Reduced phytosterol oil composition

Abstract

The invention relates to oil composition comprising a blend of (i) soybean oil and (ii) sunflower oil, wherein the (i) soybean oil and (ii) sunflower oil have been treated to reduce phytosterol content; and comprising milk fat; wherein the total phytosterol content of the oil composition is 500 ppm by weight or less. The invention further relates to an infant formula comprising said oil compositions, as well as a process for manufacturing of the oil composition.

Description

[0001] REDUCED PHYTOSTEROL OIL COMPOSITION

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to oil compositions with reduced phytosterol content and infant formula compositions comprising said oil compositions.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Infant formula is an ultra-processed food product designed and marketed for feeding to babies under twelve months of age. There are also “follow on” infant formulas designed for infants over the age of twelve months. Under twelve months of age, non-human animal milk is not suitable for feeding to babies for a variety of nutritional reasons (for example because the animal milks contain too much casein). Infant formulas are used either as a total dietary replacement for babies that are not breast fed, or to supplement the diet of breast-fed babies. The components that can be used in infant formulas are highly regulated in most jurisdictions. It is generally desired that the infant formulas mimic the nutritional profile of human breast milk as closely as possible. In particular, it is generally desired for the fat used in infant formulas to mimic the fat present in human breast milk in terms of fatty acid and triglyceride profile. Infant formulas thus typically contain a variety of vegetable oils. Certain consumers also have a preference for formulas that are free of animal-derived products (for example those following a plant-based diet). Vegetable oils such as palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil and rapeseed oil are known for inclusion in infant formulas.

[0006] Cholesterol is a vital component of human breast milk and is typically present at a concentration of from 10 to 20 mg / 100 ml at three weeks postpartum. The high cholesterol content of human breast milk is important for the healthy development of infants and is associated with desirable lower blood cholesterol concentrations later in life and protection against later development of cardiovascular disease. It is known to include cholesterol in infant formulas to try and provide these benefits to formula fed babies.

[0007] Many of the vegetable oils typically included in infant formulas (such as those discussed above) contain phytosterols such as [3-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. Phytosterols are plant-derived sterols that occur naturally in plant oils. It is known in the art that phytosterols decrease the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and thus reduce blood plasma cholesterol levels in adults and children. This is especially undesirable in infant formulas as absorption of the cholesterol is essential to promote the health benefits discussed above.

[0008] It has thus been proposed to reduce the phytosterol content of vegetable oils used in infant formula so that the phytosterols do not block the desired absorption of cholesterol. WO2016 / 132354 discloses infant formulas comprising vegetable oils with reduced phytosterol content. Processes for reducing the phytosterol content of vegetable oils are known in the art and include molecular distillation (also known as short path distillation) such as described in WO2016 / 132354.

[0009] Despite oil blends with reduced phytosterol content for use in infant formulas being known in the art, the inventors of the present invention have appreciated that there are various problems associated with the use of these known blends, as discussed below.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It has been appreciated by the inventors of the present invention that a problem with processes known in the art for reducing the phytosterol content of vegetable oils (such as those disclosed in WO2016 / 132354) is that large product losses occur on treatment of the oils to reduce phytosterol content. The process of molecular distillation which is used to reduce the phytosterol content of the oils involves short term exposure of the oils to high temperatures and high vacuum in a distillation column which causes large amounts of product to be lost. Additionally, when reducing the phytosterol content of multiple oils for inclusion in an oil blend, it has been found necessary by the inventors to treat the different types of oil separately. Soft oils such as sunflower oil and soybean oil, lauric oil and palm oil all need to be treated separately. This is for a variety of reasons such as the different boiling points of the oils and that soft oils require treating with severe conditions that cause extreme product losses in lauric and palm oils. This increases process cost and complexity, especially where a variety of different types of oil are used. Typically, molecular distillation processes result in around 70% product losses for soft oils such as soybean oil; 10% to 15% product losses for lauric oils; and 5% to 10% product losses for palm oil.

[0012] Where high product losses occur from the oils upon treatment, often certain triglyceride components of the oils are lost to a greater extent than other triglyceride components. This often occurs to such an extent that the fatty acid and / or triglyceride profile of the oils upon treatment is significantly altered. This can mean that inclusion of the treated oil in infant formulas is then incompliant with regulations on the basis that the treated oil can no longer be truly considered to be an oil of specific origin. For example, where soybean oil is treated by molecular distillation to reduce phytosterol content, its fatty acid profile can change to such an extent that regulators may no longer consider it to be “soybean oil”. Typically, more effective reduction of the phytosterol content of a given oil requires harsher treatment conditions and thus increased product losses. Thus, the amount of phytosterol that can be removed from a given vegetable oil is limited. For a given vegetable oil, it is not possible to reduce the phytosterol content below a certain threshold without altering the chemical profile of the oil to such an extent that it can no longer be considered an oil of the specific vegetable origin. Whilst WO2016 / 132354 teaches to reduce the phytosterol content of vegetable oils by e.g. molecular distillation, it does not provide any guidance on to what extent the chemical profiles of the oils are changed on treatment because of product losses.

[0013] WO2016 / 132354 discloses treating soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), palm kernel oil, sn2-palmitate oil (OPO), coconut oil and palm oil, amongst others, to reduce their phytosterol contents. Various blends of these oils are also disclosed. It has been appreciated by the inventors of the present invention that a problem with the oil blends disclosed in WO2016 / 132354 is that they often have phytosterol contents of considerably over 500 ppm by weight. 500 ppm by weight has been appreciated by the inventors of the present invention as an acceptable upper limit for the phytosterol content of vegetable oil blends used in infant formula, based on a study indicating that phytosteroles in infant formula may influence cholesterol absorption and synthesis (Babawale et al., Nutrients 2018, 10(12), 1848) Another problem with the oil blends disclosed in WO2016 / 132354 that has been appreciated by the present inventors is that they often do not have a fatty acid profile similar to that of human breast milk.

[0014] It has been found by the inventors of the present invention that to achieve an oil composition with a fatty acid profile similar to that of human breast milk from oils such as those disclosed in WO2016 / 132354, it is necessary to include several oils in the oil composition. For example, a source of palmitic acid (C16:0) such as palm oil must be included. Lauric oils (i.e. coconut oil or palm kernel oil) must also be included to provide medium chain fatty acids such as lauric acid (C12:0) and capric acid (C10:0). It is desirable for infant formula to have a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (W6 / W3 ratio) of from 5:1 to 10:1 which is the ratio occurring in human breast milk. Limits on this ratio are also prescribed by many regulators. To achieve this ratio, the inventors have found that it is necessary for the infant formula to comprise rapeseed oil and / or soybean oil. Rapeseed oil has a low W6 / W3 ratio of 2.4. Soybean oil has a W6 / W3 ratio of typically around 7 to 12 depending on geographical origin. Soybean oil is also needed along with sunflower oil or HOSO to provide the desired amounts of oleic acid (C18: 1 ), linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (018:3).

