The Relationship between Plant Sterols Intake and Total Blood Cholesterol Level in Bogor Rural Area

Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in Indonesia. Lowering cholesterol level is currently one of the most efficient and effective way to prevent or reduce the risk of CHD and other cardiovascular disease (CVDs). One of the compounds that have the cholesterol-lowering ability is plant sterols. To further research about plant sterol efficacy for health and its application as functional food ingredient in Indonesia, an up-to-date data about plant sterols dietary intake is required. The study was conducted with a cross sectional design to estimates the plant sterols (PS) intake and its relationship with total blood cholesterol level in Bogor rural area. Data of plant sterols level in food obtained by secondary data and calculation of recipe. Based on the results, the level of plant sterols intake of total respondent was averagely 223.80 mg/day with no statistical difference between male and female intake (t(98) = - .036, p > 0.05). The plant sterols intake in all respondents was mostly contributed by cereals and cereals product (37.46%), followed by legumes and legume products (24.41%). According to Pearson correlation test, there was no association between daily intake of plant sterols and total blood cholesterol (P > 0.05), which mean that the intake level not yet have visible effect in lowering or raising total blood cholesterol levels in respondents with health nutritional status, but presumed maintain normal blood cholesterol levels in respondents.