Reduced bioavailability in some formulations of phytosterols accounts for the variable results observed in LDL- C- lowering efficacy among trials. This study examined the effects of a water-dispersible formulation of free phytosterols (WD-PS) versus phytosterol esters (PS-esters) on plasma lipid and fat soluble vitamins concentrations in hypercholesterolemic individuals. Using a double-blind, randomized, crossover study, 47 hypercholesterolemics were provided for 4 wk: WD-PS-enriched yogurt (2g/d), PS-esters-enriched yogurt (2g/d), or yogurt alone (placebo), in a random order. Each study phase was separated by 4 wk washout intervals. Supplementation of WD-PS or PS-esters similarly decreased serum TC (7.7% and 6.3%, respectively) and LDL-C levels (11.7% and 11.6%, respectively, p<0.001). The ratio of TC/ HDL-C decreased for WD-PS (10.6%, p<0.05) but not for PS-esters. Moreover, WD-PS reduced serum TG (13.9%, p<0.05) as compared to PS-esters (0.6%). The results of the current study confirm the importance of the formulation of phytosterols in their bioavailability and efficacy.

Reduced bioavailability in some formulations of phytosterols accounts for the variable results observed in LDL- C- lowering efficacy among trials. This study examined the effects of a water-dispersible formulation of free phytosterols (WD-PS) versus phytosterol esters (PS-esters) on plasma lipid and fat soluble vitamins concentrations in hypercholesterolemic individuals. Using a double-blind, randomized, crossover study, 47 hypercholesterolemics were provided for 4 wk: WD-PS-enriched yogurt (2g/d), PS-esters-enriched yogurt (2g/d), or yogurt alone (placebo), in a random order. Each study phase was separated by 4 wk washout intervals. Supplementation of WD-PS or PS-esters similarly decreased serum TC (7.7% and 6.3%, respectively) and LDL-C levels (11.7% and 11.6%, respectively, p<0.001). The ratio of TC/ HDL-C decreased for WD-PS (10.6%, p<0.05) but not for PS-esters. Moreover, WD-PS reduced serum TG (13.9%, p<0.05) as compared to PS-esters (0.6%). The results of the current study confirm the importance of the formulation of phytosterols in their bioavailability and efficacy.