Summary
This randomised controlled trial by Jenkins and colleagues, published in JAMA in 2002, examined whether a combination of cholesterol-lowering foods — including plant sterols, soy protein, viscous soluble fibre, and almonds — consumed together as a dietary portfolio could produce clinically meaningful reductions in LDL cholesterol. The study found that the portfolio diet achieved LDL reductions of approximately 29–35%, a magnitude broadly comparable to first-generation statin therapy. The findings contributed substantially to evidence that dietary pattern, rather than single nutrient intervention, can serve as a potent tool in cardiovascular risk management.
UK applicability
Although conducted in Canada, the dietary components tested (plant sterols, soy protein, oats, almonds) are widely available in the UK and the findings are directly relevant to UK dietary guidelines and cardiovascular disease prevention policy, including NHS advice on cholesterol management.
Key measures
LDL cholesterol (mmol/L); total cholesterol (mmol/L); HDL cholesterol (mmol/L); triglycerides (mmol/L); C-reactive protein
Outcomes reported
The study measured changes in LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and other lipid markers in participants following a dietary portfolio combining plant sterols, soy protein, viscous fibres, and almonds. It reported the magnitude of LDL reduction achievable through combined dietary intervention compared with a control diet.
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