Reduction of LDL-cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic Thais with plant stanol ester-fortified soy milk.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of soy milk fortified with plant stanol ester on changes in LDL-cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins and sex hormones in Thai volunteers.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 120 mildly hypercholesterolemic Thais were randomly assigned to stanol and control groups that were comparable in lipid profile and body mass index. Subjects consumed regular or 2g stanol-containing soymilk once a day and postprandially for six weeks. The serum lipid profile was measured at weeks 0, 2 and 6; serum fat-soluble vitamins and sex hormones were measured at weeks 0 and 6.

RESULTS

The mean reduction in total cholesterol was 8.2 % in the stanol group (p < 0.0001) and 0.6% in the control group. LDL-cholesterol declined in both groups at week two, but the reduction was maintained to week six only in the stanol group. The mean reduction in LDL-cholesterol was 13.5% in the stanol group (p < 0.0001) at week 6, compared to a 4.6% decrease in the control group. Adjusted serum beta-cryptoxantene and beta-carotene levels decreased at week six for the stanol group. Serum sex hormone levels in both groups remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Consumption of stanol-ester-containing soymilk for six weeks significantly reduced LDL-cholesterol in mildly hypercholesterolemic Thais. No adverse effect on sex hormones was observed However, stanol-ester consumers are at risk of fat-soluble-vitamin deficiencies if the vitamin intake from foods is inadequate.