New scientific review on heart-healthy diets and plant stanol esters

New Clinical Review Highlights Heart-Healthy Diets and the Role of Plant Stanol Esters in Reducing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk

 

A comprehensive new clinical review has shed light on the important role of heart-healthy diets, particularly those incorporating phytostanol esters, in improving the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). The review, entitled “Heart-Healthy Diets Including Phytostanol Ester Consumption to Reduce the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: A Clinical Review”, provides valuable consolidated insights into how dietary interventions can help lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations and in doing so reduce ASCVD risk.

 

The review, authored by Piia Simonen et al., published in Lipids in Health and Disease during October 2024, summarizes the latest evidence on how specific dietary components, such as phytostanols, can lower LDL-cholesterol levels and ultimately help improve the risk of atherosclerosis—a condition characterised by the build-up of fatty plaques in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

 

Key Findings

The review highlights plant stanol esters, plant-derived compounds that are structurally similar to cholesterol, as an effective dietary intervention for lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Phytostanols, when consumed as part of a balanced, heart-healthy diet, have been shown to reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines and thereby decreasing the total amount of cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream.

 

Research cited in the review demonstrates that the consumption of phytostanols can lead to significant reductions in LDL-cholesterol levels, which are a key driver of atherosclerosis. When combined with other lifestyle changes, such as increasing dietary fiber intake, reducing saturated fats, and engaging in regular physical activity, phytostanols may play a critical role in reducing overall cardiovascular disease risk.

 

“Plant stanol ester represent a promising addition to dietary strategies aimed at preventing heart disease,” said Lotta Nylund, PhD, Research Manager. “The review shows that incorporating foods containing plant stanols into everyday diets—especially in those at higher risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease—can have a meaningful impact on heart health.”

 

Mechanisms of Action

The review provides a detailed explanation of the mechanisms behind plant stanol ester’s cholesterol-lowering effects. When ingested, phytostanols compete with cholesterol for absorption in the digestive system. This leads to a decrease in the amount of cholesterol absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in lower LDL cholesterol levels. The review also highlights the anti-inflammatory properties of plant stanols, which may contribute further benefits.

 

Clinical Implications

According to the authors, incorporating plant stanols into daily diets could be a good strategy for individuals with high cholesterol or those at risk for cardiovascular diseases. Food with added plant stanol ester, such as vegetable spreads, yogurt drinks, and yogurts, can be found in the supermarket and easily incorporated into daily diet. The review recommends that healthcare providers consider recommending phytostanol-enriched foods as part of a comprehensive dietary plan aimed at improving heart health.

 

In addition to plant stanols, the review emphasises the importance of a diet and lifestyle-centred approach to heart disease prevention, including weight management, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

 

Global Relevance

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide with most people dying from atherosclerosis-related events such as heart attack and stroke. As global rates of cardiovascular disease continue to be a problem, dietary modifications, including the use of plant stanol ester, may offer an accessible and effective way to reduce the burden of these diseases.

 

“The global impact of cardiovascular disease underscores the need for easy, accessible and evidence-based prevention strategies,” said Lotta. “This review reminds clinicians of how plant stanols can be used to help reduce cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.”

 

Conclusion

This new clinical review provides compelling evidence that heart-healthy diets, particularly those that include plant stanol ester, offer a promising strategy for reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. By leveraging dietary components like plant stanols that lower cholesterol, we can support the global effort to prevent heart disease and improve public health outcomes.

References:

Simonen P et al., Heart-Healthy Diets Including Phytostanol Ester Consumption to Reduce the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases: A Clinical Review. Lipids in Health and Disease 2024; 23: 341.

For more details, read the full study here.