Oil mixture, preparation method thereof and application of oil mixture in formula milk powder

Abstract

The invention provides an oil mixture, a preparation method and application thereof.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the international application PCT / IL2016 / 050180 filed on February 16, 2016, which entered the Chinese national phase on August 17, 2017, with application number 201680010656.9 and the invention title "Oil mixture, preparation method thereof and application thereto in formula milk powder". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to oil mixtures, their preparation methods, and their application in formula milk powder. Background Technology

[0003] Cholesterol is an essential compound that serves as a basic membrane compound, a cofactor for signaling molecules, and a precursor to steroid hormones. Breast milk is a rich source of cholesterol for infant growth[1]. Three weeks postpartum, the cholesterol level in breast milk is approximately 10-20 mg / 100 ml[2]. This high cholesterol content is associated with higher plasma cholesterol levels in breastfed infants compared to formula-fed infants and may be associated with lower blood cholesterol levels in adulthood and a reduction in the risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life[3].

[0004] Cholesterol levels are significantly unaffected by dietary intake, and breast milk is particularly important for cholesterol levels. Furthermore, maternal diet and plasma cholesterol levels are closely related, while breast milk cholesterol levels are not correlated with daily maternal plasma cholesterol levels.

[0005] To provide the fatty acids that infants need, commercially available infant formula typically contains a mixture of vegetable oils rather than animal fats. Because of the reduced use of animal fats as an ingredient in infant formula, formula typically contains lower cholesterol levels compared to breast milk[4].

[0006] Because of cholesterol and its importance in breast milk, people have tried to test the effects of supplementing it in formula-fed infants. For example, Decsi et al. [5] compared the effects of cholesterol-supplemented formula and conventional formula on plasma cholesterol levels in full-term newborns. Infants fed cholesterol-supplemented formula had significantly higher plasma cholesterol levels on day 5 compared to infants fed conventional formula. No significant effect of diet on plasma cholesterol levels was observed in infants aged 30 days thereafter.

[0007] Plant sterols (PS) such as β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol are found in nature and are structurally similar to cholesterol, but with an additional hydrocarbon chain on carbon 24. Naturally occurring plant sterols reported in oilseeds are free steroids, which are esterified forms of fatty acids and phenolic acids, or conjugated forms of glycosides. Crude oils derived from soybeans, corn, sunflowers, rapeseed, palms and other crops may contain high concentrations of plant sterols. Unlike cholesterol, the concentration of plant sterols in breast milk appears to vary significantly depending on the mother's dietary intake of plant sterols [6].

[0008] One key area of ​​discussion in phytosterol research is the potential bioactivity of phytosterols. Existing experimental and epidemiological evidence suggests that phytosterols can prevent certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, and their inhibitory effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia have been reported.[7] Phytosterols have also been reported as immunomodulators and for their anti-inflammatory properties.[8] In addition, phytosterols have been shown to have antioxidant capabilities.[9]

[0009] References [1] Pfrieger, FW, Role of cholesterol in synapse formation and function. Biochim Biophys Acta, 2003, 1610 (2): p.271-80. [2] Jensen, RG, Lipids in Human Milk. Lipids, 1999, 34 (12): p.1243-1271. [3] Owen, CG, et al., Infant feeding and blood cholesterol: astudy in adolescents and a systematic review. Pediatrics, 2002, 110 (3):p.597-608. [4] Forsyth, JS, Lipids and infant formulas. Nutr Res Rev, 1998,11 (2): p.255-78. [5] Decsi, T., M. Fekete, and B. Koletzko, Plasma lipid andapolipoprotein concentrations in full term infants fed formula supplementedwith long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Eur J Pediatr,1997, 156(5): p.397-400. [6] Mellies, M. J., et al., Cholesterol, phytosterols, andpolyunsaturated / saturated fatty acid ratios during the first 12months oflactation. Am J Clin Nutr, 1979, 32(12): p.2383-9. [7] Awad, A. B. and C. S. Fink, Phytosterols as anticancer dietarycomponents: evidence and mechanism of action. J Nutr, 2000, 130 (9): p.2127-30. [8] Bouic, P. J., Sterols and sterolins: new drugs for the immunesystem? Drug Discov Today, 2002, 7 (14): p.775-8. [9] Gordon, H. G. and P. Magos, The Effect of Sterols on theOxidation of Edible Oils. Food Chemistry, 1983, 10: p.141-147.

[10] Meshulam et al., Responsiveness of Emulsions Stabilized by Lactoferrin Nano-particles to Simulated Intestinal Conditions"Food Funct., 2014, 5, 65-73. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It is known that phytosterols can reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption, thereby lowering plasma cholesterol levels in children and adults. However, because phytosterol levels in breast milk are variable and dependent on the mother's diet, while cholesterol levels are consistent, and given the established safety profile of phytosterols and their potential benefits, clinical studies investigating the effects of infant formula on cholesterol homeostasis have focused on the effects of cholesterol-supplemented formulas. Currently, the effects of phytosterols in infant formula have not been evaluated.

[0011] This invention discloses for the first time the use of oil mixtures with reduced phytosterol content, particularly as a fat component in formula milk powders such as infant formula and baby food.

[0012] This invention provides oil mixtures comprising oils (such as vegetable oils, natural oils, processed vegetable oils, or processed oils as defined herein, or any combination thereof) that have reduced levels of phytosterols compared to oils from the same source. These oil mixtures are specifically used as fat components in formula milk powders such as infant formula and baby food to increase plasma cholesterol levels in receptors such as infants fed with the formula.

[0013] As used herein, the terms “phytosterols,” “phytosterols,” or any linguistic variations thereof are interchangeable. Non-limiting examples of “phytosterols” and “phytosterols” include β-sitosterol, campesterol, brassosterol, stigmasterol, β-dihydrositosterol, and campesterol.

[0014] As used herein, the term "oil mixture" refers to a mixture of two or more oils. Any one of the oils in an oil mixture can be a natural oil or a processed oil. In this document, the term "oil blend" also refers to a composition that is essentially a mixture of oils. It should be noted that oils, whether naturally occurring or processed, generally include, but are not limited to, triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, free fatty acids, and some other substances such as phospholipids and tocopherols.

[0015] As used herein, the term "processed oil" means oil that has been processed in any possible form, including, but not limited to, reactions between two or more triglycerides, reactions between triglycerides and free fatty acids, fractionation, and hydrogenation. Non-limiting examples of processed oils include medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oils and Sn2-palmitate oils.

[0016] As used herein, the term "medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil" refers to an oil that is primarily in the form of triglycerides and mainly contains caprylic (C8:0) and capric (C10:0) fatty acids. The MCT oil can be prepared by esterification of glycerol with free fatty acids, fatty acid methyl esters, or fatty acid ethyl esters.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “Sn2-palmitate,” “beta-palmitate,” “OPO,” and “β-palmitate” are interchangeable and refer to a structured triglyceride in which the palmitic acid group at the Sn2 site of the glycerol backbone comprises at least 33% of the total palmitic acid. The Sn2-palmitate can be prepared, for example, by an enzymatic reaction of a fatty acid donor (optionally a free fatty acid, fatty acid methyl ester, or fatty acid ethyl ester) predominantly containing an unsaturated fatty acid and a triglyceride predominantly containing an unsaturated fatty acid. Preferably, both the fatty acid donor and the triglyceride are obtained from plant sources.

[0018] As used herein, the term “primary” should be understood to mean containing at least 50% of the stated specific feature.

[0019] As used herein, the term "vegetable oil" refers to oil obtained from plant sources. The vegetable oil may be a natural plant oil or a processed oil obtained from plant sources.

[0020] Correspondingly, one aspect of the present invention provides an oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil has a phytosterol content lower than a predetermined threshold corresponding to a nominal value of the phytosterol content of a corresponding oil of the same source.

[0021] As used herein, the phrase "corresponding oil of the same source" refers to a natural or processed oil of the same source with a reduced phytosterol content, and "same source" refers to the same oil before the reduction of the phytosterol content in the oil. As in the examples, the corresponding oil of palm oil with a reduced phytosterol content refers to palm oil before the reduction of the phytosterol content.

[0022] As used in this invention, the phrase "a predetermined threshold corresponding to the nominal value of the phytosterol content of the corresponding oil of the same source" refers to the phytosterol content of the oil before the phytosterol content is reduced. Reducing the phytosterol content to below the predetermined threshold can be done before or after blending at least two oils.

[0023] The predetermined threshold can be determined based on known or experimental information about the oil. Non-limiting examples of methods for determining the predetermined threshold of phytosterols include gas chromatography.

[0024] In this article, the concentration unit for "phytosterol content" is ppm (parts per million). The term "phytosterol content" refers to the total content (total amount) of free phytosterols, free phytosterols, esterified phytosterols, esterified phytosterols, and any other derivatives or forms equivalent to the free form of plant-derived sterols or sterols.

[0025] In this document, the terms “phytosterol content,” “total phytosterols,” or any linguistic variations thereof are interchangeable and should be conceived as the total amount of free phytosterols, free phytosterols, esterified phytosterols, esterified phytosterols, and any other derivatives or in forms equivalent to the free form of plant-derived phytosterols or sterols (such as esterified or non-esterified forms).

[0026] Sometimes, when it comes to the ratio of esterified phytosterol content to free phytosterol content (hereinafter referred to as the ratio of esterified phytosterol to free phytosterol), the ratio should be assumed to be the ratio of esterified phytosterol concentration (ppm) to free phytosterol concentration, that is, in this case, the esterified phytosterol is considered to be a different entity from the free phytosterol, and the individual contents (i.e., the contents of esterified phytosterol and free phytosterol) are determined separately.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “esterified phytosterols,” “esterified phytosterols,” “phytosterol esters,” “phytosterol esters,” “saturated fatty acid phytosterol esters,” “saturated fatty acid phytosterol esters,” or any linguistic variations thereof, are interchangeable. The concentrations of these esters or esterifications are determined in their equivalent free form (i.e., non-esterified form).

[0028] As used herein, the term "equivalent free form" refers to the phytosterol components in the phytosterol ester or phytosterol ester present in both free and non-esterified forms.

[0029] As used herein, the terms “saturated fatty acid phytosterol ester” and “saturated fatty acid phytosterol ester” refer to esterified phytosterols or phytosterols with saturated fatty acid residues, respectively.

[0030] As used in this article, the term "rapeseed oil" also includes "canola oil".

[0031] In another aspect, the present invention provides an oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Coconut oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 450 ppm; - Palm kernel oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 900 ppm; - Soybean oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1800 ppm; - Rapeseed oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5800 ppm; - Sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1600 ppm; High-oleic sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1500 ppm. - Corn oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5900 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 700 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 530 ppm; - Safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 8500 ppm; - High-oleic safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1200 ppm; - Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1000 ppm; or Sn2-palmitate oil with a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

[0032] As used in this article, the term “about” is understood to be ±10% of a specific value.

[0033] In a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Coconut oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 450 ppm; - Palm kernel oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 900 ppm; - Soybean oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1800 ppm; - Rapeseed oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5800 ppm; - Sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1600 ppm; High-oleic sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1500 ppm. - Corn oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5900 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 700 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 530 ppm; - Safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 8500 ppm; - High-oleic safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1200 ppm; or Sn2-palmitate oil with a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

[0034] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two vegetable oils, each of which is a natural or processed oil derived from a plant source, wherein at least one oil has a phytosterol content lower than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the nominal value of the phytosterol content of the corresponding oil of the same source.

[0035] As used herein, the term "vegetable oil blend" refers to a mixture / composition of two or more vegetable oils. Each vegetable oil in a vegetable oil blend can be a natural oil or a processed oil derived from a plant source. The term "vegetable oil blend" as used herein can also refer to a composition consisting primarily of a mixture of vegetable oils. It should be noted that vegetable oils, such as natural or processed vegetable oils derived from plant sources, generally include, but are not limited to, triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, free fatty acids, and other substances such as phospholipids and tocopherols.

[0036] As used herein, the term "processed oil of plant origin" refers to an oil that has been processed in any possible form, wherein most of the triglyceride molecules in the processed oil are substantially the same as those of triglycerides of plant origin or are produced by the reaction between two or more triglycerides (e.g., transesterification or transesterification reaction between a single vegetable oil or between two or more vegetable oils).

[0037] As used herein, the phrase “corresponding vegetable oil of the same source” refers to a natural or processed vegetable oil of the same source with a reduced phytosterol content, and “same source” refers to the same oil before the phytosterol content in the oil was reduced.

[0038] In another aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two vegetable oils, each oil being a natural or processed vegetable oil derived from a plant source, wherein at least one vegetable oil is any one of the following: - Coconut oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 450 ppm; - Palm kernel oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 900 ppm; - Soybean oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1800 ppm; - Rapeseed oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5800 ppm; - Sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1600 ppm; High-oleic sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1500 ppm. - Corn oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5900 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 700 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 530 ppm; - Safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 8500 ppm; or - High oleic safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1200 ppm.

