Indication: Cholesterol

Source: Br J Nutr. November, 2002; 88(5):479-88.

Research: For four weeks, 70 participants with mild hypercholesterolemia consumed three 10-gram servings of phytosterol (Reducol™)-enriched cho­colate per day, which provided 1.8 grams of unesterified phytosterols. The control group consumed placebo portions of chocolate that contained no phytosterol supplement. All subjects consumed a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet both before and during the study period.

Results: At the end of the study, blood levels of both total and LDL cholesterol levels were statistically significantly reduced by 6.4% and 10.3%, respectively, when compared to the placebo group. These levels of reduction in blood cholesterol are clinically significant in the fight against cholesterol-induced risk of coronary artery disease. Thus, consumption of chocolates fortified with phytosterols may provide an additional option for individuals needing to lower their blood cholesterol levels.