(Cholesterol lowering margarine may not be useful in healthy fat modified diet)
Benecol, the 'cholesterol lowering margarine' launched in the UK in April, is a costly product that may not reduce lipid concentrations in those already following a healthy diet, writes Dr Charles van Heyningen in a letter in this week's BMJ. Dr van Heyningen from University Hospital Aintree in Liverpool argues that the evidence of Benecol's cholesterol lowering properties is based on trials with people who consume an average fat containing diet.
Those studied had an intake of dietary fat of about 35 per cent of total energy intake and a cholesterol intake above 300mg per day, says Dr van Heyningen. These people achieved a mean reduction in total cholesterol of 7.4 per cent over a six month period and after 12 months saw a 10.2 per cent fall. This reduction translates into a 13 per cent decrease in the risk of coronary disease over 10 years, says the author. However, a separate trial has shown that people with a low intake of fat and cholesterol may not benefit from eating Benecol, he concludes, as it did not lower cholesterol concentrations significantly.
Contact:
Dr Charles van Heyningen, Consultant Chemical Pathologist, Clinical Laboratories, University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool cvh@AHTPATH.demon.co.uk