TABLE 1.
Distribution of plasma lipids and noncholesterol sterol ratios by tertiles of total plant sterol intake in control subjects
| Characteristics | Tertile 1 | Tertile 2 | Tertile 3 | Pa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant sterol intake, mg/day | ≤260.1 | 260.2–360.0 | ≥360.1 | |
| n | 194 | 195 | 195 | |
| Sex, male (%) | 109 (56) | 166 (85) | 180 (92) | <0.001 |
| Age, years | 55.4 ± 7.6 | 53.7 ± 6.8 | 53.3 ± 7.1 | 0.008 |
| Total energy intake, kJ/day | 8,348 ± 2,522 | 10,191 ± 2,553 | 12,576 ± 2,918 | <0.001 |
| Plasma lipids, mmol/l | ||||
| Total cholesterol | ||||
| Unadjusted | 5.68 ± 0.86 | 5.66 ± 0.91 | 5.67 ± 0.91 | 0.982 |
| Adjustedb | 5.68 | 5.66 | 5.67 | 0.798 |
| LDL-cholesterol | ||||
| Unadjusted | 3.62 ± 0.80 | 3.65 ± 0.84 | 3.73 ± 0.83 | 0.391 |
| Adjustedb | 3.62 | 3.65 | 3.73 | 0.260 |
| HDL-cholesterol | ||||
| Unadjusted | 1.46 ± 0.36 | 1.37 ± 0.34 | 1.32 ± 0.33 | <0.001 |
| Adjustedb | 1.46 | 1.37 | 1.32 | 0.077 |
| Cholesterol/HDL ratio | ||||
| Unadjusted | 4.11 ± 1.13 | 4.38 ± 1.24 | 4.57 ± 1.43 | 0.002 |
| Adjustedb | 4.11 | 4.38 | 4.57 | 0.058 |
| Triglyceridesc | 1.09 (0.82–1.49) | 1.23 (0.84–1.62) | 1.14 (0.87–1.66) | 0.365 |
| Plasma noncholesterol sterol-to-cholesterol ratios, μmol/mmol | ||||
| Lathosterol | 1.59 (1.10–2.09 ) | 1.63 (1.33–2.18) | 1.68 (1.31–2.17) | 0.378 |
| Campesterol | 1.43 (1.16–2.03) | 1.57 (1.23–1.86) | 1.73 (1.25–2.11) | 0.125 |
| Sitosterol | 1.27 (0.96–1.75) | 1.34 (1.09–1.85) | 1.53 (1.18–1.87) | 0.029 |
Values are mean ± SD or number (percentage). Triglycerides and noncholesterol sterol ratios are medians (interquartile ranges).
a
P for linear trend calculated by ANOVA, χ2, or Kruskall-Wallis statistics, as appropriate.
b
Adjusted by sex, age, and energy intake.
c
Measured in 356 fasting samples.