Reduction of LDL-Cholesterol in Mildly Hypercholesterolemic Thais with Plant Stanol Ester-Fortified Soy Milk
Wantanee Kriengsinyos PhD, RD*, Kanitsorn Sumriddetchkajorn MD, MPH*, Uruwan Yamborisut PhD*
Affiliation : * Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon-Pathom, Thailand
Objective : To investigate the effects of soymilk 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 β-cryptoxantene and β-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.
Keywords : Plant stanol esters, Soy milk, LDL-cholesterol, Mildly hypercholesterolemic, Thai
