Phytosterol dosage

Phytosterols are natural compounds found in plant cell membranes and structurally similar to cholesterol. Among the best known are β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Their major interest lies in their cholesterol-lowering effects: when consumed regularly, they help reduce the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and thus contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease .

In the nutraceutical and food industries, the measurement of phytosterols is essential for controlling the quality of fortified products and ensuring compliance with health claims. This analysis can be used to verify the total phytosterol content or to target specific molecules.

Analytical methods

The dosage of phytosterols is based on reference chromatographic methods:

• Gas chromatography (GC-FID or GC-MS) : reference method for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of sterols, suitable for complex oils and extracts.
• HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) : alternative for separation and quantification in various matrices.

These approaches guarantee high precision and allow the identification of complete phytosterol profiles, even at low levels.

Affected matrices

Phytosterol analysis can be carried out on different food and nutraceutical matrices:

• Vegetable oils and margarines enriched with phytosterols.
• Cereals and processed products claiming a health benefit related to cholesterol reduction.
• Fortified dairy products (yogurts, milk drinks).
• Food supplements in the form of capsules, powders or tablets.

Industrial applications

• Quality control: check the phytosterol content in raw materials and finished products.
• Nutraceutical Product Development: Formulating Targeted Supplements for Cardiovascular Health.
• Functional foods: monitoring compliance with nutritional and health claims.
• Research and development: studying the stability of phytosterols in complex formulations.

Additional analyses

The phytosterol dosage can be combined with other tests available in the YesWeLab catalog, in order to obtain a complete overview of nutritional and functional profiles:

• Isoflavone assay for phytoestrogen compounds.
• Theobromine assay and caffeine assay , other bioactive markers of plants.
• Fatty acid dosage , essential supplement for oils and margarines.

Regulations and quality issues

In Europe, phytosterols added to foods are regulated by Regulation (EC) No. 258/97 on Novel Foods and Regulation (EU) No. 432/2012 on health claims. Fortified products must contain at least 0.8 g of phytosterols per serving to claim a blood cholesterol-lowering effect.

Analytical control is therefore essential to guarantee the conformity of labels, avoid the risks of non-conformity and strengthen consumer confidence.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025-accredited laboratories, rigorously selected for their expertise in the analysis of nutraceuticals and food products. Each sample is directed toward the most appropriate methods based on the matrix and regulatory objectives.

Thanks to our digital platform, manufacturers benefit from simplified analysis management: online quote requests, sample tracking, and fast, secure results. Since 2020, many players in the agri-food and nutraceutical sectors have trusted us for their analytical needs.