Plant Sterols and Stanols Are Proven Cholesterol Reducers

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (September 5, 2006) — Like an estimated 100 million Americans, Jennifer Watson, 40, struggles with high cholesterol levels placing her at risk for heart disease. Unlike many others however, Jennifer wanted to try lowering her cholesterol through natural options.

“My husband and I started eating better. We added oats to our diet and began taking a daily plant sterol and stanol supplement,” said Watson. “By following this plan our cholesterol levels have lowered about 65 points each.”

Nationally-recognized nutrition and cholesterol researcher Wahida Karmally, DrPH, R.D., C.D.E, Director of Nutrition, The Irving Center for Clinical Research at Columbia University, confirms that the simplest solution to unhealthy cholesterol often comes from nature: “Because plant sterols and stanols have a similar molecular structure to that of cholesterol, they help inhibit cholesterol absorption, decreasing the absorption of both dietary cholesterol and cholesterol that is naturally produced by the body.”

“More than 50 years of research has shown that plant sterols and stanols can lower cholesterol without significant side effects and can even be combined with certain statin therapies,” Dr. Karmally validates. “In fact, by consuming plant sterols and stanols along with a healthy diet and exercise, LDL cholesterol can be reduced by around 15 percent on average.”

The National Cholesterol Education Program’s Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes guidelines recommend the consumption of 2 grams of plant sterols and stanols each day to achieve desired effects. People can find trace amounts of plant sterols and stanols in foods like almonds, apples, bananas, tomatoes, corn, lettuce and olive oil, but the amounts are not enough to add up to the recommended amount.

“Concentrated amounts of plant sterols and stanols are added to a number of specialty products that can give a person the 2 grams needed per day to lower cholesterol,” states Dr. Karmally. These products range from specialty margarine and orange juice to dietary supplements. “If you are concerned about excessive calorie and fat intake, consider a plant sterol and stanol supplement. Plant sterol and stanol supplements are also convenient and easy to incorporate into a cholesterol-friendly daily routine.”

Watson chose Nature Made CholestOff, a leading plant sterol and stanol supplement available nationwide. CholestOff’s ingredients have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 24 percent in as little as 21 days. Based on six clinical studies on this particular blend of plant sterols and stanols, called Reducol, the average LDL cholesterol reduction ranged from 4 to 24 percent. The average LDL cholesterol reduction from diet and exercise alone was about 9 percent.

Dr. Karmally recommends that those with elevated cholesterol should work closely with their health care professional to create a treatment program that meets their individual needs.

For more information on natural cholesterol reduction, visit the Nature Made Wellness Advisor at www.NatureMade.com.

ABOUT PHARMAVITE For more than 30 years, Pharmavite has earned and maintained the trust of pharmacists, consumers, and retailers by manufacturing high-quality vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements that are safe, effective and science-based. As an industry leader, Pharmavite adheres to manufacturing standards recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a not-for-profit organization that has set pharmaceutical and dietary supplement quality standards since 1820. In addition, Pharmavite participates in USP’s Verification Program for dietary supplements. The dietary supplement industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as by government agencies in each of the 50 states.