NZ735207B2

NZ735207B2 - Oil blends, processes for the preparation thereof and their use in formulas

Info

Publication number: NZ735207B2
Application number: NZ735207A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Yoseph Fabiana Bar; Dror Gai Ben; Yael Herzog; Ran Numa; Asher Widberg; Rassan Zuabi
Original assignee: Enzymotec Ltd
Priority date: 2015-02-17
Filing date: 2016-02-16
Publication date: 2022-02-01

Abstract

The invention provides oil blends comprising at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content, processes for the preparation thereof and their uses, including their use in formulas.

Description

OIL BLENDS, PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION THEREOF AND THEIR USE IN FORMULAS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the field of oil blends, processes for the preparation thereof and their use in formulas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Cholesterol is a vital compound which serves as ial membrane compound, a cofactor for signaling molecules and precursor for steroid hormones [1].

Human milk is known to be a rich source of cholesterol for the developing infant. The human milk contains substantial cholesterol levels of about 10-20 mg/lOOml at 3 weeks postpartum [2]. This high cholesterol content is correlated with higher plasma terol levels of breastfeeding babies as compared to formula fed babies and may be associated with lower blood cholesterol concentrations in adult life and protection against later development of cardiovascular e [3].

Cholesterol importance in human milk is evident by the fact that its content is apparently not inﬂuenced by y lation. While maternal dietary and plasma cholesterol levels are closely ated, breast milk cholesterol levels are not related to those in normal maternal .

Currently marketed infant formulas y contain blends of vegetable oils and not fats of animal origin, in order to deliver to the infant all required fatty acids.

As a result of reducing the use of lipid products from animal sources as ingredients of infant formulas, the as usually contain low levels of cholesterol compared to human milk [4].

Due to the importance of terol and its preservation in human milk, attempts have been made to test the effect of its supplementation on formula-fed infants. For example, Decsi et al [5] tested the effect of a formula supplemented with cholesterol on plasma cholesterol levels of full term infants in comparison with a tional formula. Plasma cholesterol levels on day 5 were significantly higher among the infants who were fed with the cholesterol supplemented infant formula in comparison with infants receiving the conventional formula. In 30 days old infants and thereafter no appreciable effect of diet on plasma cholesterol concentration has been observed.

Plant sterols (PS) or phytosterols such as B-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol occur naturally and are structurally similar to cholesterol, but possess an additional arbon chain at carbon number 24. Natural occurrence of phytosterols is reported in oil seed as free sterols, esterified forms with fatty acids and phenolic acids, or ated with glycosides. Crude food oils derived from soy, corn, sunﬂower, rapeseed, palm and other crops may contain significant concentrations of phytosterols. Unlike cholesterol, phytosterol trations seem to change markedly in human milk depending on the amount of phytosterol in the maternal diet [6].

An area of intense discussion in plant sterol research is the potential bioactive properties of the plant sterols. There is experimental and epidemiological eVidence suggesting that plant sterols can t against certain types of cancer such as colon, breast and prostate, and ve effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia have been reported [7]. The plant sterols activity as immune modulators and their anti- inﬂammatory properties has also been described [8]. In on, terols have demonstrated antioxidative capacity [9].

NCES Pfrieger, F.W., Role of cholesterol in synapse formation and function.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 2003,1610(2): p. 271-80.

Jensen, R.G., Lipids in Human Milk. , 1999, 34(12): p. 1243-1271.

Owen, C.G., et al., Infant feeding and blood cholesterol: a study in adolescents and a systematic review. Pediatrics, 2002, 110(3): p. 597-608.

Forsyth, J.S., Lipids and infant formulas. Nutr Res ReV, 1998, 11(2): p. 255- Decsi, T., M. Fekete, and B. Koletzko, Plasma lipid and oprotein trations in full term infants fed formula supplemented with long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Eur J Pediatr, 1997, 156(5): p. 397-400.

Mellies, M.J., et al., Cholesterol, phytosterols, and polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratios during the first 12 months of lactation. Am J Clin Nutr, 1979, 32(12): p. 2383-9.

Awad, AB. and CS. Fink, terols as anticancer dietary components: ce and mechanism of . J Nutr, 2000, : p. 0.

Bouic, P.J., Sterols and sterolins.‘ new drugs for the immune system? Drug Discov Today, 2002, 7(14): p. 775-8.

Gordon, H.G. and P. Magos, The Eﬂect of Sterols on the Oxidation of Edible Oils. Food Chemistry, 1983, 10: p. 141-147.

Meshulam et al., Responsiveness of Emulsions ized by Lactoferrin Nano- les to Simulated Intestinal ions” Food Funct., 2014, 5, 65-73.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Phytosterols are known to decrease intestinal absorption of cholesterol and as a result reduce cholesterol plasma levels of children and adults. However, since phytosterol levels in human milks are variable and depend on the maternal diet, while cholesterol levels are consistent, and due to the established safety of phytosterols and the potential benefits of their consumption, clinical studies examining the effect of infant formulas on cholesterol homeostasis have focused on the effect of cholesterol supplementation to formulas. The effect of the presence of terols in infant formulas has not been evaluated.

The present invention discloses for the first time oil blends with reduced phytosterol content, particularly for use as the fat ingredient in formulas e.g., infant formulas and baby food.

The present ion thus provides oil blends that comprise oils (e.g., vegetable oils, natural oils, processed vegetable oil or processed oils as herein defined, or any combination of the same) with reduced phytosterol levels compared to the corresponding oils of the same origin, as herein defined. The oil blends are used inter-alia as fat ingredient/s of formulas, e.g. infant formulas and baby food, providing increased plasma cholesterol levels in ts, e. g. infants, fed with same.

As used herein, the terms "plant sterols", "plant stanols", "phytosterol", "phytosterols", "phytostanol", "phytostanols" or any lingual variations thereof are interchangeable. None limiting examples for phytosterols and phytostanols are: beta- sitosterol, campesterol, brassicasterol, stigmasterol, beta-sitostanol and campestanol.

As used herein, the term "oil blend" refers to a blend of two or more oils. Each one of the oils in the oil blend may be either natural oil or processed oil. The term "oil blend" as used herein is also to be taken to mean a ition essentially comprised of oil blends. It is noted that oil such as naturally occurring oils or processed oils generally comprises substances such as but not limited to triglycerides, erides, monoglycerides, free fatty acids and some other substances such as phospholipids and tocopherols.

As used herein, the term "processed oil" refers to oil which underwent any possible type of process including, but not d to, a reaction between two or more triglycerides, a reaction between triglycerides and free fatty acids, fractionation and hydrogenation. Non limiting examples of processed oils are Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil and sn2-palmitate oil.

As used herein the term "MCT oil" refers to an oil which is mainly in the triglyceride form and containing mainly capryc (C820) and caprylic (C1020) fatty acids. The MCT oil may be prepared by an esterification process between glycerol and fatty acids in their free, methyl ester or ethyl ester form.

As used herein the terms lmitate", palmitate", "0P0" and "ﬂ- palmitate" are hangeable and refer to structured triglycerides in which the percentage (level) of ic acid moieties at the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone is at least 33% of the total ic acid. The an-palmitate may be prepared, for example, by an enzymatic reaction between fatty acid donors (optionally free fatty acids, methyl esters or ethyl esters) containing mainly unsaturated fatty acids and triglycerides containing mainly ted fatty acids. Preferably both fatty acid donors and cerides are derived from vegetable source.

As used herein the term "mainly" is to be understood as constituting at least 50% of the specified feature.

As used herein, the term "vegetable oil" refers to oil from vegetable sources.

The vegetable oil may be a natural vegetable oil or a processed oil from vegetable SOUI‘CC.

Accordingly, in one of its aspects the present invention es an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils has a reduced phytosterol content that is lower than a termined threshold value corresponding to a nominal value of the phytosterol content of a corresponding oil of same origin.

As used herein, the phrase "corresponding oil of the same origin" refers to either natural or processed oil of the same origin as the oil having reduced phytosterol content, and "same origin" refers to the same oil prior to reducing its phytosterol content. By way of example, the corresponding oil of palm oil with reduced terol content is palm oil before reduction of its phytosterols content.

As used herein, the phrase "pre-determined threshold value corresponding to a nominal value of the phytosterol content of a ponding oil of the same origin" refers to the phytosterol content of an oil prior to reduction of its phytosterol content. The reduction of phytosterol content below the pre-determined threshold value can be performed prior to or after blending at least two oils.

The pre-determined value may be determined based on known information of the oil or may be determined mentally. Non-limiting examples of means for use in determining the pre-determined value of the phytosterol includes analytical methods using gas chromatography (GC).

The "phytosterol t" is provided herein in ppm (parts per million) concentration unit. The term "phytosterol content" refers to the total content (the sum) of free phytosterol/s, free tanol/s, esterified phytosterols, esterified phytostanols and any other tives or form of plant source sterol or stanol in their free form lent.

As used herein the terms "phytosterol content", "total amount of phytosterols" or any lingual variations f are interchangeable and are to be envisaged as the sum of free phytosterols, free phytostanols, esterified phytosterols, esterified phytostanols and any other derivatives or form of plant source sterol or stanol in their free form equivalent (e. g. for esters, their non-esterified form).

At times, when referring to the ratio between the phytosterol esters content and the free terols content (referred to herein below as "the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols"), the ratio is to be envisaged as the ratio between the phytosterol esters tration (in ppm) and the free phytosterol concentration (in ppm) i.e., in this case the phytosterol esters are considered as entities different from the free phytosterol and the content of each (i.e., phytosterol esters and free phytosterols) is determined separately.

