A little Research yeilds some facts.
Cholesterol-Reducing Food Ingredient (Reducol) Approved in EU for Use in 7 Food Groups
On March 2, the European Commission approved an expanded indication for a blend of plant-derived phytosterols and phytostanols (Reducol, made by Forbes Medi-Tech Inc.) in the European Union (EU), allowing its inclusion in seven major food groups as an aid to a low-fat diet and exercise in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels.
Approved food groups include margarine, fermented milk products, soy drinks, low-fat cheese products, yogurt products, spicy sauces, and salad dressings. A daily dose of 1.8-g/day of the product (1.5 g/70 kg of body weight) is recommended.
The ingredients (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, sitostanol, and campestanol) are derived from coniferous tree oils and serve to block intestinal absorption of cholesterol. They are poorly absorbed and excreted via the feces.
According to a company news release, positive results of more than 100 clinical studies support the efficacy of phytosterols in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. The product is not genotoxic and demonstrates no reproductive or developmental toxicity; no adverse events have been associated with its use.
The product was previously approved in the EU for use in milk-based products. It has been generally recognizes as safe by the U.S. FDA. Further, the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program recommended consumption of 2 g per day of phytosterols as part of the updated "clinical primary prevention" guidelines for coronary heart disease in May 2001.
medscape.com |