[0039] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm sap oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ppm content of phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is lower than the value obtained by the following formula (I): in, -n is an integer from 1 to 13, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in that specific oil; Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows: As used herein, “phytosterol content of all the specified oils in an oil mixture” means the phytosterol content (in ppm) of all the specified oils constituting the oil mixture. For example, the phytosterol content of all the specified oils in an oil mixture including coconut oil and palm oil is the total phytosterol content of coconut oil and palm oil. If the oil mixture includes further non-specific oils (other than coconut oil and palm oil), the phytosterol content of all the specified oils in the oil mixture is the total phytosterol content of coconut oil and palm oil (without considering the phytosterol content of the further non-specific oils).

[0040] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ppm content of phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is lower than the value obtained by formula (II) below: in, -n is an integer from 1 to 12, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in that specific oil; Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows:

[0041] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two vegetable oils, each oil being a natural or processed vegetable oil derived from a plant source, wherein at least one vegetable oil is a specific vegetable oil, which is any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, safflower oil, or high-oleic safflower oil, wherein the ppm content of phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is lower than the value obtained by the following formula (III): in, -n is an integer from 1 to 11, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in that specific oil; Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows:

[0042] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6% in coconut oil; - Phytosterol esters: Palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.6; - Phytosterol esters: Soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; - Phytosterol esters: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.7%; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of sunflower oil, which is about 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: High oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: Corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.8%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.4%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of safflower oil, which is about 1.1. - Phytosterol esters: High oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.3; - Phytosterol esters: Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; or - Phytosterol esters: Sn2-palmitate oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.9%.

[0043] As used in this article, the phrases “ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols” and “ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols” are interchangeable and refer to the ratio of phytosterol ester concentration (ppm) to free phytosterol concentration (ppm).

[0044] In a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6% in coconut oil; - Phytosterol esters: Palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.6; - Phytosterol esters: Soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; - Phytosterol esters: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.7%; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of sunflower oil, which is about 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: High oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: Corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.8%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.4%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of safflower oil, which is about 1.1. - Phytosterol esters: High oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.3; - Phytosterol esters: Sn2-palmitate oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.9%.

[0045] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural or processed vegetable oil derived from a plant source, wherein at least one vegetable oil is any one of the following: - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6% in coconut oil; - Phytosterol esters: Palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.6; - Phytosterol esters: Soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; - Phytosterol esters: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.7%; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of sunflower oil, which is about 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: High oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: Corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.8%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.4%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than approximately 1.1% of safflower oil; or - Phytosterol esters: High oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.3%.

[0046] In a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is greater than a value obtained by formula (IV) below: in, -n is an integer from 1 to 13, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -R n A predetermined threshold representing the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in the specific oil; Furthermore, a predetermined threshold (R0) is set for the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil. n )as follows:

[0047] Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows: In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is greater than a value obtained by the following formula (V): in, -n is an integer from 1 to 12, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -R n A predetermined threshold representing the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in the specific oil; Furthermore, a predetermined threshold (R0) is set for the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil. n )as follows: Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows:

[0048] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two vegetable oils, each oil being a natural or processed vegetable oil derived from a plant source, wherein at least one vegetable oil is a specific oil, which is any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm sap oil, palm oil, safflower oil, or high-oleic safflower oil, wherein the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is greater than the value obtained by the following formula (VI): in, -n is an integer from 1 to 11, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -R n A predetermined threshold representing the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in the specific oil; Furthermore, a predetermined threshold (R0) is set for the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil. n )as follows: Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows:

[0049] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture containing a total amount of phytosterols not exceeding about 4000 ppm.

[0050] In another aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture containing a total amount of phytosterols not exceeding about 4000 ppm.

[0051] In a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, as disclosed herein, wherein the oil mixture contains endogenous tocopherol (TCP) at a concentration not exceeding about 800 ppm.

[0052] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture, as disclosed herein, is provided, wherein the vegetable oil mixture contains endogenous tocopherol at a concentration not exceeding about 800 ppm.

[0053] As described herein, the term "endogenous tocopherol concentration" refers to the level of tocopherol extracted from the source of the oil, rather than the level of externally added natural or synthetic tocopherol.

[0054] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least one vegetable oil, at least one medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the total amount of phytosterols in the oil mixture does not exceed about 4000 ppm.

[0055] In another aspect of the invention, the use of a nutritional composition, pharmaceutical composition, nutritional food composition, parenteral nutrition composition, functional food, or medical food comprising an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention is provided in an intestinal or parenteral preparation administered to a subject.

[0056] In another aspect of the invention, a formula milk powder comprising any of the oil mixtures described in the invention (e.g., vegetable oil mixtures) is provided, which is an infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula.

[0057] As used herein, the terms "parenteral formula" and "parenteral nutrition composition," or any linguistic variations thereof, should be understood as being able to be administered to a subject via a route other than the digestive system and to provide some or all of their daily nutritional needs. This administration is not limited to intravenous, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), partial parenteral nutrition, total nutritional supplements (TNA), partial nutritional supplements, external parenteral nutrition (PPN), etc. Other enteric routes of administration may include intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous injection, etc.

[0058] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing the oil mixture of the present invention, the method comprising providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one oil and mixing the resulting oil having a reduced phytosterol content with at least another oil to obtain an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content.

[0059] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing the oil mixture of the invention is provided, the method comprising mixing at least two oils and providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of the mixed oils to obtain an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content.

[0060] In another aspect of the invention, a method for preparing the vegetable oil mixture of the invention is provided, the method comprising providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one vegetable oil and mixing the resulting oil having a reduced phytosterol content with at least one other vegetable oil to obtain a vegetable oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content.

[0061] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing the vegetable oil mixture of the invention is provided, the method comprising mixing at least two vegetable oils and providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of the mixed vegetable oils to obtain a vegetable oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content.

[0062] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing the vegetable oil mixture of the invention is provided, the method comprising providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one oil and mixing the resulting at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content with at least another oil treated to reduce the phytosterol content to obtain an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content.

[0063] In another further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing the vegetable oil mixture of the invention is provided, the method comprising providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one vegetable oil and mixing the resulting at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content with at least another vegetable oil treated to reduce the phytosterol content, to obtain a vegetable oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content.

[0064] In another further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil with a reduced phytosterol content is provided, the method comprising one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of the oil during extraction from an oil-bearing natural source, such as seeds and legumes.

[0065] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing the phytosterol content in an oil (e.g., vegetable oil) is provided, the method comprising performing molecular distillation of the oil in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the distillate of the oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation.

[0066] In another further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil mixture comprising at least two oils, wherein at least one of the oils has a reduced phytosterol content, the method comprising: At least one oil is subjected to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is carried out under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the distillate of the at least one oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of the at least one oil subjected to molecular distillation; and The at least one distilled oil is mixed with at least one other oil, wherein the at least one other oil has optionally also undergone the molecular distillation; This results in an oil mixture with a reduced phytosterol content.

[0067] In another aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content is provided, the method comprising: Mix at least two types of oil; The at least two oils are subjected to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is carried out under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the distillate of the at least two oils obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of the at least two oils subjected to molecular distillation; and, optionally, The resulting oils having reduced phytosterol content are mixed with at least one further oil, wherein the at least one further oil is optionally also subjected to molecular distillation. This results in an oil mixture with a reduced phytosterol content.

[0068] In a further aspect of the invention, a method is provided for preparing an oil mixture as disclosed herein for use as a fat component in formula milk powder, such as infant formula.

[0069] In a further aspect of the invention, the use of oil mixtures, as disclosed herein, as oil components in formula milk powders such as infant formula is provided.

[0070] In a further aspect of the invention, the use of oil mixtures, as disclosed herein, as oil components in nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional food compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional foods, or medical foods is provided.

[0071] In a further aspect of the invention, the use of oil mixtures, as disclosed herein, in the preparation of nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional food compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional foods, or medical foods is provided.

[0072] In a further aspect of the invention, phytosterols obtained by the methods disclosed herein are provided.

[0073] This invention further provides various uses of the oil mixture described herein, as well as various methods of utilizing the oil mixture described herein. The various uses and methods are detailed below.

[0074] Therefore, the present invention provides the use of the oil mixture of the present invention in improving specific parameters and / or conditions of the subject described below. The method includes applying the oil mixture of the present invention to the subject. Attached Figure Description

[0075] To understand the present invention and how it can be implemented in practice, specific implementation methods will now be described only by way of non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 The figure illustrates a specific embodiment of the invention, showing a reduction in the phytosterol content of the first specific oil before it is mixed with the second specific oil.

[0076] Figure 2 The figure illustrates a specific embodiment of the invention, showing a mixture of one particular oil and another, resulting in a mixture with a reduced phytosterol content.

[0077] Figure 3 This paper illustrates specific embodiments of the present invention and tests the effect of different phytosterol contents in infant formula on the release of free fatty acids. Figure 3 The fat breakdown profile of the test sample is described. Detailed Implementation

[0078] In one aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil has a phytosterol content lower than a predetermined threshold corresponding to a nominal value of the phytosterol content of a corresponding oil of the same origin.

[0079] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is coconut oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 450 ppm.

[0080] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is palm kernel oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 900 ppm.

[0081] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is soybean oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1800 ppm.

[0082] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is rapeseed oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 5,800 ppm.

[0083] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is sunflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1600 ppm.

[0084] In some embodiments, at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is high-oleic sunflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1500 ppm.

[0085] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is corn oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 5,900 ppm.

[0086] In some embodiments, at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is palm oil, having a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 700 ppm.

[0087] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is palm oil, having a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 530 ppm.

[0088] In some embodiments, at least one of the oils having a reduced phytosterol content is safflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 8,500 ppm.

[0089] In some embodiments, at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is high-oleic safflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1200 ppm.

[0090] In some embodiments, at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil having a predetermined phytosterol content of less than about 1000 ppm.

[0091] In some embodiments, at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is Sn2-palmitate oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 300 ppm.

[0092] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: coconut oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.6%.

[0093] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.6%.

[0094] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.5%.

[0095] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.7.

[0096] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.7%.

[0097] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: high oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.7%.

[0098] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.8%.

[0099] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.4%.

[0100] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.

[0101] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.1.

[0102] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: high oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.3%.

[0103] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.5%.

[0104] In some embodiments, at least one oil is a phytosterol ester: Sn2-palmitate oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.9.

[0105] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Coconut oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 450 ppm; - Palm kernel oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 900 ppm; - Soybean oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1800 ppm; - Rapeseed oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5800 ppm; - Sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1600 ppm; High-oleic sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1500 ppm. - Corn oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5900 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 700 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 530 ppm; - Safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 8500 ppm; - High-oleic safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1200 ppm; - Medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1000 ppm; or Sn2-palmitate oil with a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

[0106] It is worth noting that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Further, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0107] In a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Coconut oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 450 ppm; - Palm kernel oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 900 ppm; - Soybean oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1800 ppm; - Rapeseed oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5800 ppm; - Sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1600 ppm; High-oleic sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1500 ppm. - Corn oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5900 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 700 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 530 ppm; - Safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 8500 ppm; - High-oleic safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1200 ppm; or Sn2-palmitate oil with a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

[0108] It is worth noting that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Further, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0109] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two vegetable oils, each of which is a natural vegetable oil or a processed vegetable oil derived from a vegetable source, wherein at least one vegetable oil has a phytosterol content lower than a predetermined threshold corresponding to the nominal value of the phytosterol content of the corresponding oil of the same source.

[0110] In some embodiments, at least one of the vegetable oils having a reduced phytosterol content is coconut oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 450 ppm.

[0111] In some embodiments, at least one of the vegetable oils having a reduced phytosterol content is palm kernel oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 900 ppm.

[0112] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is soybean oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1800 ppm.

[0113] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil with a reduced phytosterol content is rapeseed oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 5,800 ppm.

[0114] In some embodiments, at least one of the plant oils having a reduced phytosterol content is sunflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1600 ppm.

[0115] In some embodiments, at least one of the vegetable oils having a reduced phytosterol content is high-oleic sunflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1,500 ppm.

[0116] In some embodiments, at least one of the vegetable oils having a reduced phytosterol content is corn oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 5,900 ppm.

[0117] In some embodiments, at least one of the vegetable oils having a reduced phytosterol content is palm oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 700 ppm.

[0118] In some embodiments, at least one of the vegetable oils having a reduced phytosterol content is palm oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 530 ppm.

[0119] In some embodiments, at least one of the plant oils having a reduced phytosterol content is safflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 8,500 ppm.

[0120] In some embodiments, at least one of the vegetable oils having a reduced phytosterol content is high-oleic safflower oil, which has a phytosterol content below a predetermined threshold of about 1200 ppm.

[0121] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: coconut oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.6%.

[0122] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.6%.

[0123] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.5%.

[0124] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.7%.

[0125] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.7%.

[0126] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: high oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.7%.

[0127] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.8%.

[0128] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.4%.

[0129] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.

[0130] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.1.

[0131] In some embodiments, at least one vegetable oil is a phytosterol ester: high oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1.3%.

