Standard Process publishes research on cholesterol levels

January 20, 2010 — In collaboration with the scientists in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Standard Process scientists have published a study examining the effects of nutritional supplement ingredients on cholesterol levels in Rapacz familial hypercholesterolemic swine or FH swine.

Findings of this study were reported in the Journal of Medicinal Food.

The scientists designed the study to compare nutritional components found in foods and supplements (pectin, polyphenols, and phytosterols) with a first-generation cholesterol medication (Lovastatin) to examine serum cholesterol levels in swine with a genetically altered tendency toward high cholesterol.

Researchers found a statistically significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (so-called “bad” cholesterol) in the swine receiving the polyphenol and phytosterol diets alone and in combination with pectin. Pectin alone was not effective, while phytosterols were the most effective dietary intervention. Supplements effectively reduced LDL levels in FH swine by half compared to Lovastatin.

Source: Metzger BT, Barnes DM, Reed JD. (2009 Aug). A comparison of pectin, polyphenols, and phytosterols, alone or in combination, to lovastatin for reduction of serum lipids in familial hypercholesterolemic swine. J Med Food. 12 (4): 854-60.

Source: Standard Process, www.standardprocess.com