As used herein, the terms ified phytosterols , esterified phytostanols", "phytosterol esters", "phytostanol esters", "fatty acid phytosterol esters", "fatty acid phytostanol " or any lingual variations thereof are interchangeable. The concentration of these esters or esterified species is ed in their free form (i.e., not esterified) equivalents.

As used herein, the term "free form equivalent" refers to the phytosterol component within the phytosterol or phytostanol esters which is in its free form and not in the esterified form.

As used herein the terms "fatty acid terol esters" and "fatty acid phytostanol esters" refers to phytosterol or phytostanol esterified with a fatty acid residue, tively.

As used herein the term eed oil" encompasses also canola oil.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of a natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of the following oils: - coconut oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 450 ppm; - palm kernel oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 900 ppm; - soybean oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1800 ppm; - rapeseed oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 5800 ppm; - sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1600 ppm; - high oleic sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol t 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 terol 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 terol content of less than about 1200 ppm; - 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.

WO 32354 As used herein the term "about" is to be understood as 110% of the ied value.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of a natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of the following oils: - coconut oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 450 ppm; - palm kernel oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 900 ppm; - soybean oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1800 ppm; - rapeseed oil having a terol content of less than about 5800 ppm; - sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 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 terol 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; or - an-palmitate oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

Yet, in a further one of its aspects the t invention provides a vegetable oil blend which comprises at least two vegetable oils, each of which is any one of l vegetable oil or processed oil from vegetable source, wherein at least one of the oils has a reduced phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value corresponding to a nominal value of the phytosterol content of a corresponding vegetable oil of same origin.

As used herein the term "vegetable oil blend" refers to a blend/mixture/ ation of two or more ble oils. Each one of the vegetable oils in the vegetable oil blend may be either natural vegetable oil or processed oil from vegetable source. The term "vegetable oil blend" as used herein is also to be taken to mean a composition essentially comprised of vegetable oil blends. It is noted that ble oils such as natural vegetable oil or processed oil from vegetable source lly comprises substances such as but not limited to triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, free fatty acids and some other substances such as phospholipids and tocopherols.

As used herein the term " rocessed m vegetable source" refers to an oil which underwent any process step provided that most of the triglyceride molecules in said sed oil are essentially the same as those originated from the vegetable source or were produced in a reaction between two or more triglycerides (e.g. interesterification or transesterification of a single ble oil or between two or more vegetable oils).

As used herein, the phrase sponding vegetable oil of the same origin" refers to either natural or processed vegetable oil of the same origin as the vegetable oil having reduced phytosterol content, and "same origin" refers to the same oil prior to reducing its phytosterol content.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which comprises at least two vegetable oils, each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or processed oil from vegetable source, wherein at least one of the vegetable oils is any one of the following oils: - coconut oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 450 ppm; - palm kernel oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 900 ppm; - n oil having a phytosterol t of less than about 1800 ppm; - rapeseed oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 5800 ppm; - sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 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 terol content of less than about 530 ppm; - safﬂower oil having a phytosterol t of less than about 8500 ppm; or - high oleic safﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1200 ppm.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of l oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, er oil, high oleic safﬂower oil, MCT oil or 5112- palmitate oil, wherein the phytosterol content (in ppm) of the total of the specific oils within the blend is below the value obtained using the following formula (I): 2mm * Kn) /100 1121 a (I) - n is an integer of l to 13 and represents the number of the specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Kn represents a termined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of a specific oil; and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: soybean oil 1800 rapeseed oil 5800 WO 32354 As used herein, "the phytosterol content of the total of the specific oils within the blend" refers to the phytosterol content (in ppm) of the total specific oils comprised within the blend. By way of example, the phytosterol content of the total of the specific oils within a blend which comprises coconut oil and palm oil is the phytosterol t of the total coconut oil and palm oil. If the blend comprises a further ecific oil (apart from the coconut oil and the palm oil), still, the phytosterol t of the total of the specific oils within a blend is the phytosterol content of the total coconut oil and palm oil (without taking into consideration the phytosterol t of the further non-specific oil).

In another one of its aspects the present invention es an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic safﬂower oil or an-palmitate oil, wherein the phytosterol content in ppm of total said specific oils within the blend is below the value obtained using the following formula (II): 2(Xn * Kn) /100 Formula (II) wherein - n is an integer of l to 12 and ents the number of said specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of a specific oil; and wherein said pre-determined old value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: coconut oil palm kernel oil soybean oil 1800 2016/050180 rapeseed oil 5800 sunﬂower oil 1600 high oleic sunﬂower oil 1500 corn oil 5900 palm olein oil 700 palm oil 530 safﬂower oil 8500 high oleic safﬂower oil 1200 lmitate oil 300 Yet, in a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which comprises at least two vegetable oils each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or sed oil from vegetable source, wherein at least one of the vegetable oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil or high oleic safﬂower oil, wherein the phytosterol content in ppm of total said specific oils within the blend is below the value obtained using the following formula (III): 2mm * Kn) /100 7121 Formula (111) wherein - n is an integer of 1 to 11 and represents the number of said specific oils; - Xn ents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Kn ents a pre-determined old value of phytosterol content in ppm of a specific oil; and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: n K. soybean oil 1800 rapeseed oil 5800 sunﬂower oil 1600 high oleic sunﬂower oil 1500 In r one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of: - coconut oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free terols is greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil in which the ratio phytosterol :free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - soybean oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is r than about 1.7; - er oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - corn oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.4; WO 32354 - palm oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1; - safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.1; - high oleic safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.3; - MCT oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; or - an-palmitate oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.9.

As used herein, the phrase "the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols" and "the terol esters:free phytosterols ratio" are interchangeable and refer to the ratio between phytosterol esters tration (in ppm) and free phytosterol concentration (in ppm).

In a further one of its s the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of: - coconut oil in which the ratio terol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - n oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free terols is greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.7; - sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - high oleic er oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than 0.7; - corn oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil in which the ratio terol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.4; - palm oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1; - safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.1; - high oleic safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free terols is r than about 1.3; - an-palmitate oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.9.

In yet a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or processed oil from vegetable source, wherein at least one of the vegetable oils is any one of: - coconut oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - soybean oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil in which the ratio terol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.7; - sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol :free terols is greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than 0.7; - corn oil in which the ratio terol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.4; - palm oil in which the ratio terol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1; - safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.1; or - high oleic safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.3.

Yet, in a further one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of l oil or sed oil, wherein at least one of the oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic er oil, MCT oil or 5112- palmitate oil, wherein the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said ic oils within the blend is above the result obtained using the following formula (IV): 13 13 0.01 * 2mm * Rn * n) / 209.) n=1 n=1 Formula (IV) wherein - n is an integer of 1 to 13 and represents the number of said ic oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Rn represents a termined threshold value of the ratio between the phytosterol esters tration (in ppm) and the free phytosterol concentration (in ppm) in the specific oil; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of said specific oil; and wherein the pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils (R) are the following: soybean oil rapeseed oil sunﬂower oil high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil palm olein oil palm oil and n the pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: coconut 011 high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil sn2-palmitate oil In r one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic safﬂower oil or an-palmitate oil, wherein the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is above the result ed using the following formula (V): 0.01 * 2% * Rn * n) / 12209) 71:1 a (V) wherein - n is an integer of l to 12 and represents the number of said specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Rn represents a pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between the phytosterol esters concentration (in ppm) and the free phytosterol concentration (in ppm) in the specific oil; - Kn represents a pre-determined old value of the phytosterol t in ppm of said specific oil; and wherein the pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils (Rn) are the ing: coconut oil palm kernel oil soybean oil sn2-palmitate oil 0.9 and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of the phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: Oil Kn coconut oil palm kernel oil soybean oil rapeseed oil sunﬂower oil high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil palm olein oil palm oil safﬂower oil high oleic safﬂower oil sn2-palmitate oil Yet, in a further one of its s the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which comprises at least two ble oils, each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or processed oil from ble source, n at least one of the vegetable oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil or high oleic safﬂower oil, wherein the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is above the result obtained using the following formula (VI): 0.01 * 2% * Rn * n) / in) 71:1 Formula (VI) wherein - n is an integer of l to 11 and represents the number of said specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a ic oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Rn represents a pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between the phytosterol esters concentration (in ppm) and the free phytosterol concentration (in ppm) in the ic oil; - Kn represents a pre-determined old value of phytosterol content in ppm of said specific oil; and wherein the pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils (R) are the ing: coconut oil palm kernel oil soybean oil rapeseed oil sunﬂower oil high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil palm olein oil palm oil er oil high oleic safﬂower oil and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of the phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: coconut oil palm kernel oil soybean oil rapeseed oil sunﬂower oil high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil palm olein oil palm oil safﬂower oil high oleic safﬂower oil 1200 In another one of its aspects the t invention provides an oil blend which contains a total amount of phytosterols of at most about 4000 ppm.

In yet another one of its s the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which contains a total amount of phytosterols of at most about 4000 ppm.

In a r one of its aspects the present invention provides oil blends as herein disclosed wherein the oil blends have an nic tocopherol (TCP) concentration of at most about 800 ppm.

In yet a further one of its aspects the present invention provides vegetable oil blends as herein disclosed wherein the vegetable oil blends have an endogenic tocopherol concentration of at most about 800 ppm.

As used herein, the term “endogenous tocopherol concentration” refers to tocopherol levels which are extracted from the oil source without the al addition of natural or synthetic tocopherols.

