| 摘要 |
<p>An end product mixture substantially comprising saturated phytosterols is prepared from a raw material mixture of phytosterols derived from tall oil. At least a substantial portion of the raw material mixture consists of unsaturated phytosterols. The method includes the step of hydrogenating the raw material mixture in a solvent substantially comprising ethyl acetate while in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst, then filtering and drying the hydrogenation product to separate the mixture of saturated phytosterols from the solvent and to leave an amount of solvent residue in the mixture that is not greater than a desired amount. Hydrogenation is carried out at a temperature greater than 35 deg. C., preferably 40 deg. C or higher, and at a pressure greater than standard pressure, preferably 20 psi or higher. The resulting mixture of saturated phytosterols may be used for various purposes including the manufacture of food additives or dietary supplements with a view to facilitating the reduction of serum cholesterol levels.</p> |
