Liquid crystalline phytosterol-glycerine complex for enhanced bioavailability and water dispersal

摘要

Edible phytosterol-containing compositions include molecular complexes of non-esterified phytosterols (P) and glycerine (G) in the form of liquid crystalline microparticles. Addition of an emulsifier (M) such as a monoglyceride or a modified lecithin, and optionally an ionic surfactant, to the complex facilitates its dispersal in an aqueous medium. A composition containing either the binary PG or ternary PGM molecular complexes can be formulated as a beverage, food product, or nutritional supplement. When administered to a human subject, the complexes sequester cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and reduce LDL cholesterol and total plasma cholesterol levels.

主权项

1. A method of reducing total plasma cholesterol (TC) level in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an edible composition in an amount effective to reduce the TC level in the subject, the edible composition comprising:
(i) a non-esterified phytosterol, phytostanol, or a combination thereof (collectively “P”); and (ii) glycerine (“G”)(C3H8O3); wherein P and G are commingled in the composition to form, at least in part, a PG molecular complex; and wherein the weight ratio of G:P in the composition is at least 0.05:1.