[0015] However, it has been found by the inventors that when attempting to provide oil blends from the abovementioned oils with a fatty acid profile similar to that of human breast milk, it is not possible to ensure that the phytosterol content of the oil blend is less than 500 ppm without carrying out at least two treatments to reduce the phytosterol contents of the oils. In the majority of cases, it is necessary to treat both the soft oils (i.e. soybean oil, sunflower oil and rapeseed oil) and also the lauric oils. Multiple treatments are required due to the inherent amounts of phytosterol present in each untreated oil, and the limitations of how much phytosterol that can be removed from a given oil without significantly altering its fatty acid profile as discussed above. Due to the need to treat the soft oils, lauric oils and palm oil separately, the production process is complex and expensive due to the multiple treatments required and high product losses associated with each treatment step.

[0016] It has been found by the present inventors that if only the soft oils (i.e. soybean oil, sunflower oil and rapeseed oil) are treated to reduce phytosterol content, the phytosterol content of the oil blend is generally above 500 ppm. This is due to the high amounts of phytosterol present in untreated lauric oils, and also due to the limits of how much phytosterol can be removed from the soft oils without encountering high product losses and altering the fatty acid profiles of the oils (in particular soybean oil and rapeseed oil). As discussed in Kumar et al., Physicochemical characteristics of commercial coconut oils produced in India., Grasas Aceitis 66 (1), January - March 2015, e062. ISSN-L: 0017- 3495, the phytosterol content of unrefined and RBD coconut oils vary from around 740 ppm to 970 ppm. Phytosterol contents in untreated palm kernel oil are typically higher than 1000 ppm. With regard to the limits of the soft oils, even after treatment to reduce phytosterol content, rapeseed oil still has a phytosterol content around 2000 ppm. It is not possible to reduce the phytosterol content of rapeseed oil further without encountering extreme product losses meaning that the treated oil can no longer be considered “rapeseed oil” by regulators. Similar problems occur when attempting to reduce the phytosterol content of soybean oil beyond certain limits. It is therefore a struggle to provide an oil blend that has a fatty acid profile that emulates that of human breast milk and that has a phytosterol content of below 500 ppm, without carrying out at least two oil treatments to reduce phytosterol content (i.e. treatment of at least both the soft oils and the lauric oils). The need to carry out two or more treatments means that product losses are very high increasing the costs of the process. The need to carry out two or more treatments also significantly increases the cost and complexity of the infant formula manufacturing processes, not least as it is essential to maintain a desired fatty acid profile.

[0017] The present invention is based on the surprising finding that by using milk fat as a source of palmitic acid (C16:0) for the oil blends, it is no longer necessary to carry out multiple treatments to reduce phytosterol content in order to ensure that the oil blends always comprise less than 500 ppm by weight phytosterol. The inventors of the present invention have appreciated that milk fat is a source of palmitic acid (C16:0) and so can be used in oil blends (for example as a full or partial replacement of palm oil) to provide a desired amount of palmitic acid (C16:0) to the oil blends that effectively mimics the palmitic acid (C16:0) content of human breast milk. The inventors have further appreciated that, advantageously, milk fat inherently has a low phytosterol content. Due to the low amounts of phytosterol present in milk fat, it has been found by the inventors to be unnecessary to treat the milk fat further to reduce its phytosterol content. An additional advantage associated with the use of milk fat that has been appreciated by the present inventors is that due to the high amounts of medium chain length fatty acids present in milk fat such as lauric acid (C12:0), myristic acid (C14:0) and decanoic acid (C10:0), a fatty acid profile similar to that of human breast milk can be provided without the inclusion of a lauric oil. Even in the case where inclusion of a lauric oil in the oil composition is desired, surprisingly, it has been found by the present inventors that treatment of the lauric oil to reduce phytosterol content is also unnecessary. Without treating the lauric oils or milk fat, it has surprisingly been found by the inventors that an oil blend with less than 500 ppm phytosterol content can efficiently be provided. It has only been found necessary to treat the soft oils (i.e. soybean oil, sunflower oil etc.) to reduce phytosterol content. Since these oils can be treated together in a single step (e.g. single molecular distillation step), only one treatment to reduce phytosterol content is needed to produce the oil composition for use in the infant formula resulting in cost savings and reduced complexity to processes for manufacturing low phytosterol content oil blends for use in infant formulas. The present invention thus provides an oil composition with a fatty acid profile effectively emulating that of human breast milk; and which comprises less than 500 ppm phytosterol content meaning that cholesterol absorption is not significantly inhibited upon infant formula consumption; and that can be produced with only a single oil treatment to reduce phytosterol content thus minimising process complexity and cost due to minimised product losses. The constituent oils of the oil composition also do not need to be treated to such an extent that their fatty acid / triglyceride profile is undesirably altered which is important from a regulatory perspective.

[0018] According to the present invention, there is thus provided an oil composition comprising a blend of (i) soybean oil and (ii) sunflower oil, wherein the (i) soybean oil and (ii) sunflower oil have been treated to reduce phytosterol content; and milk fat; wherein the total phytosterol content of the oil composition is 500 ppm by weight or less.

[0019] The oil composition comprises milk fat. The term milk fat as used herein is used to refer to fat derived from non-human mammalian milk. Preferably, the milk fat comprises bovine milk fat or fat derived from goat milk. More preferably, the milk fat comprises bovine milk fat. The milk fat is included in the oil composition primarily to provide a desired amount of palmitic acid (C16:0) to the composition. Palmitic acid (C16:0) is present in human breast milk in relatively high quantities. The milk fat is thus used to provide palmitic acid (C16:0) to the composition in an amount similar to that found in human breast milk. In some instances, the milk fat is also used to provide a desired amount of lauric acid (C12:0), myristic acid (C14:0) and decanoic acid (C10:0) to the oil composition. Human breast milk also contains these fatty acids and so milk fat may be used to provide a similar amount of these fatty acids to the oil composition as found in human breast milk.

[0020] The oil composition also comprises sunflower oil and soybean oil. These oils are included in the composition, inter alia, to provide desired amounts of fatty acids with more than or equal to 18 carbon atoms. In particular, these vegetables oils are included in the compositions to provide a desired amount of oleic acid (C18: 1 ), linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3) in the oil compositions. It is desired for the oil compositions to comprise these fatty acids in amounts similar to that found in human breast milk.

[0021] Preferably, the sunflower oil comprises linoleic sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, or a combination thereof.

