Researchers tested whether a special spreadable cream made from extra-virgin olive oil and plant sterols could help children with high cholesterol. Twenty-three children with high cholesterol ate this cream daily for 8 weeks, then stopped for 4 weeks, then tried it again. The results showed that eating this cream lowered both total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). Scientists also studied how the cream changed different types of fats in the children’s blood. This research suggests that this olive oil-based cream might be a tasty way to help kids manage high cholesterol without medicine.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Does a special spreadable cream made from olive oil and plant sterols help children with high cholesterol lower their cholesterol levels?
  • Who participated: Twenty-three children between ages 6 and 18 who had high cholesterol. They were randomly assigned to eat the special cream or a regular cream, then switched after a break.
  • Key finding: Children who ate the olive oil and plant sterol cream for 8 weeks had lower total cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) compared to when they weren’t eating it.
  • What it means for you: This suggests that a tasty olive oil-based cream could be a helpful food choice for kids with high cholesterol. However, this is early research with a small group, so more testing is needed before doctors recommend it widely.

The Research Details

This was a randomized double-blind crossover study, which is a strong research design. “Randomized” means children were randomly assigned to groups. “Double-blind” means neither the children nor the researchers knew who was eating the special cream versus a regular cream—this prevents bias. “Crossover” means each child tried both the special cream and regular cream at different times, separated by a 4-week break.

The special cream contained plant sterols (natural compounds from plants that help lower cholesterol) mixed into extra-virgin olive oil in a spreadable form. Children ate this cream daily for 8 weeks. Researchers measured their cholesterol levels and studied the different types of fats in their blood before, during, and after the study.

The study was designed to test whether this Mediterranean diet-inspired food could help prevent heart disease in children with high cholesterol, which is important because high cholesterol in childhood can lead to heart problems later in life.

This research design is strong because it compares each child to themselves (they try both the special cream and regular cream), which reduces confusion from differences between children. The double-blind approach prevents the researchers or children from unconsciously influencing results. By studying the detailed fat profiles in blood, researchers could understand exactly how the cream works, not just that cholesterol went down.

Strengths: This was a well-designed randomized controlled trial published in a respected scientific journal. The researchers measured multiple types of fats in the blood, giving a detailed picture. Weaknesses: Only 23 of 50 children completed the study with good compliance (eating the cream as instructed), which is a relatively small group. The study was short (8 weeks), so we don’t know if benefits last longer. The results need to be confirmed in larger studies before making strong recommendations.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that children who ate the olive oil and plant sterol cream daily for 8 weeks had measurable decreases in their total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the harmful type). When they stopped eating the cream during the 4-week break, these improvements went away, suggesting the cream was responsible for the changes.

The researchers used advanced laboratory techniques to study 23 different types of fats in the children’s blood. They found that two main categories of fats—phospholipids and sphingolipids—were the ones most affected by eating the cream. These are important fats that help control cholesterol levels in the body.

The study showed that the cream worked consistently across the children tested. The cholesterol-lowering effect appeared to happen through natural changes in how the body processes and manages different types of fats, rather than through any harmful side effects.

The researchers also tracked the children’s weight and other body measurements to make sure the cream didn’t cause weight gain or other problems. The cream appeared to be safe and well-tolerated by all the children in the study. No serious side effects were reported. The fact that benefits disappeared during the 4-week break when children didn’t eat the cream shows that the effect was directly related to consuming the product.

This research builds on decades of studies showing that extra-virgin olive oil (a key part of the Mediterranean diet) is good for heart health. Previous research has also shown that plant sterols can help lower cholesterol. This study is novel because it combines both ingredients in a kid-friendly spreadable cream and tests it in children specifically. Most cholesterol research focuses on adults, so this adds important information about whether these benefits work for kids too.

The biggest limitation is the small sample size—only 23 children completed the study properly, which is relatively small for drawing strong conclusions. The study only lasted 8 weeks, so we don’t know if the benefits continue if children eat the cream for months or years. The study didn’t compare the cream to cholesterol-lowering medicine, so we don’t know how it compares to other treatments. The children were volunteers whose families were interested in trying this product, which might mean they were more health-conscious than average kids. Finally, the study was done in one location, so results might differ in other populations or countries.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, the olive oil and plant sterol cream appears to be a safe option that may help lower cholesterol in children with high cholesterol. However, this is early-stage research, so it should not replace medical advice from a doctor. Children with high cholesterol should continue following their doctor’s recommendations, which typically include eating healthy foods, exercising, and possibly taking medicine if needed. The cream could potentially be added as part of a healthy diet, but only under medical supervision. Confidence level: Moderate—the study design was good, but the small sample size and short duration mean more research is needed.

This research is most relevant for children ages 6-18 who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol by their doctor. Parents of these children might find this information helpful when discussing treatment options with their pediatrician. This is NOT a substitute for medical treatment—children with high cholesterol need to be monitored by a doctor. Healthy children without high cholesterol don’t need this cream, though eating olive oil as part of a healthy diet is generally good for everyone.

In this study, children saw cholesterol improvements within 8 weeks of eating the cream daily. However, the benefits disappeared when they stopped eating it, suggesting this is an ongoing dietary change rather than a one-time treatment. Realistic expectations: If a child started eating this cream, they might see cholesterol improvements in 4-8 weeks, but they would need to keep eating it regularly to maintain the benefits. This is similar to how other healthy foods work—the benefits only continue as long as you keep eating them.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily consumption of the olive oil-plant sterol cream (yes/no for each day) and record cholesterol levels from doctor visits every 4-8 weeks. Create a simple checklist: “Did I eat my olive oil cream today?” Users can also note any changes they notice in how they feel.
  • Set a daily reminder to eat one serving of the cream at the same time each day (for example, with breakfast). Make it a habit by pairing it with another daily routine. Users could also track which family members are eating it together to increase accountability and make it more social.
  • Create a long-term tracking system that records: (1) daily cream consumption compliance, (2) cholesterol test results from doctor visits, (3) other diet and exercise habits, and (4) any side effects or concerns. Generate monthly reports showing the connection between consistent cream consumption and cholesterol improvements. Set goals like “eat cream 6 days per week” and celebrate when goals are met.

This research describes a study on a specific olive oil-based cream product for children with high cholesterol. These findings should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. High cholesterol in children is a serious medical condition that requires professional medical evaluation and monitoring by a pediatrician or cardiologist. Before making any dietary changes or giving your child any new food product, especially if they have been diagnosed with high cholesterol, consult with your child’s doctor. This study is preliminary research with a small sample size and has not yet been widely replicated. Do not stop or replace any prescribed cholesterol medications without explicit approval from your child’s healthcare provider. Individual results may vary, and what works for one child may not work for another.