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Published on September 19, 2007

People in the West have been aware of the dangers of cholesterol for years now, but Thais are only just waking up to its dangers. However, there is help in sight in the form of stanol ester. This naturally occurring substance allegedly stops those arteries from getting clogged up.

Developed by Finnish chemist Ingvar Wester, stanol ester it being marketed by the Raisio Group under the trade name Benecol.

According to studies, a daily intake of two grams of stanol ester can reduce low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol, by about 10 per cent. High levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol, can lead to high blood pressure, blood clots and heart disease.

"[Stanol ester] can help reduce cholesterol levels between 10 and 14 per cent," confirms Dr Pia Salo, a senior medical adviser working in research and development at Raisio, adding that it works like an "internal shower" and is harmless.

Stanol ester is apparently flushed naturally out of the system, taking LDLs with it. It does not touch the so-called good cholesterol or the high-density lipoproteins. 

BNH Hospital cardiologist Dr Nopparat Panthongwiriyakul says the incidence of high cholesterol levels is on the rise in Thailand. This is the result of genetics, though dietary changes contribute to about 15 per cent of cases. Those with elevated LDL levels need to change their lifestyle and diet, he warns.

If the problem is severe, they will be prescribed with medication to block the absorption of LDLs.

Salo says daily consumption of just two grams of Benecol is the most effective way of reducing cholesterol.

Studies - including those sponsored by Raisio - show that stanol ester starts showing results within two to three weeks.

One test saw those with elevated levels of cholesterol - 235 milligrams or more per decilitre of blood - experienced a 10-per-cent reduction after taking Benecol for a year.

Raisio is already trying to have Benecol added to food products such as yoghurt, milk and noodles.

The company's director for Southeast Asia and Oceania, Chaiyoot Trongkamoltum, says they are marketing the product as a "food ingredient", not an additive.

Stanol ester, produced as a wax, powder or liquid, will make food products more expensive but not prohibitively so, Chaiyoot says.

Salo and her family - while not suffering from elevated cholesterol levels - have eaten products that include stanol ester every day for seven years. Salo says their LDL levels have dropped from 110 milligrams per decilitre of blood to 80 milligrams in the first few weeks and have stayed at that level.

However, she warns that taking stanol ester or Benecol doesn't mean that you can indulge yourself too much. It may help stop the absorption of cholesterol, she says, but it's no miracle.

Sirinya Wattanasukchai

 The Nation