Research progress on classification, source, application of phytosterol esters, and their thermal oxidation stability
Dami Li, Shangde Sun, Jingnan Chen
Abstract
Phytosterol esters can effectively decrease serum cholesterol concentration in the human body and prevent heart and head blood-vessel disease. It was found that phytosterol esters had better solubility and bioavailability than free phytosterols. In recent years, phytosterol esters have attracted more and more attention. However, in the process of food processing, phytosterol esters are easily affected by high temperatures, resulting in certain losses and harmful substances to humans. This paper reviews the relevant literature and updates on the thermal oxidation stability of phytosterol esters in recent years from the following aspects: (i) Sources, physiological activities, and applications of phytosterol esters. (ii) Oxidation mechanism of phytosterol esters. (iii) Effects of phytosterols structure, the volume of addition, food matrix, heating temperature and time, and antioxidants on the thermal loss and oxidation stability of phytosterol esters. And the research progress on the safety of phytosterol esters was also discussed in detail. Additionally, the prospects for future research are highlighted.