In another one of its s the present invention provides an oil blend which consists at least one vegetable oil and at least one of MCT oil and sn2-palmitate oil wherein in the blend the total amount of phytosterols is at most about 4000 ppm.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical itions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional food or medical food comprising an oil blend (e. g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention for use in enteral or parenteral preparations for administration to a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides a formula, an infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, child formula or adult formula comprising any one of the oil blends (e. g., ble oil blends) according to the present invention.

As used herein the terms " arenteral formula" and "parenteral nutrition composition" or any lingual ions thereof are envisaged as being applicable for administration to a t body via a route different from the digestive system and may supply part or all of the daily nutritional requirements. Non ng examples of such administration are via intravenous, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), partial parenteral nutrition, total nutrient admixture (TNA), partial nutrient admixture, peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN) routes, etc. Other parenteral routes of administration may be intramuscular, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous administrations, CtC.

In r one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of oil blends according to the invention, the process ses providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one oil and mixing the resulted oil with d phytosterol content with at least one other oil to y obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of oil blends ing to the invention, the process comprises mixing at least two oils, providing one or more means for reducing the terol t of the resulted mixture of the oils to thereby obtain an oil blend with d phytosterol COl’ltCl’lt.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of ble oil blends according to the ion, the process comprises providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one vegetable oil and mixing the resulted oil with reduced phytosterol content with at least one other vegetable oil to thereby obtain a vegetable oil blend with reduced phytosterol content.

In a further one of its aspects the t invention provides a process for the preparation of vegetable oil blends according to the invention, the process comprises mixing at least two vegetable oils, providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol t of the ed mixture of the vegetable oils to thereby obtain a vegetable oil blend with reduced phytosterol content.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of oil blends according to the invention, the process comprises providing one or more means for ng the phytosterol content of at least one oil and mixing the at least one oil with reduced phytosterol content with at least one other oil which underwent a process for phytosterol reduction, to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content.

In yet a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of vegetable oil blends according to the invention, the process comprises providing one or more means for reducing the terol content of at least one vegetable oil and mixing the at least one vegetable oil with reduced phytosterol content with at least one other vegetable oil which underwent a process for phytosterol reduction, to thereby obtain a vegetable oil blend with reduced phytosterol content.

In yet a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of an oil with reduced phytosterol content, the process comprises one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of the oil during the tion of the oil from oil-containing l sources such as seeds and beans.

In another one of its aspects the t invention provides a process for reducing phytosterol t in an oil (e.g., vegetable oil), the process comprises subjecting the oil to lar lation in a distillation , wherein the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and n the weight percentage of the oil distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the oil subjected to the molecular distillation.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of an oil blend which comprises at least two oils wherein at least one of the oils has reduced phytosterol content, the process comprising: subjecting at least one oil to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the weight percentage of the at least one oil distillate ing from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the at least one oil subjected to the molecular lation; and blending the at least one distilled oil with at least one other oil, n the at least one other oil is optionally also subjected to the molecular distillation; to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content.

Yet, in another one of its aspects the t invention provides a process for the preparation of an oil blend having reduced terol content, the process ses: mixing at least two oils; subjecting the at least two oils to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the weight tage of the at least two oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the at least two oils subjected to the molecular distillation; and optionally blending the resulted at least two oils with reduced phytosterol content with at least one r oil wherein the at least one further oil is optionally also subjected to said molecular distillation; to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol t.

Yet, in a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of oil blends as herein disclosed for use as lipid ingredients in formulas such as infant formula.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides oil blends as herein disclosed for use as lipid ingredients in as such as infant formula.

WO 32354 In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides oil blends as herein disclosed for use as lipid ingredients in nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional food or medical food.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention es oil blends as herein disclosed for use in the preparation of nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, onal food or medical food.

In yet a further one of its aspects the present invention provides phytosterols obtained in the processes disclosed herein.

The invention r provides various uses of oil blends according to the invention as well as various methods utilizing oil blends according to the invention.

Various uses and methods are detailed herein below.

Thus, the t invention provides oil blends according to the invention for use in improving certain parameters and/or conditions in a subject as detailed herein below. The present invention further provides methods for improving certain parameters and/or conditions in a subject as ed herein below. The methods se administering oil blends according to the invention to a subject.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be d out in ce, ments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention according to which the phytosterol content of one specific oil is reduced prior to blending with second specific oil.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention ing to which one specific oil is mixed with r specific oil, followed by reduction of the phytosterol content of the resulted blend.

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention according testing the effect of different phytosterol levels in infant formulas on free fatty acids e. The figure depicts the lipolysis profile of the tested samples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ION In one of its aspects the present invention es an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of l oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils has a reduced phytosterol t that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value corresponding to a nominal value of the phytosterol content of a corresponding oil of same .

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is coconut oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 450 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is palm kernel oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 900 ppm.

In some ments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is soybean oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 1800 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol t is rapeseed oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 5800 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is sunﬂower oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 1600 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is high oleic sunﬂower oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre- determined threshold value of about 1500 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is corn oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 5900 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is palm olein oil which has a phytosterol t that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 700 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is palm oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 530 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced terol content is er oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 8500 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is high oleic safﬂower oil which has a terol content that is lower than a pre- determined threshold value of about 1200 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is MCT oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 1000 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil having a reduced phytosterol content is 5112- palmitate oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre- determined threshold value of about 300 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a coconut oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is r than about 0.6.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a palm kernel oil having a terol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.6.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a soybean oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.5.

In some ments the at least one oil is a rapeseed oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.7.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.7.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a high oleic er oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.7.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a corn oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.8.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a palm olein oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.4.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a palm oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.

In some ments the at least one oil is a safﬂower oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.1.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a high oleic safﬂower oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is r than about 1.3.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is a MCT oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.5.

In some embodiments the at least one oil is an-palmitate oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.9.

In another one of its aspects the present ion provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of a natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of the following oils: - coconut oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 450 ppm; - palm kernel oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 900 ppm; - soybean oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1800 ppm; - ed oil having a phytosterol t of less than about 5800 ppm; - sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 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 t of less than about 8500 ppm; - high oleic safﬂower oil with a terol content of less than about 1200 ppm; - 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.

WO 32354 It is noted that any one or more than one of the above listed oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non-listed oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin).

Further, the blend can also comprise other non-listed oils e.g., with no reduced phytosterol content.

In a r one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of a natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of the following oils: - coconut oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 450 ppm; - palm kernel oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 900 ppm; - soybean oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1800 ppm; - rapeseed oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 5800 ppm; - sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1600 ppm; - high oleic sunﬂower oil having a terol content of less than about 1500 ppm; - corn oil having a phytosterol t 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; or - mitate oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

It is noted that any one or more than one of the above listed oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also se other, non-listed oils with reduced phytosterol content red to the corresponding oil of same origin).

Yet, in a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which comprises at least two vegetable oils, each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or processed oil from ble source, wherein at least one of the oils has a reduced phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined old value corresponding to a nominal value of the terol t of a corresponding vegetable oil of same origin.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is coconut oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined old value of about 450 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is palm kernel oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 900 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is soybean oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined old value of about 1800 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is rapeseed oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a termined threshold value of about 5800 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is er oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a termined threshold value of about 1600 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is high oleic sunﬂower oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 1500 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is corn oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre- determined threshold value of about 5900 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is palm olein oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 700 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is palm oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 530 ppm.

WO 32354 In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil having a reduced phytosterol content is safﬂower oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined threshold value of about 8500 ppm.

In some ments the at least one vegetable oil having a d phytosterol content is high oleic safﬂower oil which has a phytosterol content that is lower than a pre-determined old value of about 1200 ppm.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a coconut oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.6.

In some ments the at least one vegetable oil is a palm kernel oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.6.

In some ments the at least one vegetable oil is a soybean oil having a terol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.5.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a rapeseed oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.7.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.7.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a high oleic sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol :free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 0.7.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a corn oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.8.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a palm oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a safﬂower oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.1.

In some embodiments the at least one vegetable oil is a high oleic safﬂower oil having a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio that is greater than about 1.3.

In another one of its aspects the present invention es a vegetable oil blend which ses at least two vegetable oils, each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or processed oil from ble source, wherein at least one of the vegetable oils is any one of the following oils: - coconut oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 450 ppm; - palm kernel oil having a terol content of less than about 900 ppm; - soybean oil having a terol content of less than about 1800 ppm; - rapeseed oil having a phytosterol t of less than about 5800 ppm; - sunﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 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 t of less than about 530 ppm; - safﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 8500 ppm; or - high oleic safﬂower oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1200 It is noted that any one or more than one of the above listed vegetable oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non-listed vegetable oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin). Further, the blend can also se other sted vegetable oils e.g., with no reduced phytosterol content.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, er oil, high oleic safﬂower oil, MCT oil or 5112- palmitate oil, wherein the phytosterol content in ppm of the total of the specific oils within the blend is below the value obtained using the following formula (I): 2mm * Kn) /100 71:1 Formula (I) wherein - n is an integer of l to 13 and represents the number of the specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Kn represents a pre-determined old value of phytosterol content in ppm of a ic oil; and wherein the pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: coconut oil 450 er oil 8500 high oleic safﬂower oil 1200 It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the value obtained using the aforementioned a (I), the value of Xn is to be determined (provided) before blending of the specific oils. Further, in case the oil blend is being processed, Xn should be defined upon blending and prior to the process step.

It is further noted that any one or more than one of the above listed oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non-listed oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin).

