Science behind Benecol® products

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is the primary sterol found in the cell membranes of human beings. It is made in the body the liver, and also derived from the diet. Although cholesterol is necessary for normal biochemical functions, the causal role of high-serum total cholesterol in the development of vascular atherosclerosis is well-established. It is estimated that about 70 % of the western adult population has elevated cholesterol levels.

As cholesterol is a lipid, it does not dissolve in water, or therefore in blood. In order for cholesterol and other lipids to be transported around the body via the blood stream, they are attached to proteins that render them soluble in blood. The levels off different forms of cholesterol sub-fractions (lipoproteins) in the blood have different effects on the risk of CHD. However, LDL cholesterol levels (sometimes referred to as bad cholesterol) are the most important determinant of risk. LDL cholesterol is the main carrier of cholesterol in the blood, and is an independent risk factor for CHD.

Plant stanols/sterols and their esters

Plant sterols and plant stanols are naturally present in the diet. In esterified form they are highly suitable for use in functional foods. Plant stanols are a refined form of plant sterols with improved technical and physiological functionality.

Beneficial effects

A large number of scientific studies have investigated the effect of plant sterols on blood cholesterol levels. It is apparent from these studies that plant sterols and stanols lower total and LDL cholesterol, but beneficially do not lower good HDL cholesterol or have any adverse effects on triglyceride levels.

Plant stanol ester reduces serum sterols by inhibiting their absorption from the small intestine. Watch a video of cholesterol lowering mechanism of plant stanol ester.

Proven effectiveness in long-term use

Reducing serum cholesterol through dietary changes often only provides short-term benefits due to the difficulty of making the changes permanent. Benecol® products maintain its effectiveness in long-term use, when the product is consumed on a daily basis. In a 12-month trial, serum cholesterol was reduced by 10% and LDL by 14%.