What is HeartActive®?
Dairy Farmers HeartActive® is a specifically
designed low-fat, calcium rich milk that is enriched with plant
sterols, which are known to lower cholesterol*.
Dairy Farmers HeartActive® provides a simple,
convenient solution to help lower cholesterol, without compromising
taste or nutrition*.
What are plant sterols?
Plant sterols occur naturally in foods such as nuts, seeds,
legumes, fruits and vegetables, but only in very small amounts.
They have a similar structure and shape to cholesterol.
How do plant sterols work?
Plant sterols work by competing with cholesterol absorption in
the intestine. As a result, less cholesterol is
absorbed1. This also affects our bodies' production of
cholesterol and results in lower total and LDL cholesterol in the
blood, but has little impact on HDL (or 'good') cholesterol
concentrations2.
1 Heart Foundation (2007) Position Statement on
phytosterol/stanol enriched foods.
2 Thomsen (2004) EJCN 58, 860-70.
What is the evidence for plant sterols?
Studies show that consuming milk
with plant sterols every day, like HeartActive, can reduce LDL
cholesterol after a minimum of three weeks. The highest study
reported an average reduction of greater than 10%, and the overall
reduction across these studies was 8.53%.
In 2007, the Heart Foundation of Australia updated their
position statement on the consumption of phytosterol and stanol
enriched foods, and conducted a review of all the scientific
literature1. They found that daily consumption of
phytosterol enriched foods reduces LDL cholesterol levels but has
little effect on HDL ('good') cholesterol. The Heart
Foundation Position Statement recommends Australian adults
concerned about their heart health include plant sterol enriched
foods as part of a heart healthy eating plan1.
1 Thomsen (2004) EJCN 58, 860-70.
2 Clifton (2004) EJCN 58, 503-509.
How much HeartActive® do I need each day?
The Heart Foundation recommends a daily intake of 2-3 grams of
plant sterols because of their ability to effectively lower LDL
cholesterol1. Each serve of Dairy Farmers
HeartActive® contains 0.8grams of plant sterols, as
well as a range of essential nutrients, including calcium and
protein. For the best results, enjoy 2-3 serves of
low-fat Dairy Farmers HeartActive® every
day.
| 1 serve |
Sterol content per
serve |
| 250mL Dairy Farmers HeartActive® |
0.8g of plant sterols |
For a healthy, balanced diet enjoy a diet low in saturated fat
and full of fruits and vegetables.
Including HeartActive® in your diet is easy. Enjoy
on cereal, in a delicious fruit smoothie, in cooking, or as a great
snack any time of the day.
1 Thomsen (2004) EJCN 58, 860-70.
Is there a maximum amount of plant sterols to have each
day?
Consuming more than 3 grams of plant sterols each day provides
no additional cholesterol-lowering benefits1.
1 Heart Foundation (2007) Position Statement on
phytosterol/stanol enriched foods.
Are plant sterols safe?
Yes. Scientific research confirms that plant sterols are safe
for human consumption, even above 3g per day5,6. This is
why they are permitted in a range of foods both in Australia and
internationally.
5 Katan (2003) Mayo Clin Proc 78, 965-978
6 FSANZ Plant Sterols Fact Sheet, 9 November 2006
What if I am on cholesterol-lowering medication?
Plant sterols work in addition to most cholesterol-lowering
medication1. However, it is best to consult your doctor
before using Dairy Farmers HeartActive® to learn
how best to incorporate it into your cholesterol management
plan.
1 Thomsen (2004) EJCN 58, 860-70.
How much plant sterols are needed?
The Heart Foundation recommends a daily intake of 2-3 grams of
plant sterols from fortified foods including low fat milk to
effectively lower LDL cholesterol1.
Most scientific trials of plant sterol enriched milk contained
approximately 2g of plant sterols each day1.
Each 250mL serve of Dairy Farmers Heart Active contains 0.8g of
plant sterols. So for best results consume 2-3 serves a day.
1 Heart Foundation (2009). Position statement on
Dietary fat and dietary sterols for cardiovascular health.
Is it a "dose response" benefit and is there a maximum amount
of plant sterols to consume daily?
Plant sterols work in a dose response however this appears to
plateau at about 2-3grams per day1. Hence it is
generally advised that no greater benefit can be achieved from
doses above 2-3grams per day2.
1 Heart Foundation (2009). Position statement on
Dietary fat and dietary sterols for cardiovascular health.
2 Heart Foundation (2007) Summary of evidence on
phytosterol/stanol enriched foods.
Are plant sterols safe for all consumers?
The safety of plant sterols has been thoroughly investigated and
reviewed by regulatory authorities around the world including Food
Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). FSANZ has approved the use
of plant sterols in a number of foods in Australia and New Zealand,
including low fat milk and yogurt, margarine, and breads and
cereals.
All humans consume plant sterols as they are naturally present
in fruits, vegetables and other plant foods. To our knowledge, no
adverse side effects have been recorded.
Plant sterol enriched foods are not necessary or recommended for
children or pregnant women.
Can plant sterols be used with cholesterol lowering
medications?
Yes. In general, the effect of plant sterols will be additive to
cholesterol lowering medication1. However, people on
cholesterol lowering medications should first review the use of
plant sterol enriched foods with their GP, to maximise how they can
effectively be combined.
1 Heart Foundation (2007) Summary of evidence on
phytosterol/stanol enriched foods