fisheries instructors, administrators of the All-Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI) and the target group. The activities went on smoothly and the target group enthusiastically attended counseling and training, because the knowledge/skills were needed to protect their families from the dangers of disease that could be caused by inappropriate use of formalin.


Author(s):  
Ruihai Zhou ◽  
George A. Stouffer ◽  
Sidney C. Smith

Hypercholesterolemia is a well-established risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been labeled as “bad” cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as “good” cholesterol. The prevailing hypothesis is that lowering blood cholesterol levels, especially LDL-C, reduces vascular deposition and retention of cholesterol or apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins which are atherogenic. We review herein the clinical trial data on different pharmacological approaches to lowering blood cholesterol and propose that the mechanism of action of cholesterol lowering, as well as the amplitude of cholesterol reduction, are critically important in leading to improved clinical outcomes in ASCVD. The effects of bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, niacin, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, apolipoprotein A-I and HDL mimetics, apoB regulators, acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, statins, and proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, among other strategies are reviewed. Clinical evidence supports that different classes of cholesterol lowering or lipoprotein regulating approaches yielded variable effects on ASCVD outcomes, especially in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Statins are the most widely used cholesterol lowering agents and have the best proven cardiovascular event and survival benefits. Manipulating cholesterol levels by specific targeting of apoproteins or lipoproteins has not yielded clinical benefit. Understanding why lowering LDL-C by different approaches varies in clinical outcomes of ASCVD, especially in survival benefit, may shed further light on our evolving understanding of how cholesterol and its carrier lipoproteins are involved in ASCVD and aid in developing effective pharmacological strategies to improve the clinical outcomes of ASCVD.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Carmen García-Cabo ◽  
Maria Castañón-Apilánez ◽  
Lorena Benavente-Fernández ◽  
Jose Maria Jimenez ◽  
Juan Arenillas ◽  
...  

Introduction: Mediterranean diet (MeDiet) has been associated with lower risk of stroke. Additionally, animal models suggested that some components of MeDiet are associated with better outcomes after ischemic stroke (IS). We aimed to evaluate the association between global adherence to the MeDiet and the consumption of particular components of the MeDiet with stroke outcomes. Material and Methods: Multicenter observational study of consecutive IS patients treated with endovascular therapy. Inclusion criteria were large anterior circulation vessel occlusion and pre-stroke modified Rankin scale (mRS) <2. Adherence to MeDiet prior to stroke was evaluated using MEDAS 14-item scale. We evaluated the total score and also individual components of the scale. Clinical, radiological, and prognostic variables were collected. Good functional prognosis was considered as mRS ≤2 and complete recanalization as thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3. Results: From January 1 to October 30, 2018, 239 patients were included (mean age 71 years, 48% women, median baseline NIHSS 16). Median MEDAS scale was 8 points (7–10). Patients with a higher adherence to MeDiet had significantly lower total and LDL-cholesterol levels. Total adherence score was not associated with stroke outcomes. In multivariate analyses, consumption of olive oil as the principal source of fat was independently associated with good functional outcome at 3 months, OR 3.2 (1.1–10.1) and daily consumption of wine was independently associated with complete recanalization, OR 2.0 (1.1–3.8). Conclusions: Our study suggests that some components of MeDiet, such as olive oil and wine consumption, are related to better prognosis after stroke. More studies are needed to confirm these findings.


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