Plant sterols and stanols that lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Objective: analyze and evaluate scientific literature data on the need for the use of plant sterols and stanols for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in order to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Materials and methods. The article summarizes the information of scientific publications in the journals of search systems PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, as well as library databases (eLibrary). Results. Phytosterols (phytosterols), phytostanols, are lipid-like compounds found in foods of plant origin. Their structure is similar to cholesterol and therefore they successfully compete with it for absorption in the intestine, thus reducing the flow of cholesterol into the bloodstream. As a result of this therapy for hypercholesterolemia, the risk of coronary heart disease is reduced. The factors influencing the efficacy of sterols/stanols and ways to improve therapy with their use are discussed in the review. The effect of stanols on the immune system is also presented. Conclusion. Food products enriched with sterols and stanols (yoghurt, kefir, milk, spreads, etc.) are promising tools in the complex of non-medicinal measures to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, an established risk factor for CHD, and their introduction into the diet will contribute to the prevention of CHD among the Russian population.