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| Research Overview This Frost & Sullivan research service entitled Strategic Analysis of the U.S. Phytosterols Market provides an overview of the Phytosterols market in U.S., along with a complete analysis of market drivers, restraints, challenges and trends that are impacting the this market. In this research, Frost & Sullivan's expert analysts thoroughly examine the functional food and beverage applications as well as other applications such as dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Market Sectors Frost & Sullivan’s expert analysts thoroughly examine the following sectors in this research:
Heart diseases account for approximately 50.0 per cent of all the deaths in the industrialized world (Source: American Heart Association). Preliminary mortality data for 2003 show that cardiovascular disease (CVD) was the underlying cause of death accounted for 37.3 per cent of all deaths, or one of every 2.7, in the United States. One of the major risk factors contributing to the development of heart diseases is the elevated levels of cholesterol, especially low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). However, elevated levels of cholesterol can be controlled by making specific lifestyle changes including, shifting to a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, as a diet that is high in grains, fruits and vegetables. Plant sterols and stanols (also known as phytosterols) are naturally found in food grains and vegetables, including corn oil, soybeans, rice bran, wheat germ, nuts and spices. The effects of phytosterols on cholesterol reduction have been documented for nearly 50 years, but only in the last ten years have they found application in food products. Over the years, scientific studies have indicated that consumption of about 2 to 3 grams of plant sterols/stanols per day can reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels by 9.0-20.0 per cent although this varies amongst individuals (Source: British Heart Foundation, 2002). The growing trend towards fortification of foods with vitamins, folate, minerals and herbal extracts has helped to create a more conducive environment for the incorporation of phytosterols in foods and beverages. Phytosterols are now incorporated into a range of foods and beverages, such as yoghurts, milk, sausages, cold cuts, bakery products, spicy sauces, margarines and spreads. With the steady rise in the number of new products incorporating phytosterols over the past few years, knowledge of their functionality and health benefits are continuing to grow. The key factors contributing to the increased availability of sterol-containing products are the wave of regulatory approvals in the EU for new food applications and the US FDA-approved cholesterol-reduction claim. This research service analyses the U.S. phytosterol market from 2002-2012 in terms of the following applications:
Consumers in the U.S. are generally more receptive to the idea of consuming dietary supplements than functional foods as a means of maintaining optimum health and well-being. Frost & Sullivan estimates the European Phytosterols market in 2005 to be $103.9 million, rising to $196.7 million by 2012 at an average annual growth rate of 9.6 per cent. |
