Phytosterol capsules and serum cholesterol in hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Phytosterols are recommended in combination with diet therapy to reduce elevated LDL-cholesterol level. Meta-analyses indicate a 10% reduction in LDL-cholesterol from intake of approximately 2 g phytosterols/d incorporated into fat-based foods. However, the cholesterol lowering effect from capsules containing phytosterols is less documented.

Dairy products and metabolic effects in overweight men and women: results from a 6-mo intervention study.

Background: Some epidemiologic studies have suggested inverse relations between intake of dairy products and components of the metabolic syndrome.

Objective: The objective was to investigate the effects of an increased intake of dairy products in persons with a habitually low intake on body composition and factors related to the metabolic syndrome.

Design: Middle-aged overweight subjects (n = 121) with traits of the metabolic syndrome were recruited in Finland, Norway, and Sweden and randomly assigned into milk or control groups.