[0022] Typically, the blend further comprises (iii) rapeseed oil, where the rapeseed oil has been treated to reduce phytosterol content. However, the inclusion of rapeseed oil is not essential. As discussed above, soybean oil and optionally rapeseed oil are included in the oil composition, inter alia, to provide a sufficient amount of W3 fatty acids and in particular linolenic acid (C18:3). In particular, these oils are included to provide a desired ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids (W6 / W3 ratio) that mimics this ratio in human breast milk. Rapeseed oil has a low W6 / W3 ratio of 2.4. Soybean oil has a W6 / W3 ratio of typically around 7 to 12 depending on geographical origin. In some instances, it may not be necessary for the oil composition to comprise rapeseed oil, such as where the soybean oil has a lower W6 / W3 ratio. In other instances, such as where the soybean oil has a higher W6 / W3 ratio, it may be desired for the oil composition to also include rapeseed oil so that the composition has a desirable W6 / W3 ratio. As discussed further below, this ratio is preferably from 5 to 10.

[0023] Typically, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil of the blend have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 40% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; preferably to at most 30% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment. More preferably, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, of the blend have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 20% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

[0024] The term phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment is used to refer to the phytosterol content of a given oil prior to any specific treatment carried out to the oil to reduce its phytosterol content.

[0025] The phytosterol content of the oils can be reduced using any treatment step known in the art for doing so. Typically, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and (iii) where present rapeseed oil, of the blend have been treated to reduce phytosterol content by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil of the blend of have been treated to reduce phytosterol content by molecular distillation.

[0026] Suitable process conditions for using the abovementioned processes to reduce the phytosterol content of vegetable oils will be apparent given the benefit of the present disclosure and include those discussed in e.g. WO2018 / 033899.

[0027] The (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, may each be treated separately to reduce their phytosterol contents. Preferably two or more of these oils are mixed to form an oil blend prior to treatment of the oil blend in a single treatment step to reduce the phytosterol content of the oils present in the blend. Preferably, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil have been combined to form the blend prior to treatment to reduce phytosterol content. This is highly advantageous to reduce process complexity and to reduce product losses of the oils.

[0028] The oil composition preferably comprises one or more lauric oils. The one or more lauric oils may be included in the oil composition to provide a desired amount of lauric acid (C12:0), myristic acid (C14:0) and decanoic acid (C10:0) to the oil compositions. Typically, the one or more lauric oils are included so as to provide a similar amount of these fatty acids to the oil compositions as is found in human breast milk. The one or more lauric oils are not essential as these fatty acids may be provided by milk fat. However, it may be desired to include one or more lauric oils in the composition to provide these fatty acids along with milk fat in many instances, for example, where it is desired to include a lower amount of milk fat in the oil composition. Milk fat is typically more expensive than vegetable oils and so it may be desirable in most instances to include both milk fat and lauric oils in the oil compositions. As discussed above, a key advantage of the present invention is that these oils do not need to be treated to reduce phytosterol content and that an oil composition comprising less than 500 ppm by weight phytosterol can still be provided.

[0029] The one or more lauric oils may comprise any lauric oil. Preferably, the one or more lauric oils comprise coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or a combination thereof. More preferably, the one or more lauric oils comprises coconut oil.

[0030] Typically, the milk fat has not been treated to reduce sterol content by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof; and where present the one or more lauric oils have not been treated to reduce phytosterol content by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof.

[0031] Preferably, the milk fat has not been treated to reduce its sterol content to 50% or less by weight of the sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; and more preferably not to 70% or less by weight of the sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment. Most preferably, the milk fat has not been treated to reduce its sterol content to 90% or less by weight of the sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment. Preferably, the one or more lauric oils have not been treated to reduce their phytosterol content to 50% or less by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; and more preferably not to 70% or less by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment. Most preferably, the one or more lauric oils has not been treated to reduce its phytosterol content to 90% or less by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

[0032] Preferably, where present the one or more lauric oils have a phytosterol content (in ppm by weight) of at least 75%; preferably of at least 85%; more preferably of at least 90%; and most preferably of at least 95% of the corresponding unrefined lauric oil. For example, where the one or more lauric oils comprise coconut oil, typically, the coconut oil has a phytosterol content (in ppm by weight) of at least 75%; preferably of at least 85%; more preferably of at least 90%; and most preferably of at least 95% of unrefined coconut oil. Where the one or more lauric oils comprise palm kernel oil, typically, the palm kernel oil has a phytosterol content (in ppm by weight) of at least 75%; preferably of at least 85%; more preferably of at least 90%; and most preferably of at least 95% of unrefined palm kernel oil. It will be appreciated that lauric oils with no phytosterol removed at all (i.e. a phytosterol content (in ppm by weight) of 100% of the corresponding unrefined lauric oil may also be used.

[0033] Preferably, the milk fat has a sterol content (in ppm by weight) of at least 75%; preferably of at least 85%; more preferably of at least 90%; and most preferably of at least 95% of milk fat.

[0034] The oil composition may comprise the abovementioned oils in any suitable amount. Preferably, the oils are included in the oil composition in amounts necessary to provide a similar fatty acid profile to human breast milk.

[0035] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 2% to 25% by weight of soybean oil. Preferably, the oil composition comprises from 5% to 15% by weight of soybean oil.

[0036] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 5% to 30% by weight of a total of lauric oils. More preferably, the oil composition comprises from 10% to 25% by weight of a total of lauric oils.

[0037] As discussed above, the one or more lauric oils preferably comprise coconut oil. Accordingly, preferably, the oil composition comprises from 5% to 30% by weight of coconut oil and more preferably from 10% to 25% by weight of coconut oil. In other instances, the one or more lauric oils comprise palm kernel oil. Accordingly, in these instances, the oil composition may typically comprise from 5% to 30% by weight of palm kernel oil and more preferably from 10% to 25% by weight of palm kernel oil.

[0038] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 10% to 60% by weight of milk fat. Preferably, the oil composition comprises from 40% to 60% by weight of milk fat or from 10% to 30% by weight of milk fat.

[0039] The oil composition comprises sunflower oil. Typically, the oil composition comprises from 2% to 25% by weight of sunflower oil; and preferably from 5% to 20% by weight of sunflower oil.

[0040] In some instances, the oil composition comprises high oleic sunflower oil. Preferably, in these instances, the oil composition comprises from 2% to 20% by weight of high oleic sunflower oil. More preferably, in these instances, the oil composition comprises from 5% to 15% by weight of high oleic sunflower oil.

[0041] In some instances, the oil composition comprises linoleic sunflower oil. Typically, in these instances, the oil composition comprises from 5% to 30% by weight of linoleic sunflower oil. Preferably, in these instances, the oil composition comprises from 10% to 20% by weight of linoleic sunflower oil.

[0042] The oil composition may comprise high oleic sunflower and not linoleic sunflower oil. Alternatively, the composition may comprise linoleic sunflower oil and not high oleic sunflower oil. As a further alternative, the oil composition may comprise both high oleic sunflower oil and linoleic sunflower oil.

