Plant Stanol Esters and Influenza Vaccination

Evaluating the Effect of Different Daily Plant Stanol Ester Intakes on the Vaccination Response to an Influenza Vaccine

Plant stanols are known to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, recent studies have suggested that these compounds also beneficially influence the immune system, e.g. increasing vaccine-specific antibody titers. BMI and age have previously been negatively associated to vaccination responses. If plant stanols indeed have beneficial effects on the immune system, people with overweight or obesity and higher age might benefit from consuming plant stanols prior to receiving the influenza vaccination.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women
• Aged 60 years or older (or 59, but turning 60 years during influenza season 2022/2023 (in line with RIVM guidelines))
• BMI between 20 and 35 kg/m2
• Currently not using products containing plant sterols or stanols (products with a cholesterol lowering claim of Becel ProActiv, Benecol, Danacol, store brands)
• Willing to abstain from products containing plant sterols or stanols during the study (products with a cholesterol lowering claim of Becel ProActiv, Benecol, Danacol, store brands)
• Willing to keep the intake of fish oil and vitamin supplements constant

Exclusion Criteria:

• Already received influenza vaccination in 2022
• Already had influenza in 2022
• Allergy to an ingredient of the chews
• Having donated blood within one month prior to the start of the study, or planning to donate blood during the study
• Excessive alcohol use (>20 consumptions per week)
• Regular use of soft and/or hard drugs