A randomized study comparing plant sterol- and soluble fiber-enriched soymilk with plain soymilk in adults with elevated LDL cholesterol.

What was studied

This randomised trial compared 2 soymilks over 8 weeks. SM was plain soymilk. SFSM was soymilk enriched with plant sterol and soluble fiber. 242 adults aged 18 or older took part. They had LDL-C above 130 mg/dL. They were untreated or on stable lipid-lowering therapy. 119 had SM and 123 had SFSM. They drank 2 packs of 180 mL each day. Both products had 5 g soy protein per serving. SFSM also had 1 g plant sterol and 5 g inulin. Total fiber was 5.8 g per serving. Daily intakes were 11.6 g total fiber and 2 g plant sterol. Glucose and lipids were checked at baseline. Checks were repeated every 2 weeks until week 8. The analysis included all 242 participants.

What they found

At week 8, LDL-C fell more in the SFSM group than in the SM group. The adjusted gap was 5.5 mg/dL. The range was 0.6 to 10.4. The p value was 0.028. No significant gaps were found in fasting glucose, HDL-C or triglycerides. None were found in the total cholesterol to HDL-C ratio. None were found in energy, fat or cholesterol intake. Fiber intake rose significantly more in the SFSM group.

What it means for patients

The authors say the findings support an LDL-C benefit. This was for enriched soymilk over plain soymilk at 8 weeks.

Why it is not certain yet

The authors say secondary and subgroup findings were exploratory. They should be read with caution. The trial was registered retrospectively. A single trial can only show so much.

Source

A randomized study comparing plant sterol- and soluble fiber-enriched soymilk with plain soymilk in adults with elevated LDL cholesterol.

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