Effects of combining a plant stanol enriched yogurt drink and a low dose statin on markers for inflammation and endothelial function and serum lipoprotein concentrations

INTERVENTION: 1. Control yogurt drink + placebo tablets 2. Control yogurt drink + simvastatin tablets (10 mg/day) 3. Plant stanol ester yogurt drink + placebo tablets 4. Plant stanol ester yogurt drink + simvastatin tablets (10 mg/day) CONDITION: Endothelium, systemic inflammation, lipids, lipoproteins ; Not Applicable PRIMARY OUTCOME: Serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Serum markers for endothelial function and low grade systemic inflammation. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Stable dietary habits 2. Men 55?70 years of age 3. Men 45?54 and women 55‐70 years of age with at least one of the following criteria: 3.1. Familial history of coronary heart disease (CHD) in first degree relatives (parent/brother/sister). Only CHD in male relatives below 55 years and in female relatives below 65 years is considered. 3.2. Overweight as defined by body mass index (BMI) >25 (as calculated from weight and length) or abdominal obesity (waist circumference >102 cm for men, >88 cm for women)