[0043] The oil composition preferably comprises both soybean oil and rapeseed oil. Where rapeseed oil is included in the compositions, the weight ratio of soybean oil to rapeseed oil in the oil composition is typically from 0.5:1 to 15:1 ; preferably from 1 :1 to 10:1 ; more preferably from 5:1 to 10:1 and most preferably from 5:1 to 7:1. It is highly preferred that the oil composition comprises the soybean oil and rapeseed oil present in these ratios. It has surprisingly been found by the inventors that where these ratios are used, the ratio of W6 / W3 fatty acids present in the oil composition is within a highly desired range of from 5:1 to 10:1 , irrespective of the type of soybean oil included in the compositions. As discussed above, the ratio of W6 / W3 fatty acids in soybean oil may vary depending on the geographical origin of the soybean oil and the time of year at which the soybeans are grown. Surprisingly, irrespective of the W6 / W3 fatty acid ratio of the soybean oil used, by using the abovementioned soybean oil to rapeseed oil weight ratios, a desired W6 / W3 fatty acids ratio of the oil composition of from 5:1 to 10:1 is provided. This is very useful as it enables infant formula formulators to confidently provide an oil composition for use in the formula with a W6 / W3 fatty acid ratio that is very similar to the ratio found in human breast milk.

[0044] Preferably, the oil composition comprises soybean oil; sunflower oil; milk fat; optionally one or more lauric oils; and optionally rapeseed oil in a total amount of at least 80% by weight of the total amount of oil or fat present in the oil composition; more preferably in a total amount of at least 90% by weight of the total amount of oil or fat present in the oil composition; and most preferably in a total amount of at least 95% by weight of the total amount of oil or fat present in the oil composition.

[0045] In some instances, the oil composition consists essentially of soybean oil; sunflower oil; one or more lauric oils; milk fat; and optionally rapeseed oil.

[0046] In some instances, the oil composition further comprises sn-2 palmitate oil (OPO). The term sn-2 palmitate oil (OPO) as used herein refers to structured triglycerides in which the percentage (level) of palmitic acid moieties at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone is at least 40% of the total palmitic acid present. Typically, the oil composition comprises OPO in an amount of from 15% to 40% by weight of the oil composition; and preferably from 20% to 35% by weight of the oil composition. OPO may be included in the oil compositions as an alternative source of palmitic acid (C16:0), and to provide a desired amount of triglycerides with palmitic acid (C16:0) in the sn2 position. For example, it may be desired to include OPO in addition to milk fat as a palmitic acid (016:0) source where it is desired to include a lower amount of milk fat in the oil composition, for example, to reduce costs due to the greater expense of milk fat. It has been appreciated by the present inventors that, advantageously, OPO inherently has a low phytosterol content. Due to the low amounts of phytosterol present in OPO, it has advantageously been found by the inventors to be unnecessary to treat the OPO further to reduce its phytosterol content. When OPO is included in the oil compositions, surprisingly, there is also no need to treat the OPO to reduce phytosterol content in order to provide an oil blend with less than 500 ppm phytosterol content. In human breast milk, the majority of the palmitic acid (016:0) is present in triglycerides in the sn2 position (such as OPO). The OPO can thus be used to provide palmitic acid (016:0) to the composition in an amount and form similar to that found in human breast milk. Providing the majority of palmitic acid (016:0) in the form of triglycerides with palmitic acid (016:0) at the sn2 position (such as OPO) has been found to provide benefits to infants such as reducing constipation, improving calcium or fatty acid absorption, and enhancing healthy bone, brain and gut microbiome development.

[0047] Sn-2 palmitate oil (OPO) may also be referred to as beta-palmitate. The term sn-2 palmitate oil (OPO) as used herein refers to structured triglycerides in which the percentage (level) of palmitic acid moieties at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone is at least 33% of the total palmitic acid present. The OPO preferably has a phytosterol content of less than 400 ppm by weight, more preferably less than 300 ppm by weight; still more preferably less than 200 ppm by weight; and most preferably less than 150 ppm by weight. The OPO may be produced by any suitable process known in the art. Preferably, the OPO is produced by enzymatic interesterification of palm oil or a fraction thereof, typically followed by separation from the interesterification reaction mixture of a product fraction comprising the OPO. This process of producing OPO advantageously results in the OPO inherently having a low phytosterol content.

[0048] Where OPO is included in the oil compositions, the oil composition preferably comprises milk fat in an amount of from 10% to 30% by weight.

[0049] In some instances, the oil composition consists essentially of soybean oil; sunflower oil; one or more lauric oils; OPO; milk fat; and optionally rapeseed oil.

[0050] As discussed above, the oil composition preferably has a fatty acid profile similar to that of human breast milk. In particular, the oil composition preferably has a similar ratio of W6 / W3 fatty acids to that found in human breast milk. This is highly desirable as particular ratios are often prescribed by regulators as necessary for infant formula. Typically, the oil composition has a weight ratio of linoleic acid residues (C18:2) to a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3) of from 1 :1 to 15:1 ; preferably from 2:1 to 12:1 ; more preferably from 3:1 to 10:1 and most preferably from 5:1 to 10:1.

[0051] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 5% to 25% by weight of linoleic acid residues (C18:2); preferably from 10% to 25% by weight of linoleic acid residues (C18:2); and more preferably from 7% to 20% by weight of linoleic acid residues (C18:2); and more preferably from 8% to 15% by weight of linoleic acid residues (C18:2); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition. Typically, the oil composition comprises from 0.5% to 5% by weight of a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3); preferably from 1 % to 3.5% by weight of a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3); and more preferably from 1 % to 2.5% by weight of a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

[0052] Preferably, the oil composition comprises from 10% to 30% by weight of palmitic acid (C16:0) residues; preferably from 14% to 25% by weight of palmitic acid (C16:0) residues; and more preferably from 16% to 22% by weight of palmitic acid (C16:0) residues; wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

[0053] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 25% to 45% by weight of oleic acid residues (C18:1); preferably from 30% to 42% by weight of oleic acid residues (C18:1); and more preferably from 35% to 40% by weight of oleic acid residues (C18:1); and more preferably from 35% to 40% by weight of oleic acid residues (C18:1); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

[0054] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 1 % to 15% by weight of stearic acid residues (C18:0); preferably from 2% to 10% by weight of stearic acid residues (C18:0); and more preferably from 4% to 8% by weight of stearic acid residues (C18:0).

[0055] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 4% to 20% by weight of a combined amount of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0); preferably from 12% to 18% by weight of a combined amount of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0); and more preferably from 14% to 17% by weight of a combined amount of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

[0056] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 0.5% to 5% by weight of capric acid (C10:0); preferably from 1 % to 2.5% by weight of capric acid (C10:0); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

[0057] Typically, the oil composition comprises from 0.5% to 5% by weight of caprylic acid (C8:0); preferably from 1 % to 2% by weight of caprylic acid (C8:0); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

[0058] Preferably, the non-animal derived fat composition comprises from 30% to 50% by weight of saturated fatty acid residues (SAFA); and more preferably from 35% to 45% by weight of saturated fatty acid residues (SAFA).

