Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are cholesterol-like molecules found in plants, such as whole grains, fruits, legumes, and vegetables. Phytosterols differ from animal cholesterol only slightly in their structure, but vary greatly in their ability to induce atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of a fatty plaque on vessels that can lead to heart disease.
Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are cholesterol-like molecules found in plants, such as whole grains, fruits, legumes, and vegetables. Phytosterols differ from animal cholesterol only slightly in their structure, but vary greatly in their ability to induce atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of a fatty plaque on vessels that can lead to heart disease.
Other name
Plant sterols
Function
Cholesterol lowering, Pharmaceutical uses
Composition
Total plant sterol Min. 95.0% Beta-sitosterol Min. 40.0%
Campesterol Min. 20.0% Stigmasterol Min. 15.0%
Brassicasterol Max. 3.0% Other sterols 2.0 – 4.0 %
Specification
Appearance
White to off-white crystalline powder odor slight characteristic vegetable oil aroma
Specific gravity 0.30 – 0.50 g/cm3 Molecular weight 400.69 – 414.72
Melting point 135 – 145 °C Volatile Min. 2.0%
Contaminants
Heavy metals as Pb Max. 10 mg / kg Mycotoxins Absent
Pesticides residues Max. 2.0 ppm
Microbiological
Total plate count Max. 100 CFU/g
Yeast Max. 25 CFU/g Mould Max. 25 CUF/g
Coliform Max. 40 MPN/100g Salmonella Absent
Escherichia Coli Negative Staphylococcus Aureus Negative
Allergens
Phytosterols are extracted from soy bean oil distillates, are permanently exempt from labeling as containing soy according to EU Directive 2007/68/EC. No other allergens according to 2003/89/EC.
Nutrition Information * (“as is” basis)
Calories 1.8 Cal/100g Calories from fat 1.8 Cal/100g
Total Fat 0.2 g/100g Saturated fat 0.1 g/100g
Mono & Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g/100g Trans fat 0.0 g/100g
Sodium 5.0 mg/100g Cholesterol 0.5 g/100g
Total Carbohydrate 0.0 g/100g Dietary fiber 0.0 g/100g
Sugars 0.0 g/100g Protein 0.0 g/100g
Calcium 0.0 mg/100g
