Dietary plant sterols and cholesterol metabolism.

Plant sterols, naturally occurring in foods of plant origin, reduce cholesterol absorption. Experimental studies show plant sterols to be an important part of the serum-cholesterol lowering effect of certain diets and dietary components. Epidemiological data show that individuals with higher intakes of plant sterols from their habitual diets have lower serum-cholesterol levels.

Plant sterols and their role in combined use with statins for lipid lowering.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently one of the major contributors to the global burden of disease. Combination treatments to promote a maximal reduction of the ratio between total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein are currently the most effective way of preventing CVD. In this review, we assess the role of plant sterols and statins in CVD prevention.

Food insecurity and hunger are prevalent among HIV-positive individuals in British Columbia, Canada.

Hunger and food insecurity are important factors that may affect an individual's nutritional state and should therefore be assessed in nutrition surveillance activities. The objective of this study was to determine the level of food insecurity and hunger among HIV-positive persons accessing antiretroviral therapy in British Columbia. A cross-sectional study was performed in the BC HIV/AIDS drug treatment program, a province-wide source of free-of-charge antiretroviral medications.

Combination of phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids: a potential strategy to promote cardiovascular health.

Phytosterols and omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) are natural food ingredients with potential cardiovascular benefits. Phytosterols inhibit cholesterol absorption, thereby reducing total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-cholesterol levels. Numerous clinical studies have shown that a daily intake of 1.