Aim: 

Previous studies reported conflicting results on the effects of phytosterols or policosanols on serum chosterol (PLC) in hyperlipidemic patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a hypocaloric diet or diet and phytosterols or diet and policosanols on serum cholesterol in Naples aging people affected by high blood levels of cholesterol.

Methods: 

Fifty-five people (33 females, 60–75 years old) were recruited and compared with adult patients. Nutritional status was determined according to standard protocols: laboratory parameters; weight, height; waist (WC), hip (HC) and mid-upper arm (MAC) circumferences; triceps skinfold. Arterial blood pressure and handgrip dynamometric measurements were performed as well as bioelectrical impedance. The first group of subjects was treated with hypocaloric and hypocholesterolic (HHD) diet (25% of lipid) for three months. The others were treated with HHD and Phytosterols (Phy) (three times a week), or with HHD and policosanols (POL) (5 m/die), or with HHD, Phy and POL.

Results: 

In HHD-treated patients, total cholesterol (TCh) was reduced (196 29,9 mg/dl versus 230,1 14,7 baseline) as well as LDL (123 29.0 mg/dl vs 147 23.6). In Phy and HHD-treated subjects, TCH and LDL decreased (219 23.4 mg/dl vs 240 19.1; and 144.3 19.3 mg/dl vs 161.2 18.5, respectively). In POL and HHD-treated people, TCh and LDL were reduced (204.4 26.3 vs 254.5 19.8 mg/dl; and 125.5 24.2 vs 171.4 22.0 mg/dl), as well as serum triglycerides (TRY) (106.3 37.1 vs 146.4 62.8 mg/dl). With Phy, POL and HHD treatment, TCh and LDL were reduced (220.1 23.1 vs 287.2 19.2 mg/dl; and 145.2 27.1 vs 188.2 18.3 mg/dl) while TRY were 109.3 46.9 vs 151.2 51.9 mg/dl. All changes were statistically significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: 

Diet, phytosterols and policosanols may be useful to reduce serum cholesterol and triglycerides.