Effects of Plant Stanol Esters on Blood Flow

Effects of Dietary Plant Stanol Esters of Blood Flow Among Healthy Adult Human Subject. The BLOOD FLOW -Study

Plant stanol esters as part of daily diet can decrease serum level of LDL-cholesterol up to 10%. This decrease diminishes the risk of development of premature atherosclerosis and it´s complications (e.g., acute myocardial infarction) in adult human subjects.

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate among healthy human subjects (N=100) effects of plant stanol esters (3 grams/day for 6 months) as part of daily diet in margarine on arterial endothelial cells, arterial stiffness, autonomic innervation of the arteries, arterial blood flow and serum fats. The non-invasive arterial measurements (VaSera®, EndoPat® and WinCRPS®) are performed and blood samples are taken at the beginning and at the end of the 6-month-long study period. Also questionnaires concerning healthy, and life and dietary habits are fulfilled. Dietary records (twice for a 3-day-period) are done.

Hypothesis of the study is that a dietary serum cholesterol lowering intervention has beneficial influence on the early prognostic markers of premature atherosclerosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• healthy human subjects

Exclusion Criteria:

• abnormal liver, kidney and thyroid function
• unstable myocardial disease
• inflammatory bowel disease
• alcohol abuse
• pregnancy
• any lipid-lowering medication