[0132] In another aspect of the invention, there is a vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural vegetable oil or a processed vegetable oil, wherein at least one vegetable oil is any one of the following: - Coconut oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 450 ppm; - Palm kernel oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 900 ppm; - Soybean oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1800 ppm; - Rapeseed oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5800 ppm; - Sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1600 ppm; High-oleic sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1500 ppm. - Corn oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5900 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 700 ppm; - Palm oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 530 ppm; - Safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 8500 ppm; or - High oleic safflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1200 ppm.

[0133] It is worth noting that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the vegetable oils listed above. Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Further, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0134] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm sap oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ppm content of phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is lower than the value obtained by formula (I) below: in, -n is an integer from 1 to 13, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -K nA predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in that specific oil; Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows: It is worth noting that, in order to calculate the numerical value obtained using the aforementioned equation (I), X n The value is determined (provided) before the specific oil is mixed. Further, during the processing of the oil, X... n Prior to the steps described above, a hybrid definition was used.

[0135] It should be further noted that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Additionally, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0136] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X of the specific oil n They can be the same or different.

[0137] In some embodiments, the phytosterol ppm content of all the characteristic oils in the oil mixture is less than about 90% of the value calculated using the aforementioned formula (I), sometimes less than about 80%, sometimes less than about 70%, sometimes even less than about 60% or 50%, sometimes even less than about 40% or 30%, and sometimes even less than about 20% or 10%.

[0138] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ppm content of phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is lower than the value obtained by formula (II) below: in, -n is an integer from 1 to 12, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in that specific oil; Furthermore, the specific oil (K) nThe predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows:

[0139] It is worth noting that, in order to calculate the numerical value obtained using the aforementioned equation (II), X n The value is determined (provided) before the specific oil is mixed. Further, during the processing of the oil, X... n Prior to the steps described above, a hybrid definition was used.

[0140] It should be further noted that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Additionally, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0141] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X of the specific oil n They can be the same or different.

[0142] In some embodiments, the phytosterol ppm content of all the characteristic oils in the oil mixture is less than about 90% of the value calculated using the aforementioned formula (II), sometimes less than about 80%, sometimes less than about 70%, sometimes even less than about 60% or 50%, sometimes even less than about 40% or 30%, and sometimes even less than about 20% or 10%.

[0143] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two vegetable oils, each oil being a natural vegetable oil or processed vegetable oil derived from a vegetable source, wherein at least one vegetable oil is a specific oil, which is any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, safflower oil, and high-oleic safflower oil, wherein the ppm content of phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is lower than the value obtained by the following formula (III): in, -n is an integer from 1 to 11, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in that specific oil; Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows:

[0144] It is worth noting that, in order to calculate the value obtained using the aforementioned equation (III), X n The value is determined (provided) before the specific oil is mixed. Further, during the processing of the oil, X... n Prior to the steps described above, a hybrid definition was used.

[0145] It should be further noted that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the vegetable oils listed above. Additionally, the oil mixture may also include other vegetable oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding vegetable oils of the same source). Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other vegetable oils not listed, such as those without a reduced phytosterol content.

[0146] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X of the specific oil n They can be the same or different.

[0147] In some embodiments, the phytosterol ppm content of all the characteristic oils in the oil mixture is less than about 90% of the value calculated using the aforementioned formula (III), sometimes less than about 80%, sometimes less than about 70%, and sometimes even less than about 60% or 50%, sometimes even less than about 40% or 30%, and sometimes even less than about 20% or 10%.

[0148] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6% in coconut oil; - Phytosterol esters: Palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.6; - Phytosterol esters: Soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; - Phytosterol esters: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.7%; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of sunflower oil, which is about 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: High oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: Corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.8%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.4%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of safflower oil, which is about 1.1. - Phytosterol esters: High oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.3; - Phytosterol esters: Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; or - Phytosterol esters: Sn2-palmitate oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.9%.

[0149] It is worth noting that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Further, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0150] In a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6% in coconut oil; - Phytosterol esters: Palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.6; - Phytosterol esters: Soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; - Phytosterol esters: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.7%; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of sunflower oil, which is about 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: High oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: Corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.8%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.4%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of safflower oil, which is about 1.1. - Phytosterol esters: High oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.3; - Phytosterol esters: Sn2-palmitate oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 0.9%.

[0151] It is worth noting that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Further, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0152] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or processed oil derived from a vegetable source, wherein at least one oil is any one of the following: - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6% in coconut oil; - Phytosterol esters: Palm kernel oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.6; - Phytosterol esters: Soybean oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.5%; - Phytosterol esters: rapeseed oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.7%; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than that of sunflower oil, which is about 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: High oleic sunflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.7%; - Phytosterol esters: Corn oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.8%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 0.4%; - Phytosterol esters: Palm oil with a free phytosterol content greater than about 1; - Phytosterol esters: The proportion of free phytosterols is greater than approximately 1.1% of safflower oil; or - Phytosterol esters: High oleic safflower oil with a free phytosterol content greater than approximately 1.3; It is worth noting that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the vegetable oils listed above. Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other vegetable oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Further, the oil mixture may also include other vegetable oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0153] In a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is greater than a value obtained by formula (IV) below: in, -n is an integer from 1 to 13, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -R n A predetermined threshold representing the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in the specific oil; Furthermore, a predetermined threshold (R0) is set for the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil. n )as follows Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows:

[0154] In some embodiments (e.g., as specifically listed below), the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in the particular oil is greater than the specified value described above.

[0155] In some embodiments, the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in the entire oil mixture is greater than about 10% or 20%, sometimes about 40% or 60%, sometimes about 80% or 100%, even sometimes about 120% or 150%, and even sometimes about 200% or 300% of the value obtained using the aforementioned formula (IV). It is worth noting that, in order to calculate the value obtained using the aforementioned equation (IV), X n The value is determined (provided) before the specific oil is mixed. Further, during the processing of the oil, X... n Prior to the steps described above, a hybrid definition was used.

[0156] It is further noteworthy that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Additionally, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0157] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X of the specific oil n They can be the same or different.

[0158] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least two oils, each being a natural or processed oil, wherein at least one oil is a specific oil selected from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm sap oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high-oleic safflower oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is greater than a value obtained by the following formula (V): in, -n is an integer from 1 to 12, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -R n A predetermined threshold representing the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in the specific oil; Furthermore, a predetermined threshold (R0) is set for the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil. n )as follows:

[0159] Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows: In some embodiments, such as those specifically listed below, the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in the particular oil is greater than the specified value described above.

[0160] In some embodiments, the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in the entire oil mixture is greater than about 10% or 20%, sometimes about 40% or 60%, sometimes about 80% or 100%, even sometimes about 120% or 150%, and even sometimes about 200% or 300% of the value obtained using the aforementioned formula (V). It is worth noting that, in order to calculate the numerical value obtained using the aforementioned formula (V), X n The value is determined (provided) before the specific oil is mixed. Further, during the processing of the oil, X... n Prior to the steps described above, a hybrid definition was used.

[0161] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X of the specific oil n They can be the same or different.

[0162] It is further noteworthy that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the oils listed above. Additionally, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (compared to corresponding oils from the same source). Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other oils not listed, such as oils that do not have a reduced phytosterol content.

[0163] In a further aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural or processed vegetable oil derived from a vegetable source, wherein at least one vegetable oil is a specific oil, which is any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm sap oil, palm oil, safflower oil, or high-oleic safflower oil, wherein the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in all of the specific oils in the oil mixture is greater than the value obtained by the following formula (VI): in, -n is an integer from 1 to 11, representing the number of the specific oil; -X n This represents the weight percentage of that specific oil among all the n specific oils; -R n A predetermined threshold representing the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil; -K n A predetermined threshold representing the ppm content of phytosterols in the specific oil; Furthermore, a predetermined threshold (R0) is set for the ratio of the concentration of phytosterol esters (ppm) to the concentration of free phytosterols (ppm) in the specific oil. n )as follows:

[0164] Furthermore, the specific oil (K) n The predetermined thresholds for phytosterol content in () are as follows: In some embodiments, such as those specifically listed below, the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in the particular oil is greater than the specified value described above.

[0165] In some embodiments, the ratio of the ppm concentration of phytosterol esters to the ppm concentration of free phytosterols in the entire oil mixture is greater than about 10% or 20%, sometimes about 40% or 60%, sometimes about 80% or 100%, even sometimes about 120% or 150%, and even sometimes about 200% or 300% of the value obtained using the aforementioned formula (VI). It is worth noting that, in order to calculate the numerical value obtained using the aforementioned equation (VI), X n The value is determined (provided) before the specific oil is mixed. Further, during the processing of the oil, X... n Prior to the steps described above, a hybrid definition was used.

[0166] In some embodiments of the present invention, the X of the specific oil n They can be the same or different.

[0167] It is further noteworthy that the oil mixture may include any one or more of the vegetable oils listed above. Additionally, the oil mixture may also include other vegetable oils not listed that have a reduced phytosterol content (as opposed to corresponding oils from the same source). Furthermore, the oil mixture may also include other vegetable oils not listed, such as those without a reduced phytosterol content.

[0168] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention may include at least three oils, at least four oils, at least five oils, at least six oils, at least seven oils, at least eight oils, at least nine oils, at least ten oils, at least eleven oils, at least twelve oils, at least thirteen oils, at least fourteen oils, etc. The oils may be vegetable oils, natural oils, such as processed oils derived from vegetable sources as defined herein.

[0169] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention may include or contain at least two, sometimes at least three, sometimes at least four and even sometimes at least five of the following oils: coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or Sn2-palmitate oil.

[0170] In some embodiments, the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention may include or contain at least two, sometimes at least three, sometimes at least four and even sometimes at least five of the following oils: coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, safflower oil or high oleic safflower oil.

[0171] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 specific oils. Therefore, in some embodiments, "n" can be an integer from 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 1 to 6, 1 to 7, 1 to 8, 1 to 9, 1 to 10, 1 to 11, 1 to 12, or 1 to 13. In a particular embodiment, "n" is an integer from 1 to 13. In a further particular embodiment, "n" is an integer from 1 to 12. In a further particular embodiment, "n" is an integer from 1 to 11.

[0172] In some embodiments, the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 specific oils. Therefore, in some embodiments, "n" can be an integer from 1 to 2, 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 1 to 6, 1 to 7, 1 to 8, 1 to 9, 1 to 10, 1 to 11, or 1 to 12. In a particular embodiment, "n" is an integer from 1 to 12.

[0173] In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 2. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 3. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 4. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 5. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 6. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 7. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 8. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 9. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 10. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 11. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 12. In some implementations, "n" is an integer from 1 to 13.

[0174] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention may include or comprise a combination of the following oils: coconut oil, soybean oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, and palm oil; or, coconut oil, soybean oil, and high-oleic safflower oil; or, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, and palm oil; or, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil; or, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and palm oil; coconut oil, soybean oil, and palm oil; or, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil; or, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and high-oleic sunflower oil; or, coconut oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and high-oleic sunflower oil; or, palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or high-oleic sunflower oil; coconut oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.

[0175] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention includes OPO (Sn2-palmitate oil), palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil with phytosterols less than about 2000 ppm, sometimes less than about 1500 ppm, sometimes less than about 1000 ppm, sometimes less than about 700 ppm, sometimes less than about 600 ppm, sometimes less than about 500 ppm, sometimes less than about 400 ppm, and even sometimes less than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments, the percentage (w / w) of the OPO in the total oil is 1%-90%, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 10%-60%, sometimes 20%-50%, and even sometimes 30%-40%; the percentage (w / w) of the palm kernel oil in the total oil is 1%-90%, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 7%-50%, sometimes 10%-40%, sometimes 15%-30%, and even sometimes 20%-25%; the percentage (w / w) of the rapeseed oil in the total oil is 1%-90%, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 7%-50%, sometimes 10%-40%, and even sometimes 15%-30%; and the percentage (w / w) of the sunflower oil in the total oil is 1%-90%, sometimes 3%-70%, sometimes 5%-40%, and even sometimes 10%-20%.

[0176] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention includes coconut oil, soybean oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, and palm oil with phytosterols of less than about 2000 ppm, sometimes less than about 1500 ppm, sometimes less than about 1000 ppm, sometimes less than about 700 ppm, sometimes less than about 600 ppm, sometimes less than about 500 ppm, sometimes less than about 400 ppm, and even sometimes less than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments, the coconut oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 7%-50%, sometimes 10%-40%, sometimes 15%-30%, and even sometimes 20%-25%; the soybean oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 7%-50%, sometimes 10%-40%, sometimes 15%-30%, and even sometimes 20%-25%; the high-oleic sunflower oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 3%-70%, sometimes 5%-40%, sometimes 10%-40%, and even sometimes 10%-20%; and the palm oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 10%-70%, sometimes 20%-60%, sometimes 30%-50%, and even sometimes 40%-45%.

