The effect of a low-fat spread with added plant sterols on vascular function markers: results of the Investigating Vascular Function Effects of Plant Sterols (INVEST) study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Plant sterols (PSs) lower LDL cholesterol, an established risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). No direct evidence is available supporting a reduced risk of CAD for foods with added PSs. Endothelial dysfunction is seen as an early indicator of atherosclerotic damage.

Objectives

This study was primarily designed to investigate the effect of a low-fat spread with added PSs on brachial artery endothelial function as measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Second, effects on arterial stiffness, blood pressure, serum lipids, and plasma PS concentrations were investigated. We hypothesized that PSs would not worsen FMD but would rather modestly improve FMD.

Design

This study had a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel design. After a 4-

SUBMITTER: Ras RT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4381780 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature