Heart health and beyond: Relaunching the conversation around phytosterols [Interview]

Dr Susan J. Hewlings is VP of research affairs at Radicle Science – a startup that focuses on decentralised trials in the dietary supplement space – and co-founder of consultancy firm Substantiation Sciences. A major part of her career has involved writing white papers and peer-reviewed publications on all issues related to nutrition.

“Some time ago, IPSSA – the International Plant Sterols & Stanols Association – asked me to research and write a review paper about phytosterols,” she recalls. “The aim was to restart the conversation surrounding sterols, especially in the US.”

Sharing key clinical findings

As Hewlings dug deeper into the topic, she found huge amounts of scientific evidence to support the beneficial use of phytosterols and stanols in people with mild hypercholesterolemia, or in conjunction with heart medication such as statins.

Numerous human randomised controlled studies and meta-analyses, for example, have consistently shown the efficacy of phytosterols in reducing LDL cholesterol levels, and in promoting overall cardiovascular health, even among individuals with no pre-existing health conditions.

Research also strongly suggests other potential beneficial applications. Phytosterols may offer health advantages, including antioxidant properties and mood-enhancing effects. They could also be used for weight management, and the maintenance of healthy blood-sugar levels and blood pressure. Hewlings will discuss in greater detail these clinical findings at Vitafoods Europe (14-16 May, Geneva).

Benefits of phytosterol supplementation

Another key topic will be supplementation. “Most people fail to consume sufficient amounts of phytosterols in their diets,” notes Hewlings. “This underscores the importance of supplementation to achieve optimal intake. Indeed, a key issue I highlight in my paper is the fact that supplementation can be beneficial.”

Supplementation is important, says Hewlings, because of the need to go beyond functional food. “Based on the literature, I have put forward a recommended daily dose of 2–3g of phytosterols and sterols,” she says. “It would be a challenge for any consumer to consume this amount just through food.”

This therefore presents a huge opportunity for the dietary supplement sector. Beyond the health benefits, phytosterols are also well aligned with a growing consumer preference for plant-based and sustainable ingredients.

The importance of communication

For Hewlings, the key challenge now is communicating the beneficial effects of phytosterols, as well as the need for supplementation. “Phytosterols could be a great addition to heart health supplement formulations but are simply not as widely used as the research warrants,” she says. “Even many formulators are not aware of the potential of phytosterols. From what I’ve read and discussed with colleagues though, there seems to be more awareness in Europe than the US.”

One effective way of framing phytosterols, says Hewlings, might be to communicate how these compounds can help to maintain cholesterol levels within healthy limits, and can be part of a diet that maintains heart health. The amount of literature and research on phytosterols also means that they have a strong safety profile. “Consumers are looking or clinical substantiation, and you couldn’t get much better than what is available for phytosterols,” adds Hewlings.

At Vitafoods Europe 2024, Hewlings hopes to get attendees thinking about the potential of phytosterols, through highlighting the many health benefits and the untapped potential in the supplementation space.

“I enjoy having these conversations,” she says. “I like using my experience in education and academia, and talking about things that have clinical evidence behind them. For me, Vitafoods will be about integrating education, industry, and science, and bringing together all the things I’ve done throughout my career.”

Kensing – a US-headquartered leading manufacturer of natural vitamin E and phytosterols – is Platinum partner for the Vitafoods Europe Conference under the ‘Healthy ageing, longevity, and metabolic health’ theme. Kensing has invited Dr Hewlings to deliver a session on its behalf. Her presentation is entitled ‘Unlocking Heart Health with Phytosterols: Plant-Based Supplementation for LDL-Cholesterol Control’. Dr Hewlings’ academic achievements include a PhD in Nutrition, an MS in Exercise Physiology, and a BS in Nutrition from Florida State University. She is a registered dietitian.