Further, the blend can also comprise other non-listed oils e.g., with no reduced terol content.

In some embodiments according to the invention Xn may be identical or different for each of the specified oils.

In some embodiments the phytosterol content in ppm of the total of the specific oils within the blend is less than about 90%, at times less than about 80%, at times less than about 70%, even at times less than about 60% or 50%, even at times less than about 40% or 30% and even at times less than about 20% or 10% of the value obtained using the aforementioned Formula (I).

In another one of its aspects the present invention es an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, n at least one of the oils is a specific oil which is any one of t oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunﬂower oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil, corn oil, palm olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic safﬂower oil or mitate oil, wherein the phytosterol t in ppm of total said specific oils within the blend is below the value obtained using the following formula (II): Ear, * Kn) /10() 71:1 Formula (II) wherein - n is an integer of l to 12 and represents the number of said ic oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of a specific oil; and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: coconut oil palm kernel oil 2016/050180 high oleic sunﬂower oil 1500 corn oil 5900 palm olein oil 700 palm oil 530 safﬂower oil 8500 high oleic safﬂower oil 1200 sn2—palmitate oil 300 It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the value obtained using the entioned Formula (II), the value of Xn is to be determined (provided) before blending of the specific oils. Further, in case the oil blend is being processed, Xn should be defined upon blending and prior to the process step.

It is further noted that any one or more than one of the above listed oils can be ed in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non-listed oils with reduced phytosterol t (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin).

In some embodiments the terol content in ppm of the total of the ic oils within the blend is less than about 90%, at times less than about 80%, at times less than about 70%, even at times less than about 60% or 50%, even at times less than about 40% or 30% and even at times less than about 20% or 10% of the value obtained using the aforementioned Formula (II).

Yet, in a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a ble oil blend which comprises at least two vegetable oils each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or processed oil from vegetable source, wherein at least one of the vegetable oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil or high oleic safﬂower oil wherein the terol content in ppm of total said specific oils within the blend is below the value obtained using the following formula (III): 2mm * Kn) /100 7121 Formula (111) wherein - n is an integer of 1 to 11 and represents the number of said ic oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a ic oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of a specific oil; and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: Oil Kn coconut oil 450 palm kernel oil 900 soybean oil 1800 rapeseed oil 5800 sunﬂower oil 1600 high oleic sunﬂower oil 1500 corn oil 5900 palm olein oil 700 palm oil 530 safﬂower oil 8500 high oleic safﬂower oil 1200 It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the value obtained using the aforementioned Formula (111), the values of Xn is to be ined (provided) before WO 32354 blending of the ic oils. Further, in case the oil blend is being processed, Xn should be d upon blending and prior to the process step.

It is further noted that any one or more than one of the above listed vegetable oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non- listed vegetable oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin). Further, the blend can also comprise other non-listed ble oils e.g., with no reduced phytosterol content.

In some embodiments the phytosterol t in ppm of the total of the specific oils within the blend is less than about 90%, at times less than about 80%, at times less than about 70%, even at times less than about 60% or 50%, even at times less than about 40% or 30% and even at times less than about 20% or 10% of the value obtained using the entioned Formula (III).

In another one of its aspects the present ion provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of: - coconut oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - soybean oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free terols is greater than about 1.7; - sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - corn oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.4; - palm oil in which the ratio phytosterol :free phytosterols is greater than about 1; - safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.1; - high oleic safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.3; - MCT oil in which the ratio phytosterol :free terols is greater than about 0.5; or - an-palmitate oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.9.

It is noted that any one or more than one of the above listed oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, sted oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin).

Further, the blend can also se other non-listed oils e.g., with no reduced phytosterol t.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils is any one of: - coconut oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free terols is greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is r than about 0.6; - soybean oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.7; - sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than 0.7; - corn oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free terols is greater than about 0.4; - palm oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1; - er oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.1; - high oleic safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.3; - an-palmitate oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.9.

It is noted that any one or more than one of the above listed oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non-listed oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin).

Further, the blend can also comprise other non-listed oils e.g., with no reduced phytosterol t.

In yet a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which ses at least two oils each of which is any one of natural ble oil or processed oil from ble source, wherein at least one of the vegetable oils is any one of: - coconut oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - soybean oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; - rapeseed oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.7; - sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol :free phytosterols is greater than 0.7; - corn oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free terols is greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.4; - palm oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1; - er oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is r than about 1.1; or - high oleic safﬂower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is r than about 1.3.

It is noted that any one or more than one of the above listed vegetable oils can be ed in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non-listed vegetable oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin). Further, the blend can also comprise other non-listed vegetable oils e.g., with no reduced phytosterol content.

Yet, in a further one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic er oil, MCT oil or 5112- palmitate oil, wherein the ratio n phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is above the result obtained using the following formula (IV): 13 13 001* 2(Xn*Rn*Kn) / 209,) 1121 71:1 Formula (IV) wherein - n is an integer of 1 to 13 and represents the number of said specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n oils; - Rn represents a pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between the terol esters concentration (in ppm) and the free phytosterol concentration (in ppm) in the specific oil; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of said specific oil; and wherein the pre-determined threshold value of the ratio n phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils (Rn) are the following: high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil palm olein oil palm oil and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: palm kernel oil n oil 1800 rapeseed oil 5 800 2016/050180 high oleic sunﬂower oil 1500 palm olein oil 700 palm oil 530 safﬂower oil 8500 high oleic safﬂower oil In some embodiments (e.g., as detailed herein below) the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils are above the values designated herein above.

In some embodiments the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is about 10% or 20%, at times about 40% or 60%, at times about 80% or 100%, even at times about 120% or 150% and even at times about 200% or 300% above the result obtained using the aforementioned formula (IV).

It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the value obtained using the entioned Formula (IV), the value of Xn is to be determined (provided) before blending of the ic oils. r, in case the oil blend is being processed, Xn should be defined upon blending and prior to the process step.

In another one of its s the present invention provides an oil blend which comprises at least two oils, each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of the oils 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic safﬂower oil or mitate oil, wherein the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols tration in ppm in total said ic oils within the blend is above the result obtained using the ing formula (V): 0.01 * 2% * Rn * n) / 12209) 71:1 Formula (V) wherein - n is an integer of l to 12 and represents the number of said specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Rn represents a pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between the phytosterol esters concentration (in ppm) and the free phytosterol concentration (in ppm) in the specific oil; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of said specific oil; and wherein the pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils (Rn) are the following: t oil palm kernel oil soybean oil rapeseed oil sunﬂower oil high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil palm olein oil palm oil and wherein said pre-determined old value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: Oil K,l coconut oil 450 In some embodiments, e.g., as detailed herein below, the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils are above the values designated herein above.

In some embodiments the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is about 10% or 20%, at times about 40% or 60%, at times about 80% or 100%, even at times about 120% or 150% and even at times about 200% or 300% above the result obtained using the entioned formula (V).

It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the value obtained using the aforementioned Formula (V), the value of Xn is to be determined (provided) before blending of the specific oils. Further, in case the oil blend is being processed, Xn should be defined upon blending and prior to the process step.

Further, the blend can also comprise other non-listed oils e.g., with no d phytosterol t.

Yet, in a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which comprises at least two vegetable oils, each of which is any one of natural vegetable oil or processed oil from vegetable source, wherein at least one of the vegetable oils is a specific oil which is any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, ed oil, sunﬂower oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil, corn oil, palm olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil or high oleic safﬂower oil, n the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free terols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is above the result obtained using the following a (VI): 0.01 * 2% * Rn * n) / in) 71:1 Formula (VI) wherein - n is an integer of l to 11 and represents the number of said ic oils; - Xn ents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n oils; - Rn represents a pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between the phytosterol esters concentration (in ppm) and the free phytosterol concentration (in ppm) in the specific oil; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of said specific oil; and wherein the pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between phytosterol esters tration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils (Rn) are the following: 011 Rn high oleic sunﬂower oil corn oil palm oil er oil and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: coconut oil palm kernel oil soybean oil In some embodiments, e.g., as detailed herein below, the ratio between terol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils are above the values designated herein above.

In some embodiments the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is about 10% or 20%, at times about 40% or 60%, at times about 80% or 100%, even at times about 120% or 150% and even at times about 200% or 300% above the result obtained using the aforementioned formula (VI).

It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the value obtained using the aforementioned Formula (VI), the value of Xn is to be determined (provided) before blending of the specific oils. Further, in case the oil blend is being processed, Xn should be defined upon blending and prior to the process step.

In some embodiments according to the invention Xn may be identical or different for each of the ied oils.

It is further noted that any one or more than one of the above listed vegetable oils can be included in the blend. In addition, the blend can also comprise other, non- listed ble oils with reduced phytosterol content (compared to the corresponding oil of same origin). r, the blend can also comprise other non-listed vegetable oils e.g., with no d phytosterol content.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention may comprise 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 ble oils, natural oils, sed oils from vegetable source or sed oils as herein defined.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention may comprise or contain at least two, at times at least three, at times at least four and even at times 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic safﬂower oil, MCT oil or 5112- palmitate oil.

In some embodiments the vegetable oil blends ing to the invention comprises or contains at least two, at times at least three, at times at least four and even at times, 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil or high oleic safﬂower oil.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 specific oils. Thus, in some embodiments "n" maybe gerof1 to2, 1 to3, 1 to4, 1 toS, 1 to6, 1 to7, 1 to 8, 1 to9, 1 to 10,1 to 11, 1 to 12 or 1 to 13. In a ic embodiment "n" is an integer of 1 to 13. In a further specific embodiment n is an integer of 1 to 12. In a further specific embodiment "n" is an integer of 1 to 11.

