IPSSA launch

It is with great pride that we announce the launch of the International Plant Sterols and Stanols Association (IPSSA – www.ipssa-association.com) , comprised of the leading international companies in plant sterols and stanols. The IPSSA members have decided to work together to educate the public about the benefits of integrating plant sterols and stanols in the daily diet. We also aim to foster the idea of healthy diet and lifestyle choices as effective means of reducing blood LDL-cholesterol – a major risk factor for heart disease.

We at IPSSA are convinced that we can actively contribute to the public health agenda by raising awareness with policymakers and consumers.

We believe that a healthy diet and an active lifestyle can prevent high blood LDL-cholesterol which is one of the main factors in development of heart disease. It has been scientifically proven by numerous academic studies that a daily consumption of foods and food supplements with 1.5 – 3.0g of added plant sterols or stanols can lower blood LDL-cholesterol by 7-12.5% in 2-3 weeks as part of the daily diet.

Consuming, therefore, foods with added plant sterols or stanols is an effective way to contribute to the lowering of blood LDL-cholesterol. One effective way to do so is, for example, by switching the usual spreads (such as butter or margarine) or yoghurt for the spreads or yoghurt with added plant sterols and stanols.

“Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease is an important priority in the EU public health agenda. We support that a healthy lifestyle and nutrition aiming at effective LDL-cholesterol lowering are key factors in the reduction of overall risk for heart disease”, Geert van Poppel, Chairman of IPSSA comments. “IPSSA intends to contribute to the public debate by introducing facts about plant sterols and stanols. These come from scientific research and will help us inform and educate the public about the need to keep their LDL-cholesterol levels low and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. We also aim to convey to policymakers the message that reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease is an important component of efficient long-term public health policy and sustainable development”, Geert Van Poppel concludes.