Background and Aims: The efficacy of plant sterol supplementation, and usual intake of plant sterols, to obtain significant levels of LDL-c reduction, is well documented; however, little is known about the usual consumption of phytosterols on maintenance of serum levels of LDL-c and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis. Objective:To estimate the consumption of phytosterols in the usual diet by the population of ELSA Brazil, and determine its association with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods:
We selected 2,560 participants in primary prevention, with available food frequency questionnaires(FFQ), carotid intima-media thickness(cIMT), coronary calcium score(CCS), pulse wave velocity(PWV) and Food consumption with total energy expenditure (TEE) > 500 kcal/d or ≤ 4000 kcal/d. CIMT and PWV were categorized in quartiles and <P75 or > P75, CCS was categorized as = or > zero. Analysis of the association between phytosterols consumption and subclinical atherosclerosis markers was performed using adjusted and unadjusted logistic and linear models. Results:
Mean phytosterol consumption was 256.08 (±197.87), CCS 22.78(±110.53), PWV 9.07(±1.59), and cIMT 0.57(±0.11). Phytosterol consumption, CCS, PWV and cIMT were higher in men (P<0.001). Consumption of phytosterols >P75 was associated with lower levels of total, HDL-c,  LDL-c, higher triglycerides (P<0,01), higher TEE, higher consumption of fibres, and PWV (P<0.01). Univariate logistic and linear regression showed that increased phytosterols consumption levels was associated with increased PWV (P<0.02 and P<0.001, respectively). After adjusting for other cardiovascular risk factors, this association disappeared. Conclusions: The usual intake of phytosterols from the diet was associated with lower concentrations of total and LDL-cholesterol, with no association with subclinical atherosclerosis markers.

05 - ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CONSUMPTION OF PHYTOSTEROLS AND MARKERS OF SUBCLINICAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN THE ELSA BRASIL POPULATION