[0059] Preferably, the oil composition is a non-hydrogenated oil composition.

[0060] Preferably, the oil composition comprises less than 5% by weight of trans-fatty acids; preferably, less than 3% by weight of trans-fatty acids; more preferably, less than 1 % by weight of trans-fatty acids; and most preferably, the oil composition is essentially free of trans fatty acids.

[0061] The oil composition preferably comprises less than 5% by weight of palm oil and fractions thereof; preferably less than 2% by weight of palm oil and fractions thereof; more preferably less than 1 % by weight of palm oil and fractions thereof; and most preferably the oil composition is essentially free of palm oil and fractions thereof.

[0062] Preferably, the oil composition comprises less than 5% by weight of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof; preferably less than 2% by weight of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof; more preferably less than 1 % by weight of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof. Most preferably, the oil composition is essentially free of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof.

[0063] The oil composition comprises less than 500 ppm by weight of phytosterols. Preferably, the oil composition has a phytosterol content of less than 475 ppm by weight. The phytosterol content of the oil compositions may be determined using suitable methods known in the art such as AOCS Ch 6-91 (m). Preferably, the phytosterol content of the oil composition complies with the following Equation (I):

[0064] Equation (I):

[0065] (XMF * PSMF + XCNO * PSLAU + XRSO*PSRSO + XSOY * PSSOY + Xsu * PSsu) < 500 wherein:

[0066] XMF corresponds to the Fraction of OPO with respect to the total weight of the oil composition;

[0067] XLAU corresponds to the Fraction of the total of the one or more lauric oils with respect to the total weight of the oil composition;

[0068] XRSO corresponds to the Fraction of the rapeseed oil with respect to the total weight of the oil composition;

[0069] XSOY corresponds to the Fraction soy bean oil with respect to the total weight of the oil composition;

[0070] Xsu corresponds to the Fraction of sunflower oil with respect to the total weight of the oil composition; and wherein the maximum content of phytosterol in each oil (PSX) is as follows:

[0071] In the formula given above, preferably, the following conditions are also satisfied:

[0072] Xsu - 1 — XMF + XLAU + XRSO + XSOY; and

[0073] 450 PS MF

[0074] XCNO - PS LAU PS LAU The term phytosterol content as used herein refers to the total content (the sum) of free phytosterols, free phytostanols, esterified phytosterols and esterified phytostanols.

[0075] The term “fat” as used herein refers to glyceride fats and oils containing fatty acid acyl groups and does not imply any particular melting point. The term “oil” is used synonymously with “fat” herein.

[0076] The term "fatty acid", as used herein, refers to straight chain saturated or unsaturated (including mono- and poly unsaturated) carboxylic acids having 4 to 24 carbon atoms. A fatty acid having x carbon atoms and y double bonds may be denoted Cx:y. For example, palmitic acid may denoted C16:0, oleic acid may denoted C18:1. Percentages of fatty acids in compositions referred to herein include acyl groups in tri-, di- and mono-glycerides present in the glycerides and are based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acids. The fatty acid profile (i.e. composition) may be determined, for example, by fatty acid methyl ester analysis (FAME) using gas chromatography according to ISO 12966-2 and ISO 12966.4.

[0077] Preferably, the oil composition contains a substantially major portion of oil with very little water (i.e. the oil composition consists essentially of fat / oil molecules). However, in some embodiments, the oil composition may contain water and be present in the form of an emulsion such as an oil-in-water emulsion or a water-in-oil emulsion, typically with a suitable emulsifier. In such embodiments, the weight percentage ranges described below for the amount that the oil composition is present infant formula refers to only fat molecules present in the oil composition, and not any water present in the oil composition.

[0078] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an infant formula composition comprising an oil composition according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0079] The oil composition may be present in the infant formula composition in any suitable amount. Typically, the oil composition is present in the infant formula in an amount of from 20% to 40% by weight of the infant formula.

[0080] The infant formula products of the invention may comprise any suitable component of infant formula products known in the art. Such components will be apparent given the benefit of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that the nature and amounts of the various components may be tightly controlled by regulators of infant formula in different jurisdictions. For example, in the EU, the components of infant formula are regulated by EU Regulation 2016 / 127 and / or EU Regulation 609 / 2013.

[0081] The infant formula products may be in any suitable form. For example, the infant formula products may be liquid infant formula products or solid infant formula products such as powders suitable for mixture with water to form drinkable liquid formulas.

[0082] Typically, the infant formula products comprise one or more phospholipids. The one or more phospholipids may be derived from any suitable source such as lecithin or protein concentrate present in the infant formula. For example, the one or more phospholipids may comprise vegetable phospholipids, marine phospholipids, animal phospholipids, single cell organism phospholipids, or any combination thereof.

[0083] Preferably, the infant formula comprises lecithin. Preferably, the lecithin comprises egg lecithin, vegetable lecithin, or a combination thereof.

[0084] The one or more phospholipids may be present in any suitable amount in the infant formula products. Typically, the one or more phospholipids may be present in an amount of up to 2% by weight of the infant formula; preferably up to 1 .6% by weight of the infant formula; and more preferably from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight of the infant formula.

[0085] Typically, the infant formula comprises docosahexaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, or a combination thereof. Where the compositions comprise docosahexaenoic acid, the docosahexaenoic acid is typically present in an amount of from 60 mg to 230 mg / 100 grams of infant formula. Where the compositions comprise arachidonic acid, the arachidonic acid is typically present in the infant formula in an amount of from 60 mg to 230 mg / 100 grams of infant formula.

[0086] Typically, the infant formula comprises cholesterol. The cholesterol may be present in any suitable amount. Preferably, the cholesterol is present in an amount of from 1750 ppm to 4000 ppm by weight of the infant formula; and more preferably in an amount of from 2500 ppm to 3500 ppm by weight of the infant formula.

[0087] Typically, the infant formula products comprise one or more proteins. The one or more proteins may be present in the infant formula in any suitable amount. Typically, the one or more proteins are present in the infant formula in an amount of from 5% to 20% by weight of the infant formula; preferably an amount of from 7.5% to 17% by weight of the infant formula; and more preferably in an amount of from 9% to 11 % by weight of the infant formula.

[0088] Typically, the one or more proteins comprise one or more animal proteins, one or more vegetable proteins, or a combination thereof. In some instances, the one or more proteins comprise one or more milk proteins such as casein, whey powder, or a combination thereof.

[0089] Typically, the infant formula products comprise one or more sugars. The one or more sugars may be present in the infant formula in any suitable amount. Typically, the one or more sugars are present in the infant formula in an amount of from 5% to 20% by weight of the infant formula and preferably in an amount of from 50% to 60% by weight of the infant formula.

