The Effect of Plant Sterols on Vascular Function

The main aim of the study is to investigate, in humans, the effect of plant sterols on vascular function by measuring flow-mediated dilation (FMD). This study also aims to study the effect of plant sterols on pulse wave velocity (PWV), aortic augmentation index (Aix), central blood pressure (CBP), office blood pressure (BP), blood lipids and plasma plant sterol concentration. At last, the effects of plant sterols on z-scores of circulating biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and low-grade inflammation will be assessed. For all study outcomes, effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals will be estimated. Hypothesis: Based on available evidence, it is hypothesized that plant sterols modestly increase FMD.