The stability of plant sterols in functional foods for cholesterol reduction is high, says a new study from Spain which adds to the safety data surrounding phytosterols.
Tests with eight commercially available plant sterol-containing
ingredients showed that, under oxidizing conditions, only a very small
quantity of oxidation products were produced, report researchers.
«From the results obtained (low rate of oxidation) in the ingredients
tested, we can conclude that the plant sterols remain stable in these
ingredients», wrote the researchers.
Numerous clinical trials in controlled settings have reported that daily
consumption of 1.5 to 3 grams of phytosterols from foods can reduce
total cholesterol levels by 8 to 17 per cent, representing a significant
reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Phytosterols are the most heart health targeted and benefited from
approved health claims in many markets (as well as recently approval
from the European Food Safety Authority).
In order to test the stability towards oxidation, the researchers
employed gas chromatographic (GC) technique with mass-spectrometric
detection to identify the specific types of plant sterols present in
certain sterol-containing ingredients, and then GC with a flame
ionization detector (GC-FID) to quantify the phytosterols.
Eight commercially available phytosterol-containing ingredients were
tested, with the sterols present in esterified or free form, and derived
from pine, soybean, rapeseed, soybean, corn, and sunflower oils in one
of three physical forms: Powder, oil paste, or liquid emulsion. Sterols
were tested in their original state and then after thermo-oxidation.
«In view of this low rate of oxidation in the ingredients tested, it can
be concluded that the plant sterols remain stable in these
ingredients,» wrote the researchers.
Category: Productos
Source: Nutraingredients
