- Title
- Beyond blood lipids: phytosterols, statins and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid therapy for hyperlipidemia
- Creator
- Micallef, Michelle A.; Garg, Manohar L.
- Relation
- Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry Vol. 20, Issue 12, p. 927-939
- Publisher Link
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2009.06.009
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Resource Type
- journal article
- Date
- 2009
- Description
- Phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids are natural compounds with potential cardiovascular benefits. Phytosterols inhibit cholesterol absorption, thereby reducing total- and LDL cholesterol. A number of clinical trials have established that the consumption of 1.5-2.0 g/day of phytosterols can result in a 10-15% reduction in LDL cholesterol in as short as a 3-week period in hyperlipidemic populations. Added benefits of phytosterol consumption have been demonstrated in people who are already on lipid-lowering medications (statin drugs). On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation has been associated with significant hypotriglyceridemic effects with concurrent modifications of other risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, including platelet function and pro-inflammatory mediators. Recent studies have provided evidence that the combination of phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cardiovascular risk in a complementary and synergistic way. This article reviews the health benefits of phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids, alone or in combination with statins, for the treatment/management of hyperlipidemia, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms involved.
- Subject
- hyperlipidemia; phytosterols; omega-3 fatty acids; statins; lipids
- Identifier
- uon:7109
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/806447
- Identifier
- ISSN:0955-2863
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