FDA approval for sales of Benecol in the United States is pending. Several other companies also are set to introduce functional foods. One major manufacturer will present a cholesterol-lowering margarine similar to Benecol, but enriched with a different form of plant sterol. This product has not been studied as extensively as Benecol. Plant sterols and stanols are not the only ingredients being used in functional foods.
Psyllium is a primary ingredient in many laxatives.
New functional foods may offer tastier ways to consume this fiber. A number of new products enhanced with oats and psyllium will soon be arriving in your supermarket. These functional foods will include dried pasta, frozen entrees, bread, cereal, baked potato crisps and cookies. Multiple servings of these foods must be consumed each day in order to potentially lower cholesterol. Many more functional foods geared toward lowering cholesterol are anticipated.