Which component of serum cholesterol do plant stanols/sterols lower?

Study for the eatrightPREP Domain 2 Dietetics Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which component of serum cholesterol do plant stanols/sterols lower?

Explanation:
Plant stanols and sterols lower LDL cholesterol by blocking intestinal absorption of cholesterol. They compete with dietary and biliary cholesterol for uptake in the gut, so less cholesterol reaches the bloodstream and the level of low-density lipoprotein in the blood falls. Since LDL carries the majority of circulating cholesterol and is most strongly linked to atherosclerosis risk, this reduction is the most clinically meaningful effect. HDL and triglycerides aren’t significantly affected by stanols and sterols, though total cholesterol may decrease somewhat as LDL drops.

Plant stanols and sterols lower LDL cholesterol by blocking intestinal absorption of cholesterol. They compete with dietary and biliary cholesterol for uptake in the gut, so less cholesterol reaches the bloodstream and the level of low-density lipoprotein in the blood falls. Since LDL carries the majority of circulating cholesterol and is most strongly linked to atherosclerosis risk, this reduction is the most clinically meaningful effect. HDL and triglycerides aren’t significantly affected by stanols and sterols, though total cholesterol may decrease somewhat as LDL drops.

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