Effect of Sitostanol Margarine on Serum Cholesterol in Children with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

In a controlled study 1 (N = 15), the effect of usual vegetable oil-based and sitostanol-based margarines on serum cholesterol were compared in children with familial hypercholesterolaemia (age 2-15 years). After 6 weeks of treatment sitostanol margarine had decreased serum total and LDL cholesterol by 11 and 15%, respectively, and increased the HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio by 27%.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by sparse data and potential reporting bias (no systematic literature search was performed).

References

• Gylling H, Siimes MA, Miettinen TA. Sitostanol ester margarine in dietary treatment of children with familial hypercholesterolemia. J Lipid Res 1995 Aug;36(8):1807-12. [PubMed]