[0177] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention includes coconut oil, soybean oil and high-oleic safflower oil with phytosterols of less than about 2000 ppm, sometimes less than about 1500 ppm, sometimes less than about 1000 ppm, sometimes less than about 700 ppm, sometimes less than about 600 ppm, sometimes less than about 500 ppm, sometimes less than about 400 ppm, and even sometimes less than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments, the coconut oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 10%-50%, sometimes 20%-40%, and even sometimes 25%-35%; the soybean oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 10%-50%, sometimes 20%-40%, and even sometimes 25%-35%; and the high-oleic safflower oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 10%-60%, sometimes 20%-50%, and even sometimes 30%-45%.

[0178] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention includes palm kernel oil, soybean oil, high oleic sunflower oil and palm oil with phytosterols of less than about 2000 ppm, sometimes less than about 1500 ppm, sometimes less than about 1000 ppm, sometimes less than about 700 ppm, sometimes less than about 600 ppm, sometimes less than about 500 ppm, sometimes less than about 400 ppm, and even sometimes less than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments, the palm kernel oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 10%-50%, and even sometimes 20%-30%; the soybean oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 3%-50%, and even sometimes 10%-20%; the high-oleic sunflower oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 3%-50%, and even sometimes 10%-20%; and the palm oil accounts for 1%-90% (w / w) of the total oil, sometimes 5%-70%, sometimes 10%-60%, sometimes 20%-50%, and even sometimes 30%-45%.

[0179] Figure 1 This invention illustrates a non-limiting embodiment in which a specific oil (100), designated (A) in the figure, is reduced in its phytosterol content by means of (102) to obtain an oil (104) with a reduced phytosterol content, designated (A') in the figure. The oil (104) is then mixed (108) with another oil (106) designated (B) in the figure (which may have a reduced phytosterol content) to produce an oil mixture (110) with a reduced phytosterol content (designated A'+B) in the figure. The oil mixture (110) with a reduced phytosterol content may optionally be further mixed (114) with at least one further oil (112) designated (C) in the figure (which may have a reduced phytosterol content) to obtain an oil (116) with a reduced phytosterol content (designated A'+B+C) in the figure. It is worth noting that, in order to calculate numerical values ​​using the various formulas disclosed herein [Formulas (I) to (VI)], X n The value is determined (provided) before blending the oil.

[0180] Figure 2This invention illustrates a non-limiting embodiment in which a specific oil (200), designated (A) in the figure, is mixed (204) with another specific oil (202) designated (B) in the figure. The resulting oil mixture (206) (designated A+B in the figure) is subjected to a reduction in its phytosterol content by means (208) to obtain an oil mixture (210) with a reduced phytosterol content, designated (A+B)' in the figure. The oil mixture (210) with the reduced phytosterol content may optionally be further mixed (214) with at least one further oil (212) (which may have a reduced phytosterol content) designated (C) in the figure to obtain an oil (216) with a reduced phytosterol content (designated (A+B)'+C)' in the figure. It is worth noting that in order to calculate numerical values ​​using the various formulas disclosed herein [Formulas (I) to (VI)], X n The value is determined (provided) before blending the oil.

[0181] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention may further comprise at least one structural triglyceride, preferably a palmitic acid-rich triglyceride at the sn-2 position.

[0182] In some embodiments, the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention may further comprise at least one medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and Sn2-palmitate oil.

[0183] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided comprising at least one vegetable oil and at least one medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil and Sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the total amount of phytosterols in the oil mixture is less than about 4000 ppm.

[0184] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided, the oil mixture containing a total amount of phytosterols of less than about 4000 ppm.

[0185] In another aspect of the invention, a vegetable oil mixture is provided, the vegetable oil mixture containing a total amount of phytosterols of less than about 4000 ppm.

[0186] In some embodiments, the total amount of phytosterols contained in the oil mixture of the present invention is less than about 4000 ppm.

[0187] In some embodiments, the vegetable oil mixture contains less than about 4,000 ppm of total phytosterols.

[0188] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention contains less than about 3000 ppm or 2000 ppm, sometimes less than about 1500 or 1000 ppm, sometimes even less than about 800 or 600 ppm, sometimes even less than about 400 or 300 ppm and sometimes even less than about 200 or 100 ppm.

[0189] In some embodiments, the total amount of phytosterols contained in the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention is less than about 3000 ppm or 2000 ppm, sometimes less than about 1500 or 1000 ppm, sometimes even less than about 800 or 600 ppm, sometimes even less than about 400 or 300 ppm and sometimes even less than about 200 or 100 ppm.

[0190] The following are the accepted nomenclature names for several saturated fatty acids: caprylic acid (caprylic acid, C8:0), decanoic acid (decanoic acid, C10:0), lauric acid (lauric acid, C12:0), myristic acid (tetradecanoic acid, C14:0), palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, C16:0), and stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, C18:0).

[0191] The following are the accepted nomenclatures for several unsaturated fatty acids: oleic acid (C18:1), linoleic acid (C18:2), alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3), arachidonic acid (C20:4), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (C20:5), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (C22:5), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C22:6).

[0192] In some embodiments, the fatty acid composition of the oil mixture of the present invention is as follows: -C8:0 fatty acids, which account for 0-10% of the total fatty acids; -C10:0 fatty acids, which account for 0-10% of the total fatty acids; -C12:0 fatty acids, which account for 0-22% of the total fatty acids; -C16:0 fatty acids, which account for 5-55% of the total fatty acids; -C18:0 fatty acids, which account for 1-7% of the total fatty acids; -C18:1 fatty acids, which account for 20-75% of all fatty acids; -C18:2 fatty acids, which account for 2-40% of all fatty acids; -C18:3 fatty acids, which account for 0-8% of the total fatty acids; - Other fatty acids that make up less than 8% of the total fatty acids.

[0193] In some embodiments, the concentration of endogenous tocopherol (TCP) in the oil mixture of the present invention is less than about 800 ppm.

[0194] Therefore, in a further aspect of the invention, an oil mixture as disclosed herein is provided, wherein the concentration of endogenous tocopherol in the oil mixture is less than about 800 ppm.

[0195] In some embodiments, the concentration of endogenous tocopherol in the oil mixture (e.g., vegetable oil mixture) of the present invention is less than about 600 ppm, sometimes less than about 500 ppm or 400 ppm, sometimes less than about 300 ppm, sometimes even less than about 200 ppm, sometimes even less than about 100 ppm, sometimes less than about 50 ppm, sometimes less than about 30 ppm, sometimes less than about 20 ppm, and sometimes even less than about 10 ppm.

[0196] In some embodiments, the ratio of α-tocopherol levels to non-α-tocopherol levels in the oil mixture (e.g., vegetable oil mixture) of the present invention is at least about 5. This ratio is sometimes about 8 or more, sometimes about 10 or more, sometimes about 15 or more, sometimes about 20 or more, and even sometimes about 10 to about 20.

[0197] In some embodiments, the percentage (w / w) of diacylglycerol levels in the oil mixture (e.g., vegetable oil mixture) of the present invention is at most about 0.5%. This percentage is sometimes about 0.3% or less, sometimes about 0.2% or less, sometimes about 0.1% or less, sometimes about 0.05% or less, and even sometimes about 0.01% or less.

[0198] In another aspect of the invention, infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula containing any of the oil mixtures and / or vegetable oil mixtures described in the invention are provided.

[0199] In some embodiments, the cholesterol to phytosterols w / w ratio in the formula milk powder (e.g., infant formula) of the present invention is at least about 1.

[0200] In some embodiments, the formula milk powder of the present invention comprises at least about 5 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder, sometimes at least about 10 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder, sometimes at least about 20 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder, sometimes at least about 30 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder, sometimes at least about 40 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder or more, sometimes at least about 60 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder or more, sometimes at least about 80 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder or more, sometimes at least about 100 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder or more, sometimes about 30 mg to about 200 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder, sometimes about 50 mg to about 150 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder, and sometimes at least about 60 mg to about 130 mg cholesterol / 100g formula milk powder or more.

[0201] In some embodiments, the ratio of α-tocopherol levels to non-α-tocopherol levels in the formula milk powder of the present invention is at least about 5. This ratio is sometimes about 8 or more, sometimes about 10 or more, sometimes about 15 or more, sometimes about 20 or more, and sometimes about 10 to about 20.

[0202] In some embodiments, the percentage (w / w) of diacylglycerol levels in the oil mixture (e.g., vegetable oil mixture) of the formula milk powder (e.g., infant formula) of the present invention is at most 0.5%. This percentage is sometimes about 0.3% or less, sometimes about 0.2% or less, sometimes about 0.1% or less, sometimes about 0.05% or less, and sometimes about 0.01% or less.

[0203] In this article, the term "w / w" refers to the ratio of weight to weight.

[0204] In some embodiments, the cholesterol-to-phytosterol ratio in the formula milk powder of the present invention is at least about 1, sometimes at least about 1.5, sometimes at least about 2, sometimes at least about 5, and even sometimes at least about 10. It is noteworthy that the cholesterol may be derived from the formula milk powder (e.g., infant formula, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula, each of which may be a parenteral formula), for example, as an adjunct to the formula milk powder or as a source constituting the formula milk powder.

[0205] In some embodiments, the coconut oil of the present invention contains less than about 550 or 450 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 400 or 350 ppm of phytosterols, even sometimes less than about 300 or 250 ppm of phytosterols, even sometimes less than about 200 or 150 ppm of phytosterols, and even sometimes less than about 100 ppm of phytosterols.

[0206] In some embodiments, the palm kernel oil of the present invention contains less than about 1000 or 850, sometimes less than about 750 or 700 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 650 or 550 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 500 or 450 ppm of phytosterols, and even sometimes less than about 400 or 350 ppm of phytosterols, and even sometimes less than about 300 or 250 ppm of phytosterols.

[0207] In some embodiments, the soybean oil of the present invention contains less than about 1700 or 1500 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 1300 or 1000 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 800 or 600 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 500 or 400 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 300 or 200 ppm of phytosterols.

[0208] In some embodiments, the rapeseed oil of the present invention contains less than about 8,000 or 7,000, sometimes less than about 5,500 or 4,500 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 4,000 or 3,500 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 3,000 or 2,500 ppm of phytosterols, and even sometimes less than about 2,000 or 1,500 ppm of phytosterols, and even sometimes less than about 1,000, 800 or 500 ppm of phytosterols.

[0209] In some embodiments, the sunflower oil of the present invention contains less than about 2000 or 1500 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 1200 or 1000 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 800 or 600 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 500 or 400 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 300 or 200 ppm of phytosterols.

[0210] In some embodiments, the high-oleic sunflower oil of the present invention contains less than about 2000 or 1700 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 1500 or 1300 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 1000 or 800 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes even less than about 700 or 600 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes even less than about 500 or 400 ppm of phytosterols.

[0211] In some embodiments, the corn oil of the present invention contains less than about 5,000 or 4,500 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 4,000 or 3,500 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 3,000 or 2,500 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 2,000 or 1,500 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 1,000 or 500 ppm of phytosterols.

[0212] In some embodiments, the palm oil of the present invention contains less than about 600 or 500 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 450 or 400 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 350 or 300 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 270, 250 or 200 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 150 or 100 ppm of phytosterols.

[0213] In some embodiments, the palm oil of the present invention contains less than about 500 or 450 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 400 or 350 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 300 or 250 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 200 or 150 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 100 or 50 ppm of phytosterols.

[0214] In some embodiments, the safflower oil of the present invention contains less than about 8,000 or 7,000 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 6,000 or 5,000 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 4,000 or 3,000 ppm of phytosterols, and even sometimes less than about 2,000, 1,900 or 1,500 ppm of phytosterols, and even sometimes less than about 1,000, 500, 300 or 150 ppm of phytosterols.

[0215] In some embodiments, the high-oleic safflower oil of the present invention contains less than about 2,500 or 2,000 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 1,500 or 1,000 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 800 or 600 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes even less than about 500 or 400 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes even less than about 300 or 200 ppm of phytosterols.

[0216] In some embodiments, the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil of the present invention contains less than about 900 or 800 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 700 or 600 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 500 or 400 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 300 or 200 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 100 or 50 or 10 ppm of phytosterols.

[0217] In some embodiments, the Sn2-palmitate oil of the present invention contains less than about 250 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 200 ppm of phytosterols, sometimes less than about 150 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 100 ppm of phytosterols, and sometimes less than about 50 or 10 ppm of phytosterols.

[0218] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the coconut oil of the present invention is greater than about 0.8, sometimes greater than about 1 or 1.5, sometimes greater than about 2 or 3, sometimes greater than about 5, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0219] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the palm kernel oil of the present invention is greater than about 0.8 or 1, sometimes greater than about 1.5 or 2, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 5, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0220] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the soybean oil of the present invention is greater than about 0.6 or 1, sometimes greater than about 1.5 or 2, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 5, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0221] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the rapeseed oil of the present invention is greater than about 1.7 or 2, sometimes greater than about 2, 5, 3, 3.5 or 4, sometimes greater than about 5, 6 or 10, sometimes greater than about 13 or 15, and even sometimes greater than about 20.

