Dietary supplements and prepared foods containing triglyceride-recrystallized non-esterified phytosterols

A method for reducing plasma cholesterol levels in mammals, comprising:

• regularly ingesting a product comprising:
• a fat-based composition substantially free of exogenous solubilizing and dispersing agents for phytosterols,
• wherein said fat-based composition comprises:
• greater than 25% and less than 75% by weight of one or more triglyceride-based edible oil or fat;
• and
• greater than 25% and less than 75% by weight of one or more non-esterified phytosterols that have been converted to triglyceride-recrystallized phytosterols;
• wherein said product is edible;
• wherein said product is useful as a component of a member of the group consisting of prepared foods, dietary supplements, and direct food additives;
• and
• wherein the plasma concentration of carotenoids comprising alpha- and beta-carotene is maintained essentially constant while said plasma cholesterol levels are reduced.

A method for reducing plasma cholesterol levels in mammals, comprising:

• regularly ingesting a product comprising:
• a fat-based composition substantially free of exogenous solubilizing and dispersing agents for phytosterols,
• wherein said fat-based composition comprises:
• greater than 25% and less than 75% by weight of one or more triglyceride-based edible oil or fat;
• and
• greater than 25% and less than 75% by weight of one or more non-esterified phytosterols that have been converted to triglyceride-recrystallized phytosterols;
• wherein said product is edible;
• wherein said product is useful as a component of a member of the group consisting of prepared foods, dietary supplements, and direct food additives;
• wherein said one or more triglyceride-based edible oil or fat comprises at least 10% by weight omega-3 fatty acids comprising DHA or DHA in combination with EPA, and wherein the levels of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol are simultaneously reduced.

A method for protecting plasma lipoproteins and cholesterol from oxidation in mammals, comprising:

• regularly ingesting a product comprising:
• a fat-based composition substantially free of exogenous solubilizing and dispersing agents for phytosterols,
• wherein said fat-based composition comprises:
• greater than 25% and less than 75% by weight of one or more triglyceride-based edible oil or fat;
• and
• greater than 25% and less than 75% by weight of one or more non-esterified phytosterols that have been converted to triglyceride-recrystallized phytosterols;
• wherein said product is edible;
• and
• wherein said product is useful as a component of a member of the group consisting of prepared foods, dietary supplements, and direct food additives.

A product comprising:

• a fat-based composition substantially free of exogenous solubilizing and dispersing agents for phytosterols,
• wherein said fat-based composition comprises:
• greater than 25% and less than 75% by weight of one or more triglyceride-based edible oil or fat;
• and
• greater than 50% and less than 75% by weight of one or more non-esterified phytosterols that have been converted to triglyceride-recrystallized phytosterols.