[0090] Any suitable sugar for inclusion in infant formula products may be included. Preferably, the one or more sugars comprise lactose.

[0091] Typically, the infant formula further comprises one or more free amino acids.

[0092] Typically, the infant formula further comprises one or more minerals. Preferably, the one or more minerals comprise iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium or any combination thereof.

[0093] Typically, the infant formula further comprises one or more tocopherols. Preferably, the one or more tocopherols are present in the infant formula in an amount of from 5 mg to 9.5 mg per 100 grams of infant formula.

[0094] The infant formula typically further comprises one or more bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, gangliosides, sialic acid, vitamins such as vitamin B12 and / or folic acid, or any combination thereof.

[0095] In some instances, the infant formula is substantially free of animal protein or completely free of animal protein.

[0096] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided the use of an oil composition of the first aspect of the invention in an infant formula composition. Preferably, the infant formula composition is as described above in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

[0097] Preferably, the use comprises using the oil composition to increase absorption of cholesterol from the infant formula by an infant compared to an analogous oil composition with higher phytosterol content. The term analogous oil composition with higher phytosterol content as used herein is used to refer to an identical oil composition but where the vegetable oil components of the composition have not been treated to reduce phytosterol content, such as by molecular distillation.

[0098] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a process of manufacturing an oil composition according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the process comprises:

[0099] (1) treating (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil to reduce the phytosterol content of each oil; and

[0100] (2) combining (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil with milk fat and optionally one or more lauric oils to provide the oil composition.

[0101] In some instances, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil are each treated separately to reduce the phytosterol content of each oil.

[0102] However, preferably, two or more of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, are combined to form an oil blend prior to the oil blend being treated to reduce the phytosterol content of the oil blend. More preferably, all of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, are combined to form an oil blend prior to the oil blend being treated to reduce the phytosterol content of the oil blend. As discussed above, it is preferred that the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, are combined to form a blend prior to treatment so as to minimise the number of phytosterol treatments that are carried out. This reduces the cost and complexity of the process and reduces product losses from the oils as only one treatment is required. Advantageously, these soft oils are treated together.

[0103] Step (2) of the process may further comprise combining OPO with the other oils to form the oil composition.

[0104] Step (1) of the process typically comprises reducing the phytosterol content of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil by molecular distillation, short- path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof; and preferably by molecular distillation. Preferably, molecular distillation is used.

[0105] Any suitable conditions known in the art for these processes may be used and such conditions will be apparent given the benefit of the present disclosure. Preferably, step (1 ) of the process comprises reducing the phytosterol content of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, by molecular distillation performed under vacuum at a pressure of from 0.01 to 0.05 mbar.

[0106] Preferably, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 40% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; and more preferably to at most 30% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment. Most preferably, the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 20% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

[0107] Preferably, step (1) of the process comprises reducing the phytosterol content of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof; and wherein less than 40%, preferably less than 30% and most preferably less than 20% of the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of each oil.

[0108] Preferably, all of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil are combined to form an oil blend prior to the oil blend being treated to reduce the phytosterol content of the oil blend; wherein step (1) of the process comprises reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof; and wherein less than 40% of the oil blend is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend; preferably, wherein less than 30% of the oil blend is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend; and more preferably wherein less than 20% of the oil blend is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend. A surprising advantage of treating the soft oils together as an oil blend is that product losses from the oil are minimised by carrying out only one phytosterol reduction treatment on the oil blend. The finding that the soft oils can be treated together in a single treatment step is thus very useful for reducing product losses and increasing process yield of the process.

[0109] Preferably, the milk fat, one or more lauric oils where present, and OPO where present, are not treated by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof to reduce their phytosterol content prior to combination with (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, in step (2). More preferably, the milk fat, one or more lauric oils where present and OPO where present, and where present milk fat, have not been treated to reduce their phytosterol or sterol content to 50% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; and preferably not to 70% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment. Most preferably, the milk fat, one or more lauric oils where present, and OPO where present, have not been treated to reduce their phytosterol or sterol content to 90% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

[0110] Typically, the process further comprises combining the oil composition with one or more components to provide an infant formula composition. Preferably, the infant formula composition is as described above in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

[0111] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0112] The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0113] Example 1

[0114] The following example is included to demonstrate the product losses that occur on carrying out molecular distillation (short path distillation) on vegetable oils in order to reduce their phytosterol content.

[0115] Coconut oil (CNO) was treated by short path distillation (SPD) to reduce its phytosterol content. Three separate batches of coconut oil were treated. The fatty acid profile of the coconut oil prior to treatment is shown below in Table 1 . Table 1

[0116] It can be seen from the results in Table 1 that on treatment by short path distillation, the fatty acid profiles of the coconut oil batches changed considerably. This was due to product losses with certain triglycerides being lost more than others changing the chemical profile of the oil. In particular, the lauric acid (C12:0), palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1) contents of the oil changed considerably upon short path distillation treatment. Example 2

[0117] Oil blends were formed from the oils shown below in Table 2 in the amounts indicated. For forming each oil blend, the “soft oils” (i.e. any rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil and high oleic sunflower oil present) were first blended to form a blend that was treated by short path distillation to reduce the phytosterol content of the oils present in the blend. The treated oil blend was then mixed with coconut oil, milk fat and OPO (if present) to form the oil composition. The milk fat, coconut oil and OPO (if present) were not first treated so as to reduce phytosterol content. The percentage values in Table 2 are percentage by weight of glycerides present in each oil composition.

[0118] Table 2

[0119] The fatty acid profile for each oil composition is shown below in Table 3.

[0120] Table 3

[0121] It can be seen that the fatty acid profile of each oil composition is similar to that found in human breast milk.

[0122] The phytosterol content of each oil composition is shown below in Table 4 and contrasted to the phytosterol content of each oil composition if no short path distillation treatment is performed on any constituent oils.

[0123] Table 4

Claims

CLAIMS1. An oil composition comprising a blend of (i) soybean oil and (ii) sunflower oil, wherein the (i) soybean oil and (ii) sunflower oil have been treated to reduce phytosterol content; and comprising milk fat; wherein the total phytosterol content of the oil composition is 500 ppm by weight or less.

2. An oil composition according to Claim 1 , wherein the (i) soybean oil and (ii) sunflower oil have been treated separately or together to reduce phytosterol content.

3. An oil composition according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the sunflower oil comprises linoleic sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, or a combination thereof.

4. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the blend further comprises (iii) rapeseed oil, and wherein the rapeseed oil has been treated to reduce phytosterol content (separately or together in a blend with soybean oil and / or sunflower oil).

5. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 40% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; preferably to at most 30% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

6. An oil composition according to Claim 5, wherein the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 20% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

7. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil or high oleic sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil, have been treated to reduce phytosterol content by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof.

8. An oil composition according to Claim 7, wherein the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil have been treated to reduce phytosterol content by molecular distillation.

9. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil have been combined prior to treatment to reduce phytosterol content.

10. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the blend comprises milk fat and one or more lauric oils.

11. An oil composition according to Claim 10, wherein the one or more lauric oils comprise coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or a combination thereof.

12. An oil composition according to Claim 10 or Claim 11 , wherein the one or more lauric oils comprises coconut oil.

13. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the milk fat has not been treated to reduce sterol content and the one or more lauric oils where present have not been treated to reduce phytosterol content by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof.

14. An oil composition according to Claim 13, wherein the milk fat and one or more lauric oils have not been treated to reduce their phytosterol or sterol content to 50% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; and preferably not to 70% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

15. An oil composition according to Claim 10, wherein the milk fat and one or more lauric oils have not been treated to reduce their phytosterol or sterol content to 90% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

16. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more lauric oils have a phytosterol content (in ppm by weight) of at least 75%; preferably of at least 85%; more preferably of at least 90%; and most preferably of at least 95% of the corresponding lauric oil such as unrefined coconut oil or unrefined palm kernel oil.

17. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 2% to 25% by weight of soybean oil.

18. An oil composition according to Claim 17, wherein the oil composition comprises from 5% to 15% by weight of soybean oil.

19. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 5% to 30% by weight of the one or more lauric oils.

20. An oil composition according to Claim 19, wherein the oil composition comprises from 10% to 25% by weight of the one or more lauric oils.

21. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 10% to 60% by weight of milk fat.

22. An oil composition according to Claim 21 , wherein the oil composition comprises from 40% to 60% by weight of milk fat, or from 10% to 30% by weight of milk fat.

23. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 2% to 20% by weight of high oleic sunflower oil.

24. An oil composition according to Claim 23, wherein the oil composition comprises from 5% to 15% by weight of high oleic sunflower oil.

25. An oil composition according to any one of Claims 1 to 24, wherein the oil composition comprises from 5% to 30% by weight of linoleic sunflower oil.

26. An oil composition according to Claim 25, wherein the oil composition comprises from 10% to 20% by weight of linoleic sunflower oil.

27. An oil composition according to any one or more of Claims 4 to 26, wherein rapeseed oil is present in the oil composition; and wherein the weight ratio of soybean oil to rapeseed oil in the oil composition is from 0.5:1 to 15:1 ; preferably from 1 :1 to 10:1 ; more preferably from 5:1 to 10:1 and most preferably from 5:1 to 7:1.

28. An oil composition according to any one or more of Claims 4 to 27, wherein the oil composition comprises soybean oil; sunflower oil; milk fat; optionally one or more lauric oils; and optionally rapeseed oil in a total amount of at least 80% by weight of the total amount of oil or fat present in the oil composition; more preferably in a total amount of at least 90% by weight of the total amount of oil or fat present in the oil composition; and most preferably in a total amount of at least 95% by weight of the total amount of oil or fat present in the oil composition.

29. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition consists essentially of soybean oil; sunflower oil; one or more lauric oils; milk fat; and optionally rapeseed oil.

30. An oil composition according to any one or more of Claims 1 to 28, wherein the oil composition further comprises sn2-palmitate oil (OPO).

31. An oil composition according to Claim 30, wherein the oil composition comprises OPO in an amount of from 15% to 40% by weight of the oil composition; and preferably from 20% to 35% by weight of the oil composition.

32. An oil composition according to Claim 30 or Claim 31 , wherein the oil composition comprises milk fat in an amount of from 10% to 30% by weight.

33. An oil composition according to Claim 28, wherein the oil composition consists essentially of soybean oil; sunflower oil; one or more lauric oils; OPO; milk fat; and optionally rapeseed oil.

34. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition has a weight ratio of linoleic acid residues (C18:2) to a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3) of from 1 :1 to 15:1 ; preferably from 2:1 to 12:1 ; more preferably from 3:1 to 10:1 and most preferably from 5:1 to 10:1.

35. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 5% to 25% by weight of linoleic acid residues (C18:2); preferably from 7% to 20% by weight of linoleic acid residues (C18:2); and more preferably from 8% to 15% by weight of linoleic acid residues (C18:2); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

36. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 0.5% to 5% by weight of a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3); preferably from 1 % to 3.5% by weight of a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3); and more preferably from 1 % to 2.5% by weight of a-linolenic acid residues (C18:3); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

37. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 10% to 30% by weight of palmitic acid (C16:0) residues; preferably from 14% to 25% by weight of palmitic acid (C16:0) residues; and more preferably from 16% to 22% by weight of palmitic acid (C16:0) residues; wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

38. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 25% to 45% by weight of oleic acid residues (C18:1); preferably from 30% to 42% by weight of oleic acid residues (C18:1); and more preferably from 35% to 40% by weight of oleic acid residues (C18:1); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

39. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 1 % to 15% by weight of stearic acid residues (C18:0); preferably from 2% to 10% by weight of stearic acid residues (C18:0); and more preferably from 4% to 8% by weight of stearic acid residues (C18:0).

40. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 4% to 20% by weight of a combined amount of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0); preferably from 12% to 18% by weight of a combined amount of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0); and more preferably from 14% to 17% by weight of a combined amount of lauric acid (C12:0) and myristic acid (C14:0); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

41. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 0.5% to 5% by weight of capric acid (C10:0); preferably from 1 % to 2.5% by weight of capric acid (C10:0); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based onthe total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

42. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises from 0.5% to 5% by weight of caprylic acid (C8:0); preferably from 1 % to 2% by weight of caprylic acid (C8:0); wherein said percentages of fatty acid residues refers to fatty acids bound as acyl groups in glycerides in the oil composition and being based on the total weight of C4 to C24 fatty acid residues bound as acyl groups present in the oil composition.

43. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises less than 5% by weight of trans-fatty acids; preferably, less than 3% by weight of trans-fatty acids; more preferably, less than 1 % by weight of trans-fatty acids; and most preferably, wherein the oil composition is essentially free of trans fatty acids.

44. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises less than 5% by weight of palm oil and fractions thereof; preferably less than 2% by weight of palm oil and fractions thereof; more preferably less than 1 % by weight of palm oil and fractions thereof; and most preferably wherein the oil composition is essentially free of palm oil and fractions thereof.

45. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition comprises less than 5% by weight of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof; preferably less than 2% by weight of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof; more preferably less than 1 % by weight of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof; and most preferably wherein the oil composition is essentially free of palm kernel oil and fractions thereof.

46. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition is a non-hydrogenated oil composition.

47. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition has a phytosterol content of less than 475 ppm by weight.

