Effects of walking combined with dietary plant sterols on postprandial triglycerides in overweight Asian men

Abstract

Postprandial triglycerides (TG) are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the main cause of cardiovascular disease. Plant sterols are naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods which hinder cholesterol absorption and may also lower TG concentration. Exercise can also lower postprandial TG. This study examined how exercise, in the presence or absence of plant sterols intake, can reduce postprandial TG in young, overweight men over 28 days (4 weeks). Ten participants underwent a 12-week double-blind, randomised, crossover, laboratory-based experimental study which involved two arms of intervention; either a placebo with walking (CON) or plant sterol with walking (PS) intervention. Fasting TG concentration for PS trial was 8% lower on Day 29 as compared with Day 1. 5 out 10 participants showed a decrease in postprandial TG concentration of 11% to 53% for CON on Day 29 as compared to Day 1. In the PS trial, 7 out of 10 participants had a decrease in incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of TG concentration which ranges between 4% to 43% lower on Day 29 as compared to Day 1. In overall, TG responses between the two arms of the intervention has no significant difference. Detraining and low energy expenditure are the main risks of high postprandial TG concentration. PS and exercise, have previously been shown to reduce postprandial TG concentration but the combination used in the present study was not effective.