[0222] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the sunflower oil of the present invention is greater than about 0.8 or 1, sometimes greater than about 1.5 or 2, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 5 or 10, and even sometimes greater than about 15.

[0223] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the high-oleic sunflower oil of the present invention is greater than about 0.8 or 1, sometimes greater than about 1.5 or 2, sometimes greater than about 3 or 3.5, sometimes greater than about 4 or 6, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0224] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the corn oil of the present invention is greater than about 2 or 2.5, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 6 or 8, sometimes greater than about 10, and even sometimes greater than about 15.

[0225] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the palm oil of the present invention is greater than about 0.5 or 0.8, sometimes greater than about 1 or 1.5, sometimes greater than about 2 or 3, sometimes greater than about 5, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0226] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the palm oil of the present invention is greater than about 1.2 or 1.5, sometimes greater than about 2 or 2.5, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 6, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0227] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the safflower oil of the present invention is greater than about 1.3 or 1.5, sometimes greater than about 2 or 2.5, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 6, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0228] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the high-oleic safflower oil of the present invention is greater than about 1.5 or 2, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 6 or 8, sometimes greater than about 10, and even sometimes greater than about 15.

[0229] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil of the present invention is greater than about 0.6 or 0.8, sometimes greater than about 1 or 1.5, sometimes greater than about 2 or 2.5, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, and even sometimes greater than about 5.

[0230] In some embodiments, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols in the Sn2-palmitate oil of the present invention is greater than about 1.1 or 1.5, sometimes greater than about 2 or 2.5, sometimes greater than about 3 or 4, sometimes greater than about 5, and even sometimes greater than about 10.

[0231] The oil mixtures (e.g., vegetable oil mixtures) described in this invention can be used as components of nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, health product compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional foods, or medical foods.

[0232] The oil mixtures (e.g., vegetable oil mixtures) described in this invention can be used as infant formula, sometimes as parenteral formula, sometimes as infant food, sometimes as toddler formula, sometimes as children's formula, and sometimes even as a component of adult formula.

[0233] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for preparing the oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) of the invention, the method comprising providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one oil and mixing the resulting oil having a reduced phytosterol content with at least one other oil to obtain an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content. Optionally, the method may further include adding at least one further oil to the obtained oil mixture.

[0234] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing the oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) of the invention is provided, the method comprising mixing at least two oils, and providing one or more means to reduce the phytosterol content of the mixture after mixing the at least two oils, to obtain an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content. Optionally, the method may further include adding at least one further oil to the obtained oil mixture.

[0235] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing the oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) of the invention is provided, the method comprising providing one or more oils for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one oil and mixing them with at least one other oil treated to reduce its phytosterol content (e.g., by one or more means of reducing phytosterol content) to obtain an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content. Optionally, the method may further include at least one further oil in the obtained oil mixture.

[0236] In some embodiments, the phytosterol content of the at least one oil or the phytosterol content of the oil mixture is reduced by column chromatography, distillation, molecular distillation, absorption of an oil-insoluble matrix, fractionation, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof.

[0237] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the phytosterol content of the one or more oils (alone or in combination) is reduced by molecular distillation.

[0238] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, means for reducing the phytosterol content of one or more oils (alone or in combination) include molecular distillation.

[0239] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention can be obtained by evaporation, such as by transferring the oil (one oil or a mixture of at least two oils) via a molecular distillation unit (shortest path in the text) under vacuum (which may be a high vacuum) and temperature conditions that allow the removal or reduction (to a certain extent) of the phytosterol content of the oil.

[0240] In some embodiments, the phytosterol content of one oil or a mixture of at least two oils in the method of the present invention can be reduced by evaporation, such as by transferring the oil through a molecular distillation unit under vacuum (e.g., high vacuum) and temperature conditions that allow the removal or reduction (to a certain extent) of the phytosterol content of the oil.

[0241] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing the phytosterol content in an oil (e.g., vegetable oil) is provided, the method comprising performing molecular distillation of the oil in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the distillate of the oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of the oil to which molecular distillation was performed.

[0242] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for reducing the phytosterol content in an oil (e.g., vegetable oil) is provided, the method comprising performing molecular distillation of the oil in a distillation system, wherein the system includes a vacuum generator and at least one condenser, wherein the oil is distilled at a temperature of about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is at a position of about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being measured between the vacuum generator and the condenser in the system, and wherein the distillate of the oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation.

[0243] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil mixture comprising at least two oils, wherein at least one of the oils has a reduced phytosterol content, the method comprising: At least one oil is subjected to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is carried out under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the distillate of the at least one oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of the at least one oil subjected to molecular distillation; and The at least one distilled oil is mixed with at least one other oil, wherein the at least one other oil has optionally also undergone the molecular distillation; This results in an oil mixture with a reduced phytosterol content.

[0244] In another aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil mixture comprising at least two oils, wherein at least one of the oils has a reduced phytosterol content, the method comprising: At least one oil is subjected to molecular distillation in a distillation system comprising a vacuum generator and at least one condenser, wherein the distillation temperature of the at least one oil is from about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is from about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being measured at a position between the vacuum generator and the condenser in the system, and wherein the distillate of the at least one oil obtained after molecular distillation constitutes from about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of the at least one oil subjected to molecular distillation; and The at least one distilled oil is mixed with at least one other oil, wherein the at least one other oil has optionally also undergone the molecular distillation; This results in an oil mixture with a reduced phytosterol content.

[0245] In another aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content is provided, the method comprising: Mix at least two types of oil. At least two oils are subjected to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is carried out under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the distillate of the at least two oils obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of the at least two oils subjected to molecular distillation; and optionally... The resulting oils having reduced phytosterol content are mixed with at least one further oil, wherein the at least one further oil is optionally also subjected to molecular distillation. This results in an oil mixture with a reduced phytosterol content.

[0246] In another aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil mixture having a reduced phytosterol content is provided, the method comprising: Mix at least two types of oil; Molecular distillation of at least two oils is performed in a distillation system comprising a vacuum generator and at least one condenser, wherein the distillation temperature of the at least two oils is from about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is from about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being measured at a position between the vacuum generator and the condenser in the system, and wherein the distillate of the at least two oils obtained after molecular distillation constitutes from about 2% to about 60% by weight of the total amount of the at least two oils subjected to molecular distillation; and optionally... The resulting oils having reduced phytosterol content are mixed with at least one further oil, wherein the at least one further oil is optionally also subjected to molecular distillation. This results in an oil mixture with a reduced phytosterol content.

[0247] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the distillation system includes a vacuum generating device and at least one condenser (the latter for collecting / condensing the distillate), wherein the oil is distilled at a temperature of about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is at a position of about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being measured between the vacuum generating device (e.g., a vacuum pump) and the condenser of the system.

[0248] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the distillation system includes an evaporator with a heating medium (e.g., steam, hot oil, and the like), the evaporator having inlet and outlet positions, wherein the temperature at the heating medium inlet position is from about 100°C to about 400°C, for example at least about 190°C, sometimes about 210°C or above, sometimes about 220°C or above, sometimes about 230°C or above, sometimes about 260°C and above, and even sometimes about 300°C and above. In some embodiments, the heating medium is at a temperature of about 100°C to about 400°C, sometimes about 150°C to about 360°C, sometimes about 300°C to about 360°C, and sometimes about 200°C to about 300°C.

[0249] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the distillation temperature of the oil is from about 100°C to about 350°C, sometimes from about 200°C to about 300°C, sometimes from about 100°C to about 200°C, sometimes from about 150°C to about 200°C, and sometimes from about 150°C to about 190°C.

[0250] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the distillation system includes a condenser. In some embodiments, the temperature of the condenser is at most about 90°C. Sometimes the temperature is about 70°C or below, sometimes about 60°C or below, sometimes about 50°C or below, and sometimes about 40°C or below.

[0251] In some embodiments, according to the method of the invention, the vacuum is at most about 2 mbar. In some embodiments, the vacuum is at most about 1 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.5 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.1 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.05 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.03 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.02 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.01 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.005 mbar or less, sometimes about 0.001 mbar or less, and sometimes about 0.0005 mbar or less.

[0252] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the distillate of the oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 2% to about 50% by weight of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation. Sometimes, the distillate of the oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for at least about 2% by weight of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation, and sometimes it accounts for more than 5% by weight of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation, and even sometimes more than 9%, 17%, 25%, 35% or 50%.

[0253] In some embodiments, according to the method of the invention, the weight percentage of the oil distillate obtained after molecular distillation is from about 5% to about 40%. Sometimes, the weight percentage of the oil distillate obtained after molecular distillation is 6% to 35% of the total weight of the oil in which molecular distillation was performed, sometimes 6% to 30%, sometimes about 6% to 20%, and sometimes about 10% to 20%.

[0254] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the oil (e.g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at least one other oil, and at least one further oil) may be any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil.

[0255] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the oil (e.g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at least one other oil, and at least one further oil) may be any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, or Sn2-palmitate oil.

[0256] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the oil (e.g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at least one other oil and at least one further oil) may be any one of the following vegetable oils: coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm oil, palm sap oil, safflower oil or high oleic safflower oil.

[0257] In some embodiments, according to the method of the present invention, the oil (e.g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at least one other oil, and at least one further oil) may be any one of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, or safflower oil, and wherein the distillate of the oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 15% by weight of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation. Sometimes the weight percentage is higher than about 17% of the total amount of the oil subjected to molecular distillation, sometimes higher than about 25%, sometimes higher than about 35%, and sometimes higher than about 40%.

[0258] In some embodiments, according to the method of the invention, the oil (e.g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at least one other oil, and at least one further oil) may be any one of palm kernel oil or coconut oil, and wherein the distillate of the oil obtained after molecular distillation accounts for about 3% to about 40% by weight of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation. Sometimes, the weight percentage accounts for about 5% to about 30% of the total amount of oil subjected to molecular distillation, sometimes about 6% to about 30%, sometimes about 6% to 20%, and sometimes about 10% to 20%.

[0259] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention can be obtained by column chromatography as follows: the oil (one oil or a mixture of at least two oils) is diluted with an organic solvent (e.g., hexane, isohexane, or a combination thereof) and loaded onto a chromatography column packed with a chromatography resin such as silica. An organic solution is then transferred through the column. The organic solution may contain one or more solvents, including but not limited to hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol, or any combination thereof. A first fraction eluted from the layer is collected, containing the majority of phytosterol esters. A second fraction eluted from the layer is collected, containing the majority of triglycerides with reduced phytosterol content (this fraction may be further evaporated / distilled to further remove phytosterols). A third fraction, containing the majority of free sterols, is collected by column chromatography with an organic solvent (e.g., ethyl acetate). Each of these fractions may be further processed.

[0260] In some embodiments, the oil mixtures (e.g., vegetable oil mixtures) of the present invention can be obtained by controlling the extraction profiles from oilseeds or legumes. Non-limiting examples of extraction matrices include crushed legumes, shelled legumes, sunflower seeds, sunflower flakes, oil-free sunflower briquettes, rapeseed, and oil-free rapeseed briquettes. Finally, the phytosterol content of the resulting oil has been reduced during the extraction steps in producing the oil.

[0261] Therefore, according to another aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil having a reduced phytosterol content is provided, the method comprising one or more means of reducing the phytosterol content during the extraction of the oil from an oil-containing natural source such as seeds, legumes and flakes, for example, soybeans, sunflower seeds, rapeseed, sunflower flakes and the like.

[0262] In some embodiments, the oil mixtures of the present invention can be obtained using a nonpolar solvent (e.g., hexane or a mixture of hexane isomers such as isohexane) via oilseed or legume beds. The initially eluted oil contains higher levels of phytosterol esters and lower levels of free phytosterols, while the final collected hexane-extracted eluted oil contains the desired reduced levels of phytosterol esters and higher levels of free phytosterols.

[0263] In some embodiments, the polar solvents described in this invention may be used, such as isopropanol or ethanol. The elution profiles related to hexane disclosed in this invention are opposite to the overall injection composition profiles, i.e., the initial eluent consists of higher free sterols and lower sterol esters.

[0264] In some embodiments, the oil mixtures (e.g., vegetable oil mixtures) of the present invention can be obtained using a continuous industrial extraction system by collecting different oil fractions at different extraction stages.

[0265] In some embodiments, the collected final eluent oil may optionally be further purified by molecular distillation or other means to remove free sterols to achieve a desired reduction in total sterol content.

[0266] In some embodiments, the present invention may employ two or more methods to reduce phytosterol content.

[0267] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for preparing an oil mixture, as disclosed herein, is provided, which is used as an oil component in formula milk powder, such as infant formula.

[0268] In a further aspect of the invention, the use of the oil mixture, as disclosed herein, as an oil component in formula milk powder, such as infant formula milk powder, is provided.

[0269] In a further aspect of the invention, the use of the oil mixture, as disclosed herein, as an oil component in nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional food compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional foods, or medical foods is provided.

[0270] In a further aspect of the invention, the oil mixture, as disclosed herein, is provided for use in the preparation of nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional food compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional foods, or medical foods.