In some embodiments the vegetable oil blends according to the ion may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 specific oils. Thus, in some embodiments "n" may be an integer of 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 , 1 to 11 or 1 to 12. In a specific embodiment "n" is an integer of 1 to 12.

In some embodiments "n" is an integer of 1 to 2. In some embodiments n is an integer of 1 to 3. In some embodiments "n" is an integer of 1 to 4. In some embodiments "n" is an integer of 1 to 5. In some embodiments "n" is an integer of 1 to 6. In some embodiments n is an integer of 1 to 7. In some embodiments n is an integer of 1 to 8. In some embodiments "n" is an integer of 1 to 9. In some embodiments "n" is an r of 1 to 10. In some embodiments "n" is an integer of 1 to 11. In some embodiments "n" is an integer of 1 to 12. In some embodiments n is an integer of 1 to 13.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention may comprise or contain one of the following oil combinations: t oil, soybean oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil and palm oil; or, coconut oil, n 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, n oil and palm oil; or, palm kernel oil, n oil, ed 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.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention comprise OPO (sn2—palmitate), palm kernel oil, rapeseed oil and sunﬂower oil with less than about 2000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1500 ppm, at times less than about 1000 ppm, at times less than about 700 ppm, at times less than about 600, at times less than about 500 ppm, at times less than about 400 ppm, even at times less than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments the OPO tage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%- 90%, at times 5%-70%, at times , at times 20%-50%, even at times 30%-40%; the palm kernel oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 7%- 50%, at times 10% - 40%, at times 15%-30%, even at times 20%- %; the rapeseed oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 7%- 50%, at times 10% - 40%, even at times, %; the sunﬂower oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%- 90%, at times , at times 5%- 40, even at times, 10%-20%.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention comprise coconut oil, soybean oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil and palm oil with less than about 2000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1500 ppm, at times less than about 1000 ppm, at times less than about 700 ppm, at times less than about 600, at times less than about 500 ppm, at times less than about 400 ppm, at times less than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments the coconut oil tage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 7%- 50%, at times 10% - 40%, at times 15%- %, even at times, 20%- 25%; the soybean oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 7%- 50%, at times 10% - 40%, at times 15%- %, even at times, 20%- 25%; the high oleic sunﬂower oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%- 90%, at times 3%-70%, at times 5%-40, even at times, 10%-20%; the palm oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 10%- 70%, at times 20%- 60%, at times 30% - 50%, even at times, 40%- 45%.

In some embodiments the oil blends ing to the invention comprise coconut oil, soybean oil and high oleic safﬂower oil with less than about 2000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1500 ppm, at times less than about 1000 ppm, at times less than about 700 ppm, at times less than about 600, at times less than about 500 ppm, at times less than about 400 ppm, even at times less than about 200 ppm. In WO 32354 some embodiments the coconut oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 10%- 50%, at times 20% - 40%, even at times 25%- 35%; the soybean oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 10%- 50%, at times 20% - 40%, even at times 25%- 35%; the high oleic safﬂower oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 10%- 60%, at times 20% - 50%, even at times, 30%- 45%.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention comprise palm kernel oil, n oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil and palm oil with less than about 2000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1500 ppm, at times less than about 1000 ppm, at times less than 700 ppm, at times less than about 600, at times less than about 500 ppm, at times less than about 400 ppm, even at times, less than about 200 ppm. In some embodiments the palm kernel oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 10%- 50%, even at times, 20% - 30%; the soybean oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 3%- 50%, even at times 10%- 20%; the high oleic sunﬂower oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 3%- 50%, even at times, 10%- 20%; the palm oil percentage (w/w) out of the total oils is 1%-90%, at times 5%- 70%, at times 10%- 60%, at times % - 50%, even at times, 30%- 45%.

Fig. 1 illustrates a non limiting embodiment of the invention in which specific oil (100), designated as (A) in the figure, is subjected to means (102) to reduce the phytosterol content thereof resulting with oil (104) with reduced phytosterol content, ated as (A') in the figure. Oil (104) is then mixed (108) with another oil (106) designated as (B) in the figure (which may have a reduced phytosterol content) to produce an oil blend with reduced phytosterol t (110) (designated in the figure as A'+B). The oil blend with the reduced terol content (110) may optionally be further blended (114) with at least one further oil (112), designated in the figure as oil (C) (which may have a reduced phytosterol content), resulting with an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content (116) nated in the figure as A'+B+C). It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the values obtained using the various formulae sed herein [formulae (1) to (VI)] the value of Xn is to be determined (provided) before blending of the oils.

Fig. 2 illustrates a non ng embodiment of the invention in which ic oil (200), designated as (A) in the figure, is mixed (204) with another specific oil (202), designated as (B) in the figure. The resulted oil blend (206) (designated as A+B in the figure) is subjected to means (208) to reduce the terol content thereof resulting with an oil blend (210), designated as (A+B)' in the figure, with reduced phytosterol content. The oil blend with the reduced phytosterol content (210) may optionally be further blended (214) with at least one further oil (212), designated in the figure as oil (C) (which may have a reduced phytosterol content) resulting with an oil blend (216) with reduced phytosterol t, designated as (A+B)'+C in the figure. It is noted that for the purpose of calculating the values obtained using the various formulae disclosed herein [formulae (I) to (VI)], the value of Xn is to be determined ded) before blending of the oils.

In some embodiments the oil blend according to the invention may further se at least one structured triglyceride, preferably enriched with palmitic acid at the sn-2 position of the triglyceride.

In some embodiments the vegetable oil blend ing to the invention may further se at least one of MCT oil and sn2-palmitate oil.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which consists at least one vegetable oil and at least one of MCT oil and an-palmitate oil wherein in the blend the total amount of phytosterols is less than about 4000 ppm.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend which contains a total amount of phytosterols of less than about 4000 ppm.

In r one of its aspects the present invention provides a vegetable oil blend which contains a total amount of phytosterols of less than about 4000 ppm.

In some embodiments the oil blend according to the invention ns a total amount of phytosterols of less than about 4000 ppm.

In some ments the vegetable oil blend according to the invention contains a total amount of terols of less than about 4000 ppm.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention contain total amount of phytosterols of less than about 3000 or 2000 ppm, at times less than about 1500 or 1000 ppm, even at times less than about 800 or 600 ppm, even at times less than about 400 or 300 ppm and even at times less than about 200 or 100 ppm.

WO 32354 In some embodiments the vegetable oil blends according to the invention contain total amount of phytosterols of less than about 3000 or 2000 ppm, at times less than about 1500 or 1000 ppm, even at times less than about 800 or 600 ppm, even at times less than about 400 or 300 ppm and even at times less than about 200 or 100 The following is accepted nomenclature of several saturated fatty acids: caprylic acid (octanoic acid, C820), capric acid (decanoic acid, C1020), lauric acid (dodecanoic acid, C1220), ic acid (tetradecanoic acid, C1420), palmitic acid ecanoic acid, C1620), stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, C1820).

The following is accepted nomenclature of several rated fatty acid: oleic acid (C18: 1), ic acid (C1822), (x-linolenic acid (C1823), arachidonic acid (C2024), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (C2025), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) (C2225) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (C2226).

In some embodiments the fatty acid composition of the oil blend according to the invention is as follows: - 0-10% C820 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-10% C1020 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-22% C1220 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-15% C1420 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 5-55% C1620 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 1-7% C1820 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 20-75% C1821 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 2-40% C1822 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-8% C1823 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; and - other fatty acids present in levels of less than 8% of the total fatty acids.

In some embodiments, the oil blends according to the invention have an endogenic erol (TCP) concentration below about 800 ppm.

Thus, in a further one of its aspects the t invention provides oil blends as herein disclosed wherein the oil blends have an endogenic tocopherol concentration below about 800 ppm.

In some embodiments the oil blends (e.g., vegetable oil blends) according to the invention have endogenic tocopherol concentration below about 600 ppm, at times below about 500 ppm or 400 ppm, at times below about 300 ppm, even at times below about 200 ppm, even at times, below about 100 ppm, at times below about 50ppm, at times below about 30ppm, at times below about 20ppm, even at times below about 10ppm.

In some embodiments the ratio (w/w) between alpha tocopherols levels to non-alpha tocopherols levels in the oil blends (e.g., vegetable oil blends) according to the invention is at least about 5. At times said ratio is about 8 or above, at times about or above, at times about 15 or above, at times about 20 or above, even at times about 10 to about 20.

In some embodiments the percentage of diacylglycerol level (w/w) out of the oil blends (e.g., vegetable oil blends) according to the ion is at most about 0.5%. At times said percentage is about 0.3% or below, at times about 0.2% or below, at times about 0.1% or below, at times about 0.05% or below, even at times about 0.01% or below.

In another one of its aspects the t invention provides an infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, child formula or adult formula comprising any one of the oil blends and/or ble oil blends ing to the present invention.

In some embodiments the w/w ratio between cholesterol, present in a formula (e. g., infant formula) of the invention, to phytosterol is at least about 1.

In some embodiments a formula of the invention comprises at least about 5 mg cholesterol/100 g formula, at times at least about 10 mg cholesterol/100 g formula, at times at least about 20 mg cholesterol/100 g a, at times at least about 30 mg cholesterol/100 g formula, at times about 40 mg cholesterol/100 g formula or above, at times about 60 mg cholesterol/100 g formula or above, at times about 80 mg cholesterol/100 g formula or above, at times about 100 mg cholesterol/100 g formula or above, at times n about about 30 mg to about 200 mg cholesterol/100 g formula, at times between about 50 mg to about 150 mg cholesterol/100 g formula and at times between about 60 mg to about 130 mg cholesterol/100 g formula.