48. An oil composition according to any preceding claim, wherein the oil composition has a phytosterol content according to the equation:(XOPO * PSOPO + XLAU * PSLAU + XRSO*PSRSO + XSOY * PSSOY + Xsu * PSsu) < 500 wherein:- XOPO corresponds to the Fraction of OPO with respect to the total weight of the oil composition; XLAU corresponds to the Fraction of the total of the one or more lauric oils with respect to the total weight of the oil composition, in particular coconut oil and palm kernel oil;- XRSO corresponds to the Fraction of the rapeseed oil with respect to the total weight of the oil composition;- XSOY corresponds to the Fraction soy bean oil with respect to the total weight of the oil composition;- Xsu corresponds to the Fraction of sunflower oil with respect to the total weight of the oil composition; and further wherein the maximum content of phytosterol in each oil component (PSX) is as follows:

49. An oil composition according to Claim 48, wherein the following conditions are also satisfied:Xsu = 1 - XOPO+XLAU+XRSO+XSOY; and50. An infant formula comprising an oil composition according to any preceding claim.

51. An infant formula according to Claim 50, wherein the oil composition is present in the infant formula in an amount of from 20% to 40% by weight of the infant formula.

52. An infant formula according to Claim 50 or Claim 51 , wherein the infant formula comprises lecithin.

53. An infant formula according to Claim 52, wherein the lecithin comprises egg lecithin, vegetable lecithin, or a combination thereof.

54. An infant formula according to any one of Claims 50 to 53, wherein the infant formula comprises phospholipids in an amount of up to 1 .6% by weight of the infant formula.

55. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 54, wherein the infant formula comprises docosahexaenoic acid and / or arachidonic acid; preferably, wherein the docosahexaenoic acid is present in an amount of from 60 mg to 230 mg / 100 grams of infant formula; and / or the arachidonic acid is present in the infant formula in an amount of from 60 mg to 230 mg / 100 grams of infant formula.

56. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 55, wherein the infant formula comprises cholesterol; preferably, wherein the cholesterol is present in an amount of from 1750 ppm to 4000 ppm by weight; and more preferably in an amount of from 2500 ppm to 3500 ppm by weight.

57. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 56, wherein the infant formula further comprises one or more proteins; preferably wherein the one or more proteins are present in the infant formula in an amount of from 7.5% to 20% by weight.

58. An infant formula according to Claim 57, wherein the one or more proteins comprise one or more animal proteins, one or more vegetable proteins, or a combination thereof.

59. An infant formula according to Claim 58, wherein the one or more proteins comprise one or more milk proteins such as casein, whey powder, or a combination thereof.

60. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 59, wherein the infant formula further comprises one or more free amino acids.

61. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 60, wherein the infant formula further comprises one or more sugars; preferably, wherein the one or more sugars are present in the infant formula in an amount of from 50% to 60% by weight of the infant formula.

62. An infant formula according to Claim 61 , wherein the one or more sugars comprise lactose.

63. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 62, wherein the infant formula further comprises one or more minerals; preferably, wherein the one or more minerals comprise iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium or any combination thereof.

64. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 63, wherein the infant formula further comprises one or more tocopherols; preferably, wherein the one or more tocopherols are present in the infant formula in an amount of from 5 mg to 9.5 mg per 100 grams of infant formula.

65. An infant formula according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 64, wherein the infant formula further comprises one or more bioactive compounds such as immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, gangliosides, sialic acid, vitamins such as vitamin B12 and / or folic acid, or any combination thereof.

66. Use of an oil composition according to any one or more of Claims 1 to 49 in an infant formula composition; preferably wherein the infant formula composition is as defined in any one or more of Claims 50 to 65.

67. Use according to Claim 66, wherein the use comprises using the oil composition to increase absorption of cholesterol from the infant formula by an infant compared to an analogous oil composition with higher phytosterol content.

68. A process of manufacturing an oil composition according to any one or more of Claims 1 to 49, wherein the process comprises:(1) treating (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil to reduce the phytosterol content of each oil; and(2) combining (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil with milk fat and optionally one or more lauric oils to provide the oil composition.

69. A process according to Claim 68, wherein (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil, are each treated separately to reduce the phytosterol content of each oil.

70. A process according to Claim 69, wherein two or more of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil are combined to form an oil blend prior to the oil blend being treated to reduce the phytosterol content of the oil blend; preferably wherein all of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil are combined to form an oil blend prior to the oil blend being treated to reduce the phytosterol content of the oil blend.71 . A process according to any one or more of Claims 68 to 70, wherein step (2) further comprises combining OPO with the other oils to form the oil composition.

72. A process according to any one or more of Claims 68 to 71 , wherein step (1) of the process comprises reducing the phytosterol content of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil by molecular distillation, distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, fractionation, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof; and preferably by molecular distillation.

73. A process according to Claim 72, wherein step (1) of the process comprises reducing the phytosterol content of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil by molecular distillation performed under vacuum at a pressure of from 0.01 to 0.05 mbar.

74. A process according to any one or more of Claims 68 to 73, wherein the soybean oil; sunflower oil; and where present rapeseed oil, have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 40% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; and preferably to at most 30% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

75. A process according to Claim 74 wherein the soybean oil; sunflower oil; and where present rapeseed oil, have been treated to reduce phytosterol content to at most 20% by weight of the phytosterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

76. A process according to any one or more of Claims 68 to 75, wherein step (1) of the process comprises reducing the phytosterol content of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof; and wherein less than 40% of the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of each oil; preferably wherein less than 30% of the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of each oil.

77. A process according to Claim 76, wherein less than 20% of the (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of each oil.

78. A process according to any one of Claims 68 to 77, wherein all of (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and optionally (iii) rapeseed oil are combined to form an oil blend prior to the oil blend being treated to reduce the phytosterol content of the oil blend; wherein step (1) of the process comprises reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend by molecular distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof; and wherein less than 40% of the oil blend is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend; preferably, wherein less than 30% of the oil blend is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend; and more preferably wherein less than 20% of the oil blend is lost during the step of reducing the phytosterol content of the oil blend.

79. A process according to any one or more of Claims 68 to 78, wherein the milk fat, where present one or more lauric oils, and where present OPO , are not treated by molecular distillation, distillation, short-path distillation, column chromatography, absorption on an oil insoluble matrix, fractionation, solvent extraction, or any combination thereof to reduce their phytosterol content prior to combination with (i) soybean oil; (ii) sunflower oil; and where present (iii) rapeseed oil , in step (2).

80. A process according to Claim 79, wherein the milk fat, one or more lauric oils where present, and where present OPO , have not been treated to reduce their phytosterol or sterol content to 50% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment; and preferably not to 70% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.81 . A process according to Claim 80, wherein the milk fat, where present one or more lauric oils, and where present OPO, have not been treated to reduce their phytosterol or sterol content to 90% or less by weight of the phytosterol or sterol content of the original corresponding oil prior to treatment.

82. A process according to any one or more of Claims 68 to 81 , wherein the process further comprises combining the oil composition with one or more components to provide an infant formula composition according to any one or more of Claims 50 to 65.

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