[0271] The nutritional compositions used in this article can be any nutritional composition including, but not limited to: human milk fat substitutes, parenteral formula milk powder compositions, infant formula milk powder, adult formula milk powder, dairy products, milk powder, beverages, ice cream, biscuits, soy products, baked goods, pastries, bread, cakes, sauces, soups, prepared foods, frozen foods, condiments, desserts, oils, fats, margarine, toppings, fillings, cereals, ready-to-eat foods, baby food, toddler food, bar foods, snacks, confectionery and chocolate products.

[0272] The functional foods used in this article can be any functional food, including, but not limited to: dairy products, ice cream, biscuits, soy products, baked goods, pastries, bread and cakes, ready-to-eat products, sauces, soups, prepared foods, frozen foods, condiments, desserts, oils and fats, margarine, toppings, fillings, cereals, ready-to-eat products, beverages and smoothies, baby food, bar foods, snacks, confectionery and chocolate products.

[0273] The parenteral compositions used herein can be any substance outside the gastrointestinal tract and considered as a food or part of a food, providing medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of diseases or disorders. Such parenteral compositions include, but are not limited to: food additives, food supplements, dietary supplements, genetically engineered foods (such as vegetables, herbal products, and processed foods such as cereals, soups, and beverages), stimulant foods, medical foods, parenteral nutrition products, and medicinal foods (sometimes also referred to as "phood"). Dietary supplements can be delivered in soft capsules, tablets, syrups, and other known methods of dietary supplement delivery.

[0274] Pharmaceutical compositions or nutritional food compositions may be made using any dosage delivery method commonly used in the prior art. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration may be in the form of discontinuous dose units (such as pills, tablets, pellets, sugar-coated pills, capsules, or soft gel capsules), powders or granules, or liquids such as solutions, suspensions, syrups, or elixirs. Solutions / suspensions may be formulated for intravenous administration.

[0275] The medical foods used in this article are specially formulated for dietary management of diseases / disorders, and have special nutritional requirements that cannot be met by a regular diet alone.

[0276] In another aspect of the invention, the use of a composition comprising the oil mixture described herein (e.g., vegetable oil) in an intestinal or parenteral preparation administered to a subject is provided.

[0277] In another aspect of the invention, the use of nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional food compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional foods or medical foods comprising the oil mixtures described in the invention (e.g., vegetable oil mixtures) in intestinal or parenteral preparations administered to a subject is provided.

[0278] In another aspect of the invention, the use of infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula comprising the oil mixture described in the invention (e.g., vegetable oil mixture) in an intestinal or parenteral preparation for administration to a subject is provided.

[0279] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing and / or optimizing the level of phytosterols in a host body is provided, the method comprising applying the oil mixture of the invention to the host body.

[0280] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (or for a method thereof) reducing and / or optimizing the level of main phytosterols.

[0281] In some implementations, the reduction and / or optimization is of the plasma phytosterol level in the subject.

[0282] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing phytosterolemia in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying the oil mixture of the invention to the subject.

[0283] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (or for a method used to) reduce primary phytosterolemia.

[0284] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing the risk and / or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) in a subject is provided, the method comprising administering the oil mixture of the invention to the subject.

[0285] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for use in, or by method for) reducing the risk and / or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD).

[0286] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing the risk and / or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in a subject is provided, the method comprising administering the oil mixture of the invention to the subject.

[0287] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for use in, or by method for) reducing the risk and / or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC).

[0288] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing and / or optimizing bilirubin levels in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying the oil mixture of the invention to the subject.

[0289] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (or for a method used to) reduce and / or optimize bilirubin levels in a body.

[0290] In some implementations, the reduced and / or optimized bilirubin level is the bilirubin plasma level.

[0291] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided to enhance and / or optimize the absorption of fats and / or fat-soluble nutrients and / or fat-soluble vitamins by a subject, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0292] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for use in, or by method for) enhancing and / or optimizing the absorption of fats and / or fat-soluble nutrients and / or fat-soluble vitamins by the host.

[0293] Fat-soluble nutrients include, but are not limited to, vitamins A, D, E, or K, ascorbyl palmitate, carotenoids, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, hormones, and steroids.

[0294] In another aspect of the invention, a method for increasing and / or optimizing dietary energy potential in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0295] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for, or in a method for) increasing and / or optimizing the dietary energy potential in a body.

[0296] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for increasing and / or optimizing one or more indicators (e.g., plasma levels, liver levels) of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL, and LDL cholesterol levels in a subject, the method comprising administering an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention to the subject.

[0297] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for, or in a method for) increasing and / or optimizing one or more indicators of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels in a body (e.g., plasma levels, levels in the liver).

[0298] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for optimizing one or more of the following indicators (e.g., in plasma or in the liver) in a subject: LDL particle size, triglyceride level, apolipin A level, and apolipin B level, said method comprising administering to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0299] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for use, or in a method for use) optimizing one or more of the following indicators (e.g., in plasma or in the liver): LDL particle size, triglyceride level, apolipin A level, and apolipin B level in a host body.

[0300] In another aspect of the invention, a method for increasing and / or optimizing bile acid secretion (e.g., plasma levels) in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0301] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for, or in a method for) increasing and / or optimizing bile acid secretion (e.g., plasma levels) in a body.

[0302] In another aspect of the invention, a method for controlling and / or optimizing bile acid levels (e.g., plasma levels) in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention to the subject.

[0303] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for controlling and / or optimizing bile acid levels (e.g., plasma levels) in a host body.

[0304] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing and / or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0305] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for, or by method for) reducing and / or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis in a subject.

[0306] In another aspect of the invention, a method for optimizing and / or enhancing carotenoid absorption in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0307] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for, or in a method for) optimizing and / or enhancing the absorption of carotenoids in a host.

[0308] In another aspect of the invention, a method for promoting and / or enhancing the gut microbiota in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0309] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for, or in a method for) promoting and / or enhancing the gut microbiota in a host.

[0310] In some embodiments, the oil mixture of the present invention effectively promotes the growth of intestinal flora, which mainly includes Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.

[0311] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for preventing at least one disease or disorder in a subject, including phytosterolemia, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0312] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for use (for, or in a method for) preventing at least one disease or disorder in the body, including phytosterolemia, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis.

[0313] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing inflammation and / or CRP levels in a subject is provided, the method comprising applying to the subject an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention.

[0314] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (or for a method of) reducing inflammation and / or CRP levels in a body.

[0315] In another aspect of the invention, a method for reducing and / or optimizing glucose and / or insulin levels in a subject is provided, the method comprising administering an oil mixture (e.g., a vegetable oil mixture) as described in the invention to the subject.

[0316] In another aspect of the invention, an oil mixture is provided for (for use in, or by method for) reducing and / or optimizing glucose and / or insulin levels in a body.

[0317] In some embodiments, any of the following methods described in this invention are used to reduce and / or optimize phytosterol levels; reduce phytosterolemia; reduce the risk and / or severity of PNALD; reduce the risk and / or severity of PNAC; reduce and / or optimize bilirubin levels; enhance and / or optimize the absorption of fats and / or fat-soluble nutrients and / or fat-soluble vitamins; enhance and / or optimize dietary energy potential; enhance and / or optimize one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL, and LDL cholesterol levels (e.g., plasma levels, liver levels, etc.); optimize LDL particle size, triglyceride levels, etc. The following parameters are considered in comparison to the main baseline parameters: apolipin A and apolipin B levels; increasing and / or optimizing bile acid secretion; controlling and / or optimizing bile acid levels (e.g., plasma levels); reducing and / or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis; optimizing and / or enhancing carotenoid absorption; promoting and / or enhancing gut microbiota; preventing at least one disease or disorder of phytosterol fatty acids, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis; reducing inflammation and / or CRP levels; or reducing and / or optimizing glucose and / or insulin levels.

[0318] Throughout this article, the term "level" also includes the subject's "plasma level" and "tissue level".

[0319] In some embodiments, any of the following methods described in this invention are used to reduce and / or optimize phytosterol levels; reduce phytosterolemia; reduce the risk and / or severity of PNALD; reduce the risk and / or severity of PNAC; reduce and / or optimize bilirubin levels; enhance and / or optimize the absorption of fats and / or fat-soluble nutrients and / or fat-soluble vitamins; enhance and / or optimize dietary energy potential; enhance and / or optimize one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL, and LDL cholesterol levels (e.g., plasma levels, liver levels, etc.); optimize LDL particle size, triglyceride levels, apolipin A levels, and apolipin B levels. One or more levels of white blood cell B; increasing and / or optimizing bile acid secretion; controlling and / or optimizing bile acid levels (e.g., plasma levels); reducing and / or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis; optimizing and / or enhancing carotenoid absorption; promoting and / or enhancing gut microbiota; preventing at least one disease or disorder of phytosterol fatty acids, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis; reducing inflammation and / or CRP levels; or reducing and / or optimizing glucose and / or insulin levels, compared with the relevant parameter levels of the main body of a conventional oil blend, i.e., an oil blend that has not undergone phytosterol reduction treatment.

[0320] In some embodiments, the nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutritional food compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional foods or medical foods or formula milk powders of the present invention (including the oil mixtures of the present invention) can be used to reduce and / or optimize phytosterol levels; reduce phytosterolemia; reduce the risk and / or severity of PNALD; reduce the risk and / or severity of PNAC; reduce and / or optimize bilirubin levels; enhance and / or optimize the absorption of fats and / or fat-soluble nutrients and / or fat-soluble vitamins; enhance and / or optimize dietary energy potential; enhance and / or optimize cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels. One or more levels of LDL (e.g., plasma levels, liver levels, etc.); optimize one or more of LDL particle size, triglyceride levels, apolipin A levels, and apolipin B levels; increase and / or optimize bile acid secretion; control and / or optimize bile acid levels (e.g., plasma levels); reduce and / or optimize endogenous cholesterol synthesis; optimize and / or enhance carotenoid absorption; promote and / or enhance gut microbiota; prevent at least one of the following diseases or disorders: phytosterolemia, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis; reduce inflammation and / or CRP levels; or reduce and / or optimize glucose and / or insulin levels.

[0321] As used herein, the term "subject" refers to a healthy subject, a subject suffering from a specific disorder (unhealthy subject), or a subject at risk of a specific developmental disorder. The subject can be a child, including infants and toddlers, or an adult, including men, women, adolescents, older subjects, and elderly subjects.

[0322] Optionally, in all aspects and embodiments of the present invention, the subject may be a subject receiving parenteral nutrition or partial parenteral nutrition, or a subject intolerant to enteral feeding or a subject requiring non-enteral feeding.

[0323] Furthermore, the term "children" includes infants (from birth, newborn to about 12 months, or about 1 year) and toddlers (from about one year to about 3 years).

[0324] The term "infant" as used in this article refers to human infants, including but not limited to newborns, very early premature infants, premature infants, full-term infants, infants in premature pregnancies, and infants in premature pregnancies.

[0325] The term "newborn" includes infants under the due date, post-term infants, and full-term newborns.

[0326] In some non-limiting embodiments, the subject may suffer from one or more of the following: decreased intestinal absorption, decreased gastrointestinal function, prematurity, intestinal inflammation, celiac disease, malabsorption associated with various diseases, intestinal failure, short bowel syndrome, intestinal failure secondary to intestinal syndrome, congenital malabsorption, necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal malformation, gastrointestinal fistula, intestinal obstruction, severe acute pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, impaired intestinal function, Crohn's disease, cancer, intestinal conditions caused by low blood flow, and / or conditions caused by parenteral nutrition.

[0327] In one aspect of the invention, phytosterols obtained by the method described herein are further provided. While reducing the phytosterol content of the oil as disclosed herein, the phytosterols collected from the oil can be used for various purposes. For example, phytosterols are known to have protective effects against certain types of cancer such as colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, and phytosterols have a positive effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia. Phytosterols are known to have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, in addition to the beneficial effects of the oil mixtures disclosed herein, the byproduct phytosterols generated during the preparation of the oil mixtures can be advantageously used.

[0328] Description of non-limiting embodiments Example 1: Using column chromatography to reduce the level of phytosterols in soybean oil.

[0329] 30 g of soybean oil containing 2300 ppm phytosterols and phytosterol esters:free phytosterols (approximately 0.2) was dissolved in 50 mL of hexane and loaded onto a chromatography column packed with 278 g of silica gel (Davisil, No. 1000186615, Grace Davison, Belgium). The column was washed with 1040 mL of a hexane:ethyl acetate mixture (25:1 ratio). Elution was performed using 1680 mL of a hexane:ethyl acetate mixture (25:3 ratio).

[0330] The first elution fraction (fraction 1) containing phytosterol esters was collected, followed by the second elution fraction (fraction 2) containing pure TG fraction. Free phytosterols remained bound to silica.

[0331] To release free phytosterols from silica, 750 ml of pure ethyl acetate was transferred through a chromatography column to produce fraction 3.

[0332] The three fractions were subjected to solvent evaporation to separate the oil. The free and total phytosterol content of the oil was analyzed using GC methods.

