Study: CholestOff helps reduce LDLs by 5%
NORTHRIDGE, Calif. — A study published in the November 2011 International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition demonstrated a nearly 5% reduction in “bad” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol when Pharmavite's CholestOff was added to the National Cholesterol Education Program therapeutic lifestyle changes diet, Pharmavite announced Wednesday.
“The results of this study are both statistically significant and clinically relevant,” stated study co-author, Kevin Maki. “The study demonstrates that this supplement containing free (non-esterfied) phytosterols, when added to the NCEP’s TLC diet, significantly reduced the levels of both total and LDL cholesterol among the study participants, all of whom had elevated cholesterol initially. The FDA has concluded ‘[t]he scientific evidence establishes that including phytosterols in the diet helps to lower blood total and LDL cholesterol levels,’ and this study demonstrates that this dietary supplement formulation of free (non-esterified) phytosterols perform this function.”
Most clinical trials examining the effects of phytosterols on cholesterol have used such food forms as margarine-type spreads, orange juice, yogurt and yogurt-based drinks. In contrast, few have investigated the effects of phytosterols as supplements. The Food and Drug Administration concluded in 2010 that the formulation of phytosterols in dietary supplements can play an important role in cholesterol reduction in addition to a healthy diet and exercise.
“This study adds to the body of knowledge that supports the use of this dietary supplement of phytosterols in the appropriate daily dosages as an effective approach to lower LDL cholesterol in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program,” said Belinda Jenks, director of scientific affairs and nutrition education at Pharmavite and coauthor of the study. “These study results could be useful to healthcare providers and their patients considering options to reduce bad cholesterol, especially as this free-phytosterols supplement, CholestOff, can easily be added to a cholesterol-lowering regimen without negatively impacting a person’s diet or caloric intake.”
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