In some embodiments the ratio (w/w) n alpha tocopherols levels to non-alpha tocopherols levels in a formula of the invention is at least about 5. At times said ratio is about 8 or above, at times about 10 or above, at times about 15 or above, at times about 20 or above and at times about 10 to about 20.

In some embodiments the percentage of diacylglycerol levels (w/w) out of the oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) of the invention in a formula (e.g., an infant formula) according to the invention is at most 0.5%. At times said percentage is about 0.3% or below, at times about 0.2% or below, at times about 0.1% or below, at times about 0.05% or below and at times about 0.01% or below.

As used herein the term "w/w" refers to a weight per weight ratio.

In some embodiments the w/w ratio between cholesterol, t in a a of the invention, to phytosterol is at least about 1, at times at least about 1.5, at times at least about 2, at times at least about 5, even at times at least about 10. It is noted that the cholesterol may be originated from the formula (e. g., infant a, r formula, child a or adult formula, each of which may be parenterl formula) for example as an added supplement or originated from sources comprised within the formula.

In some embodiments according to the invention the coconut oil contains less than about 550 or 450 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 400 or 350 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 300 or 250 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 200 or 150 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 100 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments ing to the invention the palm kernel oil contains less than about 1000 or 850, at times less than about 750 or 700 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 650 or 550 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 500 or 450 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 400 or 350 ppm phytosterols and even at times less than about 300 or 250 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the soybean oil contains less than about 1700 or 1500 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1300 or 1000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 800 or 600 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 500 or 400 ppm terols, even at times less than about 300 or 200 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the rapeseed oil contains less than about 8000 or 7000, at times, less than about 5500 or 4500 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 4000 or 3500 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 3000 or 2500 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 2000 or 1500 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 1000, 800 or 500 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the sunﬂower oil contains less than about 2000 or 1500 ppm terols, at times less than about 1200 or 1000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 800 or 600 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 500 or 400 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 300 or 200 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the high oleic sunﬂower oil ns less than about 2000 or 1700 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1500 or 1300 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1000 or 800 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 700 or 600 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 500 or 400 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the corn oil contains less than about 5000 or 4500 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 4000 or 3500 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 3000 or 2500 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 2000 or 1500 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 1000 or 500 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the palm olein oil contains less than about 600 or 500 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 450 or 400 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 350 or 300 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 270, 250 or 200 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 150 or 100 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the palm oil ns less than about 500 or 450 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 400 or 350 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 300 or 250 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 200 or 150 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 100 or 50 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the er oil contains less than about 8000 or 7000 ppm terols, at times less than about 6000 or 5000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 4000 or 3000 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 2000, 1900 or 1500 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 1000, 500, 300 or 150 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the high oleic safﬂower oil contains less than about 2500 or 2000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 1500 or 1000 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 800 or 600 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 500 or 400 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 300 or 200 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the MCT oil contains less than about 900 or 800 ppm terols, at times less than about 700 or 600 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 500 or 400 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 300 or 200 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 100 or 50 or 10 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the an-palmitate oil contains less than about 250 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 200 ppm phytosterols, at times less than about 150 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 100 ppm phytosterols, even at times less than about 50 or 10 ppm phytosterols.

In some embodiments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said coconut oil is greater than about 0.8, at times greater than about 1 or 1.5, at times greater than about 2 or 3, at times greater than about 5, even at times greater than about 10.

In some embodiments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said palm kernel oil is greater than about 0.8 or 1, at times greater than about 1.5 or 2, at times greater than about 3 or 4, at times greater than about 5, even at times greater than about 10.

In some embodiments ing to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said soybean oil is greater than about 0.6 or 1, at times greater than about 1.5 or 2, at times r than about 3 or 4, at times greater than about 5, even at times r than about 10.

In some ments according to the ion the terol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said rapeseed oil is greater than about 1.7 or 2, at times greater than about 2.5, 3, 3.5 or 4, at times greater than about 5, 6 or 10, at times greater than about 13 or 15, even at times greater than about 20.

In some ments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said sunﬂower oil is greater than about 0.8 or 1, at times greater than about 1.5 or 2, at times greater than about 3 or 4, at times greater than about 5 or , even at times r than about 15.

In some embodiments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said high oleic sunﬂower oil is greater than about 0.8 or 1, at times greater than about 1.5 or 2, at times greater than about 3 or 3.5, at times greater than about 4 or 6, even at times greater than about 10.

In some embodiments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said corn oil is greater than about 2 or 2.5, at times greater than about 3 or 4, at times r than about 6 or 8, at times greater than about 10, even at times greater than about 15.

In some embodiments ing to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said palm olein oil is greater than about 0.5 or 0.8, at times greater than about 1 or 1.5, at times greater than about 2 or 3, at times greater than about 5, even at times greater than about 10.

In some embodiments according to the invention the terol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said palm oil is greater than about 1.2 or 1.5, at times greater than about 2 or 2.5, at times greater than about 3 or 4, at times r than about 6, even at times greater than about 10.

In some embodiments ing to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said safﬂower oil is greater than about 1.3 or 1.5, at times greater than about 2 or 2.5, at times greater than about 3 or 4, at times greater than about 6, even at times greater than about 10.

In some embodiments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said high oleic safﬂower oil is greater than about 1.5 or 2, at times greater than about 3 or 4, at times greater than about 6 or 8, at times greater than about 10, even at times greater than about 15.

In some embodiments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said MCT oil is r than about 0.6 or 0.8, at times greater than about 1 or 1.5, at times greater than about 2 or 2.5, at times greater than about 3 or 4, even at times greater than about 5.

In some embodiments according to the invention the phytosterol esters to free phytosterols ratio in said an-palmitate oil is greater than about 1.1 or 1.5, at times greater than about 2 or 2.5, at times greater than about 3 or 4, at times r than about 5, even at times greater than about 10.

The oil blends (e. g., vegetable oil blends) according to the present invention may be comprised within nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, eral nutrition compositions, functional foods or medical foods.

The oil blends (e. g., ble oil blends) according to the present invention may be comprised within an infant formula, at times within a parenteral formula, at times within baby food, at times within toddler formula, at times within a child formula, even at times within an adult formula.

In another one of its s the present invention provides a process for the preparation of the oil blends (e. g., a vegetable oil blend) according to the ion, the s comprises providing one or more means for reducing the terol content of at least one oil and mixing the resulted oil with d phytosterol content with at least one other oil to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content. The process may optionally r comprise addition of at least one further oil to the resulted oil blend.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of the oil blends (e. g., a vegetable oil blend) according to the invention, the process comprises mixing at least two oils, providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of the resulted mixture of the at least two oils to y obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content. The process may optionally further comprise addition of at least one further oil to the resulted oil blend.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of the oil blends (e. g., a vegetable oil blend) according to the invention, the process ses providing one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of at least one oil and mixing the same with at least one other oil which underwent a process for phytosterol ion (e.g., subjected to one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content thereof), to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content. The process may optionally further comprise addition of at least one r oil to the resulted oil blend.

In some embodiments the phytosterol content of the least one oil or the phytosterol content of the oil blend is reduced by means of column chromatography, lation, molecular distillation, absorption on oil insoluble matrix, fractionation, solvent extraction or any combination of the same.

In some embodiments according to the process according to the invention, the phytosterol content of one or more oils (alone or blended) is reduced by molecular distillation.

In some embodiments ing to the process according to the invention, the means for reducing the phytosterol content of one or more oils (alone or blended) se molecular distillation.

In some embodiments the oil blend ing to the invention may be obtained by means of evaporation e.g., by transferring an oil (one oil or a mixture of at least two oils) through a molecular distillation unit (referred to herein also as a short path) under conditions such as vacuum (which may be high vacuum) and temperature allowing removal or ng (to a certain degree) the phytosterol content of the oil.

In some embodiments according to the process of the ion the phytosterol t of one oil or a mixture of at least two oils may be reduced by subjecting the oil to evaporation means e.g., by erring the oil through lar distillation unit under conditions such as vacuum (e.g., high vacuum) and temperature allowing removal or reducing (to a certain degree) the phytosterol content of the oil.

In another one of its s the present invention provides a process for reducing phytosterol content in an oil (e.g., vegetable oil), the process comprising subjecting the oil to molecular distillation in a distillation system, n the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the weight percentage of the oil distillate resulting from the lar distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the oil subjected to said molecular distillation.

In yet a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for reducing phytosterol content in an oil (e.g., vegetable oil), the process comprises subjecting the oil to molecular distillation in a lation system, wherein the system comprises vacuum generating means and at least one condenser, wherein the temperature of the oil under distillation is between about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is between about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being measured at a location in the system between vacuum producing means and a condenser and wherein the weight percentage of the oil distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the oil subjected to the molecular distillation.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of an oil blend which comprises at least two oils wherein at least one of the oils has reduced phytosterol content, the process sing: subjecting at least one oil to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the weight percentage of the at least one oil distillate ing from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the at least one oil subjected to the molecular distillation; and ng the at least one led oil with at least one other oil, n the at least one other oil is optionally also subjected to the molecular distillation; to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol t.