[0333] The oil yield and phytosterol content of each of the three fractions are summarized in Table 1: Table 1: Oil yield and phytosterol content Conclusion: Fraction 2 represents 90% of the washed soybean oil and contains only about 110 ppm of phytosterols, which is very low compared to the original content of 2300 ppm.

[0334] In fraction 2, the ratio of phytosterol esters to free phytosterols is approximately 8%.

[0335] Example 2: Reducing the level of phytosterols in soybean oil using molecular distillation and column chromatography.

[0336] 39.3 g of soybean oil containing 2620 ppm of phytosterols and phytosterol esters:free phytosterols of approximately 0.37 was added to a laboratory-scale molecular distillation unit (Pope) with an evaporator having inlet and outlet ports, with the following parameters set: evaporator heating medium inlet temperature 230 °C, pressure 0.01 mbar, condenser temperature 70 °C. The residue fraction and distillate fraction were collected.

[0337] GC analysis of the residues revealed that they contained only 622 ppm of free and total phytosterols.

[0338] Phytosterols were further removed from the residue fraction by dissolving the fraction in 50 mL of hexane and loading it onto a chromatography column packed with 278 g of silica gel (Davisil, No. 1000186615, Grace Davison, Belgium). The column was washed with a mixture of 1040 mL of hexane and ethyl acetate (25:1) and eluted with a mixture of 1680 mL of hexane and ethyl acetate (25:3).

[0339] The first elution fraction containing phytosterol esters (fraction 1) was collected, followed by the second elution fraction containing pure TG (fraction 2), with free phytosterols remaining bound to silica.

[0340] To release free phytosterols from silica, 750 ml of pure ethyl acetate was transferred through a chromatography column to produce fraction 3.

[0341] The three fractions were subjected to solvent evaporation to separate the oil. The free and total sterol content of the oil was analyzed using GC methods.

[0342] The oil yield and phytosterol content of each of the three fractions are summarized in Table 2: Table 2: Oil yield and phytosterol content Example 3: Preparation of the soybean and rapeseed vegetable oil mixture of the present invention using molecular distillation.

[0343] Soybean oil containing approximately 2620 ppm phytosterols and rapeseed oil containing 8400 ppm phytosterols were processed using the molecular distillation apparatus described in Example 2 above.

[0344] The obtained soybean oil and rapeseed oil had phytosterol contents of 622 ppm and 2960 ppm, respectively, and phytosterol ester:free phytosterol ratios of 10.5:1 and 3, respectively. The obtained soybean oil and rapeseed oil were mixed in a 1:1 ratio to obtain an oil mixture with a phytosterol content of 1791 ppm and a phytosterol ester:free phytosterol ratio of 3.0.

[0345] Example 4: Preparation of the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention using molecular distillation.

[0346] Rapeseed oil, high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil were treated using a laboratory-scale molecular distillation apparatus (VKL 70-4, VTA GmbH, Germany) to reduce their phytosterol levels.

[0347] Each oil was fed at 50°C into a heated feed tank and pumped into a film-scraping evaporator (degassing stage) to remove water and air residues at 4.7 mbar and 160°C. After the degassing stage, the oil was pumped into a short-path distillation stage at a feed rate of approximately 300 gr / h. The short-path evaporator (with inlet and outlet positions) was operated under a vacuum of approximately 0.02 mbar and at the temperatures specified in Table 3.

[0348] Table 3 shows that the residues from distillation (bottom fraction) contain oils with reduced phytosterol content. It further shows that while most oils exhibit a decrease in phytosterol content in the residues with increasing distillate weight percentage, the distillation of palm kernel oil and coconut oil is most effective in reducing phytosterol content within specific weight percentage ranges. Specifically, the distillate weight of palm kernel oil is from about 6% to about 21% of the total weight, and the distillate weight of coconut oil is from 6% to 30% of the total weight.

[0349] Table 3: Distillation conditions for different oils Example 5: Stability comparison of the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention with conventional (unreduced phytosterol) vegetable oil mixture.

[0350] Rapeseed oil, high-oleic sunflower oil, and palm oil were treated using a pilot-scale molecular distillation apparatus (VK 125-15, VTA GmbH, Germany) to reduce their phytosterol levels.

[0351] Each oil is fed into a heated feed tank at 50°C and then pumped into a wiped-film evaporator (degassing stage) to remove water and air residues (5 mbar and 170°C). After the degassing stage, the oil is pumped into a short-path distillation stage.

[0352] The operating conditions for short-range evaporators are as follows: The vacuum degree is approximately 0.02 mbar, the feed rate is approximately 12 kg / hour, the inlet temperature of the heating medium for the evaporator used for rapeseed oil, high oleic sunflower oil and soybean oil is approximately 312°C, for palm oil it is 293°C, for coconut oil it is 215°C, the weight percentage of the distillate from rapeseed oil, high oleic sunflower oil and soybean oil is approximately 40%, for palm oil it is approximately 30%, and for coconut oil it is approximately 10%.

[0353] The residue from distillation (bottom fraction) contains lower levels of phytosterols.

[0354] The levels of phytosterols before and after the molecular distillation process are summarized in Table 4.

[0355] Table 4: Phytosterol Levels in Vegetable Oils Before and After Reducing Phytosterol Levels As shown in Table 5, four different oil mixtures (mixtures 1 to 4) were prepared by heating each oil to 40°C.

[0356] Mixture 1 (a mixture of rapeseed oil and palm oil with reduced phytosterols); Mixture 2 (a mixture of conventional rapeseed oil and palm oil); Mixture 3 (a mixture of rapeseed oil with reduced phytosterols and high-oleic sunflower oil); and Mixture 4 (a mixture of conventional rapeseed oil and high-oleic sunflower oil).

[0357] Table 5: Preparation of Oil Mixtures After incubation at 40°C for 6 days, the stability of all four mixtures was tested using peroxide value (PV). The results of the stability tests are summarized in Table 6.

[0358] Table 6: Peroxide value (PV) of oil mixtures after incubation at 40℃ for 6 days As shown in Table 6, compared with the corresponding conventional oil blends (mixture 1 vs. mixture 2 and mixture 3 vs. mixture 4), the oil blends of the present invention with reduced phytosterol levels showed a 17%-25% reduction in peroxide value. This result indicates that the oil blends of the present invention with reduced phytosterol levels have better stability compared with conventional oil blends.

[0359] Example 6: Production and properties of infant formula containing conventional (unreduced phytosterols) vegetable oil mixtures and vegetable oil mixtures of the present invention.

[0360] A. Infant formula production: Four types of infant formula were produced using the following methods: Add 102 kg of water to a heated tank at 50-55°C and stir at 40 RPM using a stirrer. Then, add the components specified in Table 7.

[0361] Table 7: Infant Formula Milk Powder Composition

[0362] Finally, after preheating to 40°C, 23.67 kg of an oil mixture described in Table 8 was added to the tank.

[0363] Table 8: Components of Oil Mixtures Oil mixtures prepared from conventional vegetable oils in Example 5 (Table 4) Oil mixture prepared from the plant oil mixture with reduced phytosterols in Example 5 (Table 4) After preheating to approximately 60°C, free cholesterol is added to one oil in each oil mixture. After all materials are added to the tank, a homogenization phase is performed (Phase 1 - 200 bar, Phase 2 - 50 bar). The mixture is then cooled to 12-15°C and transferred at 70°C for several seconds via an online pasteurization phase. The mixture is then fed into a spray dryer (40 L / h, 190°C air inlet, 90°C air outlet) connected in series with a fluidized bed (70°C). The dried material is packed into 3 kg bags, purged with nitrogen, and heat-sealed. The four formulations are labeled according to the oil mixture numbers (i.e., 483-23, 483-25, 483-26, 483-27 detailed in Table 8). The composition of the infant formula is described in Table 9.

[0364] Table 9: Composition of Infant Formula B. Wettability test: The wettability [powder particle wetness rate (sinking below the water surface while maintaining a typical wet appearance)] and free fat (the amount of fat on the surface of the powder particles, rather than being "captured" in their core) of infant formula samples 483-23-IF and 483-25-IF were tested. As shown in Table 10, the infant formula containing the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention exhibited better wettability (19% faster wettability) compared to infant formula containing conventional vegetable oil mixtures. Furthermore, the infant formula containing the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention showed lower levels of free fat (7%) compared to infant formula containing conventional vegetable oil mixtures.

[0365] Table 10: Wetting and Free Fat Example 7: Effect of different phytosterol levels in infant formula on fatty acid release The effect of different levels of phytosterols in infant formula on the release of free fatty acids during digestion was investigated using an in vitro intestinal model and the pH stat method. This model was used to monitor the rate and extent of fat breakdown. The pH stat method was performed in a heated jacketed reactor (maintained at 37°C) using an automatic titration device (Titrando 902, Metrohm, Switzerland), with continuous stirring (230 RPM) to keep the pH constant at pH = 7.00. This was based on a previous report

[10] using “TIAMO2.3” software (Metrohm, Switzerland) and controlling the volume of 50 mM NaOH.

[0366] Mix 1g of 483-26-IF and 1g of 483-27-IF formula milk powder with 6ml of pure water until the solution is completely homogeneous. Test 4ml of the solution in an intestinal model system containing bile extract and CaCl2 solution respectively. Finally, add freshly prepared lipase solution containing lipase. Adjust the pH to 7 as needed using minimum volumes of 1M, 0.5M, and 0.05M HCl and NaOH solutions. The pH stat control program is initiated when the lipase solution is added to the reactor.

[0367] The percentage of free fatty acids (FFA) released during pH stat lipolysis is determined by the amount of NaOH added to the reactor.

[0368] result The pH stat results represent the lipolysis of different lipids (a mixture of triglycerides). The quality of lipolysis is assessed by total lipolysis. The lipolysis curves of the samples are shown below. Figure 3 As shown.

[0369] The results showed that, compared with infant formula with higher phytosterol levels (sample "483-27IF", i.e., infant formula 483-27-IF), the present invention sample "483-26IF" (infant formula 483-26-IF) exhibited a higher degree of fat breakdown. This may indicate that the oil mixture of the present invention has better digestibility potential.

[0370] Example 8: Effects of different oil mixtures on fat absorption and blood properties in an animal model.

[0371] Research Design: The bioavailability of different oil mixtures was investigated using a 3-5 day old Sprague Dawley rat model. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four diets detailed below, with 12 animals per group. Animals within a litter were randomly assigned to treatments.

[0372] The research group is: Group A: Formula milk powder containing a standard (unreduced phytosterols) blend of vegetable oils.

[0373] Group B: Formula milk powder containing a standard (unreduced phytosterols) blend of vegetable oils rich in cholesterol.

[0374] Group C: Formula milk powder containing a mixture of vegetable oils with reduced phytosterol content as described in this invention.

[0375] Group D: Formula milk powder containing a cholesterol-rich mixture of plant oils with reduced phytosterol content as described in this invention.

[0376] The diets are largely similar in nutritional composition, including fatty acid composition, differing only in cholesterol and phytosterol levels.

[0377] Feeding young rats via gastrostomy and gastric tube: This model simulates feeding young rats with formula milk, overcoming the difficulties of bottle-feeding newborn rats. The formula is based on rat milk. This model allows for complete volume control, thus ensuring nutrient uptake. This avoids any difficulties caused by variable intake in the treatment group. Animals were fed formula from 3-5 to 18-20 days of age. Milk volume was calculated daily based on animal weight.

[0378] Analysis: Blood samples were centrifuged at 2000g for 10 minutes, and plasma was recovered. Plasma analysis included: VLDL + LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TAG, fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins.

[0379] Results: Compared with group A, group C had higher plasma cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamin levels, and group D had higher plasma cholesterol levels compared with groups A and B.

[0380] Conclusion: The above results indicate that, compared with rats using conventional formula milk powder (group A), rats using the formula milk powder of the present invention (groups C and D) had higher levels of plasma cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins.

[0381] Example 9: Effects of different oil mixtures on fat absorption and blood properties in a newborn piglet model.

[0382] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of infant formula containing vegetable oils with reduced phytosterol content on various parameters, using newborn piglets as a human infant model.

[0383] Experimental Design: Thirty-two male piglets (approximately one week old) were placed in a dedicated plastic metabolic chamber within a temperature-controlled room, maintained at 28±2°C, with a 16:8-hour light:dark cycle. The initial weight of the piglets was weighed, and the daily dosage of formula milk powder was calculated to be 345g of liquid formula milk powder per kilogram of body weight per day. The piglets were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (eight piglets per group): (a) standard infant formula control group (483-27-IF, see Example 6), (b) infant formula containing the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention (483-26-IF, see Example 6), (c) standard infant formula with added cholesterol (483-23-IF, see Example 6), and (d) infant formula containing the vegetable oil mixture with added cholesterol of the present invention (483-25-IF, see Example 6). The piglets were trained to drink from bottles and nipples and were fed every hour from 06:00 to 22:00 during the first six days. From day 7 to day 21 of the trial period, pigs received seven daily feedings at fixed intervals, every 2.5 hours from 06:30 to 21:30. Pigs were weighed and the daily feeding amount was adjusted accordingly. From day 13 to day 21, 0.3% titanium dioxide was added to the formula milk powder as a marker for poor digestibility. The cholesterol digestibility of the marker added from days 13-21 could be determined using either a total excrement collection method or a field sampling method (requiring the presence of undigested markers in the diet). On day 16, excrement collection bags were attached to the piglets, and excrement was collected from days 17-21.

