Phytopin

phytopin® is a health ingredient designed to be incorporated into food, dietary supplements and cosmetics. phytopin® contains a guaranteed dose of beta sitosterol (more than 75%), the active ingredient beneficial for health.
phytopin® belongs to the family of phytosterols. Phytosterols are used in food products (like margarines or yoghurts) and in dietary supplements for their beneficial effects on the lipid metabolism.
These molecules are similar in structure to cholesterol. That is why they block the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine. It has thus been demonstrated that a daily intake of 1.5 to 2g of phytosterols significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels (by up to 15%) and improves the HDL/LDL ratio.
The beta sitosterol contained in phytopin® also has anti-inflammatory properties that enable phytopin® to be used in cosmetics.

phytopin® comes from pine. Unlike other phytosterols extracted from soya, rape seed or sunflower, phytopin® is guaranteed to be free of genetically modified plant substances.

phytopin® is designed to be incorporated into dietary supplements (soft capsules), functional foods (yoghurts, drinks, margarines, bars) or cosmetics.
phytopin® contains a guaranteed dose of phytosterols, in particular beta sitosterol, and has various biological advantages:

• phytopin® reduces LDL cholesterol when associated with a controlled diet.
• phytopin® reduces the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy
• phytopin® can be used in cosmetics as an emollient, emulsifier or for its anti-inflammatory properties.

phytopin® can be taken for various reasons :

• As primary prevention, by people with a risk factor (obesity, diabetis, moderate hypercholesterolemia, LDL cholesterol >1.30 g/L).
• As secondary prevention, by patients with moderate LDL cholesterol and who follow a controlled diet.
• phytopin® can also be used by patients following statin treatment.

Today, the treatment for high cholesterol is well established: one has to follow the basic rules for good hygiene and diet including a balanced diet, physical exercise and stopping smoking. Treatment can then be supplemented by hypocholesterolemic medication (for example, statins).
Taking phytosterols, whilst following a controlled diet and treatment with statins, is possible. Phytosterols, and phytopin® in particular, do not replace statins, but can have a synergetic effect on treatment.
However, patients under hypocholesterolemic medication should see their doctor before taking this product.

Cholesterol is a molecule that is present in our bodies. It is an essential constituent of membranes in all cells. Cholesterol is fundamental for the production of hormones and bile salts. Cholesterol is carried in the blood stream to cells for their basic requirements.

To achieve this, cholesterol needs transportation. It uses two types :

• HDL collects cholesterol in the organs where levels are too high and carries it to the liver where it is eliminated. HDL is able to clear our arteries of all poor quality lipid deposits and reduce the risk of an atheromatic plaque building up. This is what is termed as HDL cholesterol or "good cholesterol”.
• LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells. If cholesterol levels are too high, LDL cholesterol deposits on the artery walls. Gradually, accumulations of fat build up, known as atheroma. This is what is termed as “bad cholesterol”.

Epidemiological studies have shown that an excess of “bad cholesterol” and lack of “good cholesterol” are risk factors for the onset of cardio-vascular illnesses.
LDL Cholesterol is one of the causes of atherosclerosis that leads to cardio-vascular illnesses.
If you have too much “bad cholesterol” (LDL cholesterol), the excess builds up and clogs up the arteries.

The manner in which certain vitamins (A, E, D) are absorbed is connected to that of cholesterol. A diet rich in phytosterols reduces beta carotene and lycopene concentrations in plasma.
That is why it is beneficial to eat fruits and vegetables, or take carotenoid-based food supplements. Taking phytosterols does not reduce the HDL “good” cholesterol level. If excesses occur, most of the sterols pass through the body intact.

phytopin® is principally used for two biological actions: the reduction of cholesterol and prostate comfort.
For cholesterol reduction, we recommend a dose of 1.5 to 2g of phytopin® per day. A higher dosage does not result in a greater reduction in levels of “bad cholesterol”, and should be avoided.
For prostate comfort, we recommend taking around 60mg of phytopin® per day.
In any case, it is important to refer to the dosage on the product and to seek advice from your pharmacist or dietician.

Given the lack of sufficient scientific data we do not recommend phytopin® for young children. The same recommendation applies to pregnant women or nursing mothers. We recommend seeking the advice of your pharmacist or dietician.

• Replace butter with vegetable oils (essential mono and polyunsaturated) or by “soft” margarines that are not sold in paper wrapping (as these are saturated)
• Reduce eating pork-butchery
• Favour eating fish rather than meat
• Cut down on high-fat content dairy products
• Do not eat more than two eggs per week
• Ensure a sufficient intake of fibre and eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, bread, cereals and starchy foods
• A moderate consumption of alcohol is acceptable. However, this must be restricted in the event of hypertriglyceridemia and overweight.

For reducing LDL cholesterol : phytosterols can slow down the absorption of cholesterol during digestion. Due to their similar chemical structure, phytosterols block the absorption of cholesterol by occupying its absorption sites in the intestine. Cholesterol is then evacuated in greater quantities in the faeces. This leads to a reduction in LDL cholesterol without affecting the HDL cholesterol level.

For prostate comfort : the mechanism of action has not yet been entirely elucidated. It would seem that beta-sitosterol binds to prostate tissues and acts upon the metabolism of prostaglandins, which are involved in generating pain and inflammation.

phytopin® comes from pine. Unlike other phytosterols that come from soya, rape seed or sunflower, the origin of phytopin® is guaranteed to be free of genetically modified plant substances.

To be sure that a product contains phytopin® you must read the list of ingredients. If “phytopin®” appears, then the product has been made with our ingredient.
Other terms may be used, but do not guarantee the presence of phytopin®” in the product :

• “Plant sterols”
• “Pine Phytosterols”
• “Phytosterol”
• “Beta sitosterol”

phytopin® can be found into dietary supplements, functional foods and cosmetics. Phytosterols, in particular beta-sitosterol, are usually included in health formulas in the following areas: cardiovascular health, prostate comfort and in cosmetics, in soothing and anti-inflammatory treatment.