In yet a r one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of an oil blend which comprises at least two oils wherein at least one of the oils has reduced phytosterol content, the process sing: subjecting at least one oil to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the system comprises vacuum generating means and at least one condenser, wherein the temperature of the at least one oil under distillation is between about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is between about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being ed at a location in the system between vacuum producing means and a condenser, and wherein the weight percentage of the at least one oil late resulting from said molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the at least one oil subjected to the molecular distillation; 2016/050180 blending the at least one distilled oil with at least one other oil, wherein the at least one other oil is optionally also subjected to the molecular distillation; to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced terol content.

Yet, in another one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of an oil blend having reduced phytosterol content, the process comprises: mixing at least two oils; subjecting the at least two oils to molecular lation in a distillation system, wherein the molecular distillation is performed under specific temperature and vacuum conditions, and wherein the weight tage of the at least two oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the at least two oils subjected to the molecular distillation; and optionally ng the resulted at least two oils with reduced phytosterol content with at least one further oil wherein the at least one further oil is optionally also subjected to said molecular distillation; to thereby obtain an oil blend with d phytosterol content.

In yet another one of its aspects the present ion provides a process for the preparation of an oil blend having reduced phytosterol content, the process comprises: mixing at least two oils; subjecting the at least two oils to molecular distillation in a distillation system, wherein the system comprises vacuum generating means and at least one ser, n the temperature of the at least two oils under distillation is between about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is between about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being measured at a on in the system between vacuum producing means and a condenser, and wherein the weight percentage of the at least two oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 60% out of the total weight of the at least two oils subjected to the molecular distillation; and optionally blending the resulted at least two oils with reduced phytosterol content with at least one further oil wherein the at least one further oil is optionally also subjected to said molecular distillation; to thereby obtain an oil blend with reduced phytosterol content.

In some embodiments the lation system in the process according to the invention comprises vacuum ting means and at least one condenser (the latter is utilized to collect/condense the distillate) n the temperature of the oil or oils under lation is between about 50°C to about 400°C and the vacuum is between about 0.0001 mbar to about 3 mbar, the vacuum being measured at a location in the system between vacuum producing means (e.g., a vacuum pump) and a ser.

In some embodiments the distillation system in the process ing to the invention comprises an evaporator with heating media (e. g., steam, l oil and the like), the evaporator having an inlet on and an outlet position, wherein the g media being at a temperature of at least about 190°C at the inlet position, at times about 210°C or above, at times about 220°C or above, at times about 230°C or above, at times about 260°C and above, even at times about 300°C and above. In some embodiments the heating media is at a temperature of between about 100°C to about 400°C, at times between about 150°C to about 360°C, at times between about 300°C to about 360°C, and at times between about 200°C to about 300°C.

In some embodiments according to the process of the invention the temperature of the oil or oils under distillation is between about 100°C to about 350°C, at times between about 200°C to about 300°C, at times between about 100°C to about 200°C, at times between about 150°C to about 200°C and at times between about 150°C to about 190°C.

In some embodiments the distillation system in the process according to the invention comprises a condenser. In some embodiments the condenser's temperature is at most of about 90°C. At times said tempersture is about 70°C or below, at times about 60°C or below, at times about 50°C or below and at times about 40°C or below.

In some embodiments according to the process of the invention the vacuum is at most of about 2mbar. In some ambodiments the vaccum is about 1mbar or below, at times about 0.5mbar or below, at times of about 0.1mbar or below, at times about 0.05mbar or below, at times 0.03mbar or below, at times 0.02mbar or below, at times 2016/050180 about 0.01mbar or below, at times 0.005 mbar or below, at times 0.001 mbar or below and at times 0.0005 mbar or below.

In some embodiments ing to the process of the invention the weight percentage of the oil or oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is between about 2% to about 50% out of the total weight of the oil or oils subjected to the molecular distillation. At times the weight percentage of the oil or oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is at least about 2%. At times above 5% and even at times above 9%, 17%, 25%, 35% or 50% out of the total weight of the oil or oils subjected to the molecular distillation.

In some embodiments according to the process of the invention the weight percentage of the oil or oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is n about 5% to about 40%. At times the weight percentage of the oil or oils distillate resulting from the molecular lation is between 6% to 35%, at times between 6% to 30%, at times between about 6% to about 20% and at times between about 10% to about 20% out of the total weight of the oil or oils ted to the molecular distillation.

In some embodiments according to the process of the invention the oil or oils (e. g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at leat 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 olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic safﬂower oil, MCT oil or an-palmitate oil.

In some embodiments according to the process of the invention the oil or oils (e. g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at leat 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 er oil, corn oil, palm olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil, high oleic safﬂower oil or mitate oil.

In some embodiments according to the process of the invention the oil or oils (e. g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at leat one other oil and at least one further oil) may be a vegetable oil being any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunﬂower oil, high oleic er oil, corn oil, palm olein oil, palm oil, safﬂower oil or high oleic safﬂower oil.

In some embodiments according to the process of the invention the oil or oils (e.g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at leat one other oil and at least one further oil) may be any one of rapeseed oil, soybean oil or sunﬂower oil and wherein the weight percentage of the oil or oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is at least about 15% out of the total weight of the oil or oils subjected to the molecular lation. At times said weight percentage is above about 17%, at times above about %, at times above about 35% and at times above about 40% out of the total weight of the oil or oils subjected to the molecular distillation.

In some embodiments according to the s of the invention the oil or oils (e.g., at least one oil, at least two oils, at leat one other oil and at least one r oil) may be any one of palm kernel oil or coconut oil and wherein the weight percentage of the oil or oils distillate resulting from the molecular distillation is n about 3% to about 40% out of the total weight of the oil or oils subjected to the molecular distillation. At times said weight percentage is between about 5% to about 30%, at times between about 6% to about 30%, at times between about 6% to about 20% and at times between about 10% to about 20% out of the total weight of the oil or oils subjected to the molecular distillation.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention may be obtained by utilizing column tography as follows: the oil (one oil or a mixture of at least two oils) may be d with an organic solvent (e.g., , iso-hexane or a combination of the same) and loaded on a chromatography column filled with a chromatographic resin such as silica. An organic solution may then be 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. The first fraction eluted from the column may be collected, containing mostly phytosterol esters. The second on eluted from the column may be collected, containing the triglycerides with reduced phytosterol content (the fraction may be further subjected to evaporation/distillation means for further removal of phytosterols). The third fraction, containing mostly free sterols, may be collected by passing an c t (e.g., ethyl acetate) through the column. Each of said fraction may be r processed.

In some embodiments the oil blend according to the invention (e.g., vegetable oil blend) may be obtained by controlling the oil extraction profile from oil seeds or WO 32354 beans. Non-limiting examples of extraction matrixes are crushed soybeans, ﬂaked soybeans, sunﬂower seeds, sunﬂower ﬂakes, sunﬂower press cake after oil was removed from it, rapeseed seeds, rapeseed press cake after pressed oil was removed.

To this end, the terol content of the resulted oil is reduced already at the extraction step during the production of the oil.

Thus, according to r one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of an oil with reduced phytosterol content, the process comprises one or more means for reducing the phytosterol content of the oil during the extraction of the oil from oil-containing natural sources such as seeds, beans and ﬂakes e.g., soybeans, er seeds, rapeseed seeds, sunﬂower ﬂakes and the like.

In some embodiments the oil blends according to the invention may be obtained by passing a non polar solvent (e. g., hexane or mixture of hexane isomers such as iso hexane) through a bed of oil seeds or oil beans. The initial oil eluted containing higher levels of phytosterol esters and lower levels of free phytosterols, while the oil collected in the end of the hexane extraction elution containing the required reduced level of phytosterol esters and higher levels of free phytosterols.

In some embodiments ing to the invention a polar solvent may be used, e. g. iso-propanol or ethanol and the elution profile disclosed herein in connection with hexane is reversed i.e., initial elution is composed of higher free sterols and lower sterol esters compared to the overall feed composition.

In some embodiments the oil blends ing to the invention (e. g., vegetable oil blends) may be ed by collecting ent oil fractions from the different extraction stages using continues industrial extraction system.

In some embodiments the oil collected in the end of the elution may optionally be ted to r free sterol removal by molecular distillation or other means to reach the required reduced level of the total sterol content.

In some embodiments ing to the invention two or more means for reducing phytosterol levels may be d.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides a process for the preparation of oil blends as herein disclosed for use as lipid ingredients in formulas such as infant formula.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides the oil blends as herein disclosed for use as lipid ingredients in formulas such as infant formula.

In a further one of its aspects the present invention provides the oil blends as herein disclosed for use as lipid ingredients in nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, parenteral nutrition composition, functional food or l food.

In a r one of its aspects the present invention provides the oil blends as herein disclosed for use in the preparation of nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, parenteral nutrition composition, functional food or medical food.

A nutritional composition as used herein may be any ional composition including, but not limited to: human milk fat substitute, parenteral formula composition, infant formula, adult formula, dairy product, milk powder, drinks, ice cream, biscuit, soy product, bakery, pastry, bread, cake, sauce, soup, prepared food, frozen food, condiment, confectionary, oil, fat, margarine, , filling, cereal, instant product, infant food, toddler food, bar, snack, candy, and chocolate product.

A functional food as used herein can be any functional food, ing, but not d to: dairy product, eam, biscuit, soy product, , pastry, cakes and bread, instant product, sauce, soup, prepared food, frozen food, condiment, confectionary, oils and fat, ine, spread, filling, cereal, instant product, drinks and shake, infant food, bar, snack, candy, and chocolate product.