[0384] On day 21 of the study, piglets were fed their individual formula milk powder every hour starting at 06:30. Seven hours after the start of feeding, each piglet was anesthetized, blood samples were collected, and the piglets were then euthanized. The last 20 cm of the small intestine (terminal ileum) was removed. Digestive material was flushed from the removed ileum, collected, and freeze-dried. Additionally, liver tissue samples and two small intestinal tissue samples (one from the anterior end of the removed terminal ileum segment and one from the duodenum) were collected and frozen at -80°C. The digestive material was freeze-dried, and plasma was prepared from the blood. The complete list of analyses is as follows: Blood parameters: ·glucose Serum total cholesterol HDL cholesterol LDL cholesterol Triglyceride content Total blood bile salts • Plasma cholesterol precursor and non-cholesterol sterol levels • Plasma fat-soluble vitamin concentration • Apolipin A and B, • LDL size (small particles) • Antioxidant capacity: All antioxidants, lipid peroxides, ascorbate, 8-isoprostan, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) CRP ·insulin Excrement parameters: Total fecal fat • Excrement cholesterol Digested product parameters: Cholesterol in ileal digestive products Bile acids in ileal digestive products Tissue parameters: • Cholesterol and sterols in the liver, proximal and distal intestine result: Piglets fed with formula milk containing the vegetable oil mixture of the present invention exhibited higher levels of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and improved blood bile salt levels. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that the lipids of the present invention, when added to the formula, can significantly increase cholesterol levels and decrease blood glucose and VLDL levels.

[0385] Furthermore, piglets fed with the oil mixture of the present invention exhibited the following characteristics: • Lower endogenous cholesterol synthesis (lower levels of cholesterol precursors, Δ8-cholesterol, encholestanol, and sterols) • Higher concentration of fat-soluble vitamins Lower total fecal fat content indicates better fat absorption. Lower excretory cholesterol indicates higher absorption. • Higher HDL cholesterol • Lower CRP • Decreased insulin • Elevated intestinal (villi) liver cholesterol levels • Lower levels of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity (less endogenous cholesterol production) • More beneficial gut bacteria (more positive bacteria and fewer pathogenic bacteria) in conclusion: In formula milk powders (b and d) containing the oil mixture of the present invention, cholesterol was absorbed better (compared to a and c respectively), resulting in higher plasma cholesterol levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, this oil mixture allows for better absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins. This benefit is crucial for infant nutrition, and even more so for young infants and premature infants, whose pancreatic lipase levels are limited.

[0386] Lower endogenous cholesterol production may be associated with lower production rates and a lower risk of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis later in life.

[0387] Therefore, the present invention provides more effective bioavailability of cholesterol, triglycerides and vitamins by using a mixture of oils with reduced phytosterols as the main component.

[0388] Example 10: Effect of the oil mixture of the present invention on cholestasis in parenteral-fed rats.

[0389] Research Design: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: 1. Animals that receive total parenteral nutrition (TPN) containing a mixture of common oils and emulsions.

[0390] 2. Animals injected with TPN containing the oil mixture of the present invention, which has reduced phytosterols.

[0391] The diets are isocaloric, differing only in phytosterol levels.

[0392] These animals are housed in individual spaces with controlled temperature and lighting conditions, and have open access to food.

[0393] Blood samples were analyzed for liver function tests, lipid analysis, and bile acid analysis. Liver samples (4-6 μm) were fixed for analysis.

[0394] Results and conclusions: This study demonstrates the benefits of the oil mixture of the present invention. Compared with the control group, animals injected with the oil mixture of the present invention showed less cholestasis and liver damage, as lower levels of liver enzymes (ALP), bilirubin levels, and serum bile acid levels were observed in the animals injected with the oil mixture of the present invention.

[0395] Example 11: Effects of different oil mixtures on fat absorption and blood properties in healthy full-term infants.

[0396] A double-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effects of different blends of vegetable oils on the fat properties of healthy, full-term infants. The oil blends used were mixtures of vegetable oils designed to provide a fatty acid composition close to that of human milk fat.

[0397] Research Design: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted to investigate the effect of fat composition in infant formula on plasma lipid characteristics in full-term infants fed formula, compared to breastfed infants.

[0398] Ninety healthy, growing, full-term infants were randomly assigned to one of three formula groups, detailed below, with another 30 breastfed infants serving as a control. Infants were fed according to their group until they were 4 months old.

[0399] Blood samples were taken at 8 weeks and 4 months after birth.

[0400] diet: The four research groups are: Group I - Infants fed regular (unreduced phytosterols) infant formula.

[0401] Group II - Infants fed with the infant formula of the present invention having reduced phytosterol content.

[0402] Group III - Feeding this invention with infant formula milk powder containing reduced phytosterol content and rich in 100 mg / L cholesterol.

[0403] Group IV - Infants fed human breast milk The infant formula groups (I-III) are largely similar in terms of nutritional composition and fatty acid composition, differing only in cholesterol and phytosterol levels.

[0404] Table 11 provides a comparison of dietary fat composition (total fatty acids by weight %) between the test groups.

[0405] Table 11: Comparison of dietary fat composition among test groups (total fatty acids by weight %) "Ratio" indicates the percentage of C16:0 in sn-2 palmitic acid out of all C16:0.

[0406] We analyzed total cholesterol, VLDL+LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TAG, fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K) in blood samples collected at 8 weeks and 4 months after birth.

[0407] Compared with group I, groups II and III showed elevated levels of plasma cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins, similar to group IV.

[0408] Conclusion: The above results indicate that healthy full-term infants consuming formula containing the compositions of the present invention (Group II and Group III) have similar cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamin levels to breastfed infants, but have higher cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamin levels compared to infants using conventional infant formula (Group I).

[0409] Example 12: Effect of the oil mixture of the present invention on cholestasis in premature infants receiving parenteral nutrition Research Plan: In this double-blind study, premature infants were randomly assigned to two groups: 1. Inject TPN containing a mixture of common oils and emulsions.

[0410] 2. Inject TPN containing an oil mixture of the present invention with reduced phytosterol levels.

[0411] The diets are isocaloric, with oils from the same source and fatty acids of the same composition, differing only in phytosterol levels.

[0412] Blood samples were analyzed for liver function tests, lipid analysis, and bile acid analysis.

[0413] Results and conclusions: Studies have demonstrated the benefits of the oil mixture of the present invention. Infants injected with this oil mixture showed lower cholesterol and liver damage compared to infants injected into the control group, as lower levels of bilirubin, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, and normal serum bile acid levels were observed in infants injected with the oil mixture of the present invention.

Claims

1. An oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein, The at least one oil is any one of the following: - coconut oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.6; - soybean oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.7; - sunflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.7; 2. An oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein, - corn oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.4; - palm oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1 ; - safflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.1 ; - high oleic safflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.3; - medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.5; or - Sn2-palmitate oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.

9. The at least one oil is any one of the following: - coconut oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.6; - soybean oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.7; - sunflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.7; 3. An oil mixture comprising at least two oils, each oil being a natural oil or a processed oil, wherein, - corn oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.4; - palm oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1 ; - safflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.1 ; - high oleic safflower oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 1.3; - medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.5; or - Sn2-palmitate oil with a ratio of phytosterol esters: free phytosterols greater than about 0.

9. and wherein the predetermined threshold (Rn) for the ratio of phytosteryl ester ppm concentration to free phytosterol ppm concentration in the particular oil is as follows: and wherein the predetermined threshold for the phytosterol content in the particular oil (Kn) is as follows:

4. The oil mixture of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fatty acid composition is as follows: - C8:0 fatty acids in an amount of 0-10% of the total fatty acids; - C10:0 fatty acids in an amount of 0-10% of the total fatty acids; - C12:0 fatty acids in an amount of 0-22% of the total fatty acids; - C16:0 fatty acids in an amount of 5-55% of the total fatty acids; - C18:0 fatty acids in an amount of 1-7% of the total fatty acids; - C18:1 fatty acids in an amount of 20-75% of the total fatty acids; - C18:2 fatty acids in an amount of 2-40% of the total fatty acids; - C18:3 fatty acids in an amount of 0-8% of the total fatty acids; and - other fatty acids in an amount of less than 8% of the total fatty acids.

5. The oil mixture of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The endogenous tocopherol concentration is at most 800 ppm.

6. The oil mixture of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The w / w ratio of alpha tocopherol level to non-alpha tocopherol level is at least about 5.

7. The oil mixture of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The percentage (w / w) of diacylglycerol in the oil mixture is at most about 0.5%.

8. An infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula comprising any of the oil mixtures of any of the preceding claims.

9. The infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula of claim 8, wherein, The w / w ratio of cholesterol to phytosterol in the formula is at least about 1.

10. The infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The w / w ratio of alpha tocopherol level to non-alpha tocopherol level is at least about 5.

11. The infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula of any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The percentage (w / w) of diacylglycerol in the oil mixture is at most about 0.5%.

12. An infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula of any of claims 8-11 comprising at least about 5 mg of cholesterol per 100 g of formula.

13. Use of a composition comprising the oil mixture of any of claims 1-7 as an ingredient of an enteral or parenteral formulation for administration to a subject.

14. Use of an infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula comprising the oil mixture of any of claims 8-12 as an ingredient of an enteral or parenteral formulation for administration to a subject.

15. Use of the oil mixture of any of claims 8-12 in the manufacture of a composition for lowering and / or optimizing phytosterol levels in a subject, or in the manufacture of any of an infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula.

16. Use of the oil mixture of any of claims 8-12 in the manufacture of a composition for lowering phytosterolemia in a subject, or in the manufacture of any of an infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, children's formula or adult formula.

17. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for reducing the risk and / or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) in a subject.

18. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for reducing the risk and / or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in a subject.

19. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for reducing and / or optimising bilirubin levels in a subject.

20. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for enhancing and / or optimising fat and / or fat-soluble nutrient and / or fat-soluble vitamin absorption in a subject.

21. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for increasing and / or optimising dietary energy potential in a subject.

22. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for increasing and / or optimising one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels in a subject.

23. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for optimising one or more of LDL particle size, triglyceride levels, apolipoprotein A levels and apolipoprotein B levels in a subject.

24. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for increasing and / or optimising bile acid excretion in a subject.

25. Use of an oil mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in the manufacture of a composition, or any one of an infant formula, a parenteral formula, an infant food, a toddler formula, a children's formula or an adult formula, for controlling and / or optimising bile acid levels in a subject.

26. The use of an oil mixture as described in any one of claims 1-7 in the preparation of a composition for reducing and / or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis in a host, or in any one of infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula.

27. The use of an oil mixture as described in any one of claims 1-7 in the preparation of a composition for optimizing and / or enhancing the absorption of carotenoids in a host, or in any one of infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula.

28. The use of an oil mixture as described in any one of claims 1-7 in the preparation of a composition for promoting and / or strengthening the intestinal probiotics in a host, or in any one of infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula.

29. The use of an oil mixture as described in any one of claims 1-7 in the preparation of a composition for the prevention of at least one disease or disorder of phytosterolemia, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and atherosclerosis, or in any one of infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula.

30. The use of an oil mixture as described in any one of claims 1-7 in the preparation of a composition that reduces inflammation and / or CRP levels in a host, or in any one of infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula.

31. The use of an oil mixture as described in any one of claims 1-7 in the preparation of a composition for reducing and / or optimizing glucose and / or insulin levels in a host, or in any one of infant formula, parenteral formula, infant food, toddler formula, children's formula, or adult formula.

32. The application as described in any one of claims 15-31, wherein the subject is an adult or a child.

33. The application as described in claim 32, wherein the subject is an infant.

34. The application as described in any one of claims 15-33, wherein the subject is a healthy subject or an unhealthy subject.

35. The application as described in any one of claims 15-34, wherein the subject is a subject receiving parenteral nutrition, a subject receiving partial parenteral nutrition, a subject intolerant to enteral feeding, or a subject requiring non-enteral feeding.

36. The application as described in claim 35, wherein the subject is a subject receiving parenteral nutrition.

37. The oil mixture of claim 1, wherein, At least one oil is any one of the following: - Coconut oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 450 ppm; - Palm kernel oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 900 ppm; - Soybean oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1800 ppm; - Rapeseed oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 5800 ppm; - Sunflower oil with a phytosterol content of less than approximately 1600 ppm; - high oleic sunflower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1500 ppm; - corn oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 5900 ppm; - palm olein oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 700 ppm; - palm oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 530 ppm; - safflower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 8500 ppm; - high oleic safflower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1200 ppm; - medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1000 ppm; or - Sn2-palmitate oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

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