Plant sterols-enriched diet decreases small, dense LDL-cholesterol levels in children with hypercholesterolemia: a prospective study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Small dense low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) molecules are more atherogenic compared with large buoyant ones. Phytosterols-enriched diets are effective in decreasing total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in hyperlipidemic children without significant adverse effects. Limited data on the impact of such a diet on sdLDL-C levels is available in adults while there are no reports concerning children. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate the effect of the daily consumption of 2 g of plant sterols on sdLDL-C levels in children with hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS:

Fifty-nine children, 25 with LDL-C ≥ 3.4 mmol/l (130 mg/dl) and 34 with LDL-C < 3.4 mmol/l, aged 4.5-15.9 years, were included in the study. A yogurt-drink enriched with 2 g of plant sterols was added to the daily diet of hypercholesterolemic children and 6-12 months later lipid profiles were reassessed. Direct quantitative methods were used to measure LDL-C and sdLDL-C levels.

RESULTS:

The consumption of plant sterols reduced sdLDL-C significantly (p < 0.001), but levels remained higher compared with controls (p < 0.001). TC, LDL-C, non high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (NonHDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels also decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The median reduction of sdLDL-C and LDL-C was 16.6% and 13%, respectively. These variables decreased >10% in sixteen children (64%), independently from baseline levels, sex, age and body mass index (BMI). High density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], and triglycerides (TGs) levels remained unaffected.

CONCLUSIONS:

Plant sterols decrease sdLDL-C significantly and may be beneficial for children with hypercholesterolemia.

• Authors: Anastasia Garoufi, Styliani Vorre, Alexandra Soldatou, Charalampos Tsentidis, Lydia Kossiva, Antonios Drakatos, Antonios Marmarinos, Dimitrios Gourgiotis
• Journal: Italian journal of pediatrics (Ital J Pediatr) Vol. 40 Pg. 42 (May 03 2014) ISSN: 1824-7288 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24887013 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Cholesterol, LDL
• Phytosterols

Topics

• Adolescent
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Body Mass Index
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cholesterol, LDL (blood, drug effects)
• Diet (methods)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia (blood, diet therapy)
• Male
• Nephelometry and Turbidimetry
• Phytosterols (administration & dosage)
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome