Benecol

Benecol is a brand of functional foods developed by the Finnish company Raisio Group. The product line is fortified with plant stanol esters, a natural compound found in small amounts in certain vegetable oils and cereals, and marketed to help lower LDL cholesterol as part of a diet low in saturated fat. The active ingredient works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine.

In typical use, daily intake of about 2 grams of plant stanol esters is associated with a reduction in LDL cholesterol of about 7-10 percent in many individuals. Results vary, and Benecol products are intended to complement, not replace, medical advice or cholesterol-lowering medications.

The Benecol portfolio includes spreads similar to margarine, yogurt drinks, and other fortified foods. Product formats and availability vary by country, with different labeling and marketing claims permitted depending on local regulations. In the European Union, health claims linking plant stanol esters to reduced blood cholesterol are allowed under EFSA rules when the daily intake meets the specified amount.

Safety and regulation: Benecol products are generally considered safe for the general population when consumed as part of a varied diet. They are not medicines and should be used within recommended daily intake. As with any cholesterol-management strategy, individuals with high cholesterol or those taking lipid-lowering medications should consult a healthcare professional before making major dietary changes.

See also: Plant stanols, Plant sterols, Cholesterol management.