A nutraceutical composition as used herein can be any nutraceutical, which can be any substance that may be ered as a food or part of a food and provides medical or health benefits, including the prevention and treatment of diseases or disorders. Such nutraceutical itions include, but are not limited to: a food additive, a food supplement, a y supplement, genetically ered foods (such as for example vegetables, herbal products, and processed foods such as cereals, soups, and beverages), stimulant functional food, l food, parenteral nutrition, and pharmafood (also sometimes designated "phood"). Dietary supplements may be delivered in the form of soft gel capsules, tablets, syrups, and other known dietary supplement delivery systems.

The pharmaceutical or nutraceutical compositions may be in any of the many dosage delivery forms commonly used in the art. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete dosage units (such as pills, tablets, pellets, s, capsules, or softgel capsules), as a powder or granule, or as a liquid form, for example solution, suspension, syrup, or elixir.

Solutions/suspensions may be formulated for enous administration.

A medical food as used herein is specially formulated and intended for the dietary management of a disease/disorder that has distinctive nutritional needs that cannot be met by normal diet alone.

In r one of its aspects the present invention provides a ition comprising an oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention for use in enteral or parenteral preparations for administration to a subject.

In another one of its aspects the t invention provides nutritional compositions, ceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, parenteral ion compositions, functional food or medical food comprising an oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention for use in enteral or parenteral preparations for stration to a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present ion provides an infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, child formula or adult formula comprising the oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention for use in enteral or parenteral preparations for administration to a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides a method of reducing and/or optimizing phytosterol levels in a subject, the method comprises administering to the subject an oil blend according to the invention.

In r one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing and/or optimizing phytosterol levels in a subject.

In some embodiments the reduction and/or zation are of the subject's phytosterol plasma level.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides a method of ng phytosterolemia in a subject, the method ses administering to the subject the oil blend according to the invention.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing phytosterolemia in a subject.

In r one of its aspects the t invention provides a method of reducing the risk and/or severity of parenteral nutrition—associated liver disease (PNALD) in a subject, the method ses administering to the subject the oil blend according to the invention.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing the risk and/or severity of parenteral nutrition—associated liver disease ) in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present ion provides a method of reducing the risk and/or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated tasis (PNAC) in a subject, the method comprises administering to the subject the oil blend according to the invention.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing the risk and/or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the t invention es a method of reducing and/or optimizing bilirubin levels in a subject, the method comprises administering to the subject the oil blend according to the invention.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing and/or optimizing bilirubin levels in a subject.

In some embodiments reduced and/or optimized bilirubin levels are bin plasma levels.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for ing and/or optimizing absorption of fat and/or fat soluble nutrients and/or fat soluble vitamins in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention es an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) enhancing and/or optimizing absorption of fat and/or fat e nutrients and/or fat soluble vitamins is a subject.

Fat soluble nutrients comprise but not limited to vitamin A, D, E or K, ascorbyl palmitate, carotenoids, carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, hormones and steroids.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for increasing and/or optimizing dietary energy ial in a subject, the method ses administering the oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention es an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) increasing and/or optimizing dietary energy potential in a subject.

In r one of its s the present invention provides method for increasing and/or optimizing one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels (e.g., plasma levels, levels in the liver etc.) in a subject, the method ses administering the oil blend (e. g., ble oil blend) according to the invention to the t.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) increasing and/or optimizing one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels (e. g., plasma levels, levels in the liver etc.) in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for optimizing one or more of LDL particles size, triglyceride levels, Apolipoprotein A levels and Apolipoprotein B levels (e. g., in the plasma or the liver) in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e. g., ble oil blend) ing to the ion to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) optimizing one or more of LDL particles size, triglyceride levels, Apolipoprotein A levels and Apolipoprotein B levels (e.g., in the plasma or the liver) in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for increasing and/or optimizing bile acid secretion in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e. g., ble oil blend) according to the invention to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the ion for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) increasing and/or optimizing bile acid secretion in a subject.

In r one of its aspects the present invention provides method for controlling and/or optimizing bile acid levels (e.g. plasma levels) in a subejct, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e. g., ble oil blend) according to the invention to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) controlling and/or optimizing bile acid levels (e. g. plasma levels) in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for reducing and/or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e.g., ble oil blend) according to the invention to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the t invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing and/or optimizing nous cholesterol synthesis in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for optimizing and/or ing carotenoids absorption in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention to the subject.

In yet r one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the ion for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) ing and/or optimizing carotenoids absorption in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention es method for promoting and/or enhancing beneficial gut ﬂora in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e. g., vegetable oil blend) according to the invention to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) promoting and/or enhancing cial gut ﬂora in a subject.

In some embodiments the oil blend according to the ion is effective to e development of gut ﬂora comprising predominantly bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for preventing at least one of phytosterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, es, lic syndrome and atherosclerosis in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the ion to a subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) preventing at least one of phytosterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for reducing inﬂammation and/or CRP levels in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e. g., vegetable oil blend) ing to the invention to the subject.

In yet another one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing inﬂammation and/or CRP levels in a subject.

In another one of its aspects the present invention provides method for reducing and/or zing glucose and/or insulin levels in a subject, the method comprises administering the oil blend (e.g., vegetable oil blend) according to the ion to the subject.

In yet r one of its aspects the present invention provides an oil blend according to the invention for (or being used for, or being used in a method for) reducing and/or optimizing glucose and/or insulin levels in a subject.

In some embodiments according to the present invention each and any one of reducing and/or optimizing phytosterol levels; reducing phytosterolemia; reducing the risk and/or severity of PNALD; reducing the risk and/or severity of PNAC; reducing and/or optimizing bilirubin levels; enhancing and/or optimizing absorption of fat and/or fat soluble nutrients and/or fat soluble vitamins; increasing and/or optimizing dietary energy potential; increasing and/or optimizing one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels (e.g., plasma levels, levels in the liver etc.); optimizing one or more of LDL particles size, triglyceride , oprotein A levels and Apolipoprotein 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 terol synthesis; zing and/or enhancing carotenoids absorption; promoting and/or enhancing beneficial gut ﬂora; preventing at least one of phytosterolemia, cardiovascular es, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis; reducing inﬂammation and/or CRP ; or reducing and/or optimizing glucose and/or insulin levels, is in comparison with the subject baseline ters.

The term " herein and throughout also includes "plasma level" and "tissue level" of a subject.

In some embodiments ing to the present invention each and any one of reducing and/or optimizing phytosterol levels; ng phytosterolemia; reducing the risk and/or severity of PNALD; reducing the risk and/or severity of PNAC; reducing and/or optimizing bilirubin levels; enhancing and/or optimizing absorption of fat and/or fat soluble nutrients and/or fat soluble vitamins; increasing and/or optimizing dietary energy potential; increasing and/or optimizing one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels (e.g., plasma , levels in the liver etc.); optimizing one or more of LDL particles size, ceride levels, Apolipoprotein A levels and Apolipoprotein 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 sis; optimizing and/or enhancing carotenoids absorption; promoting and/or ing beneficial gut ﬂora; preventing at least one of phytosterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis; reducing inﬂammation and/or CRP levels; or reducing and/or optimizing glucose and/or insulin levels, is in comparison with the relevant parameter levels when a subject is administered with a conventional oil blend i.e., an oil blend which was not subjected to reductions of phytosterols.

In some ments the nutritional compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceutical compositions, parenteral nutrition compositions, functional food, medical food or as, including infant formulas, according to the invention (comprising the oil blends ing to the invention) may be useful in each and any one of reducing phytosterolemia; ng the risk and/or severity of PNALD; reducing the risk and/or severity of PNAC; ng and/or optimizing bilirubin levels; enhancing and/or optimizing absorption of fat and/or fat e nutrients and/or fat soluble vitamins; sing and/or zing dietary energy potential; increasing and/or optimizing one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels (e.g., plasma levels, levels in the liver etc.); optimizing one or more of LDL particles size, triglyceride levels, Apolipoprotein A levels and Apolipoprotein B levels; increasing and/or optimizing bile acid ion; controlling and/or optimizing bile acid levels (e.g. plasma levels); reducing and/or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis; optimizing and/or enhancing noids absorption; promoting and/or enhancing cial gut ﬂora; preventing at least one of phytosterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis; reducing inﬂammation and/or CRP levels; or ng and/or optimizing glucose and/or insulin levels.

As used herein, the term "subject" refers to a y t or a subject suffering from a specific disorder (a non-healthy subject) or a subject at risk of ping a specific disorder. The subject may be a child ing an infant and a toddler and an adult including a male, a female, a teenager, an elderly senior subject and a geriatric subject.

Optionaly, in all s and embodiments of the present disclosure, the subject may be under parenteral nutrition or under l parenteral nutrition, or a subject that cannot tolerate enteral feeding or a subject that requires non enteral Further, the term "child" includes infants (from day of birth, newborn, to about 12 months i.e., about 1 year) as well as toddlers (from about one year up to about the age of 3).

An "infant" as used herein is meant to encompass a human infant, including but not limited to, a newborn, a very early preterm infant, a preterm infant, a term infant, a small for gestation infant and a small premature infants.

The term "newborn" includes pre-mature s, post-mature infants and full term newborns.

In some non limiting embodiments the subject may suffer from one or more of reduced intestinal tion, reduced gastrointestinal function, prematurity, intestinal inﬂammation, celiac disease, malabsorption related to ent diseases, intestinal failure, short bowel syndrome, inal failure secondary to short bowel me, congenital absorption defects, necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal malformations, gastrointestinal fistulas, bowel obstruction, severe acute pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, compromised intestinal function, Crohn's disease, cancer, a condition that result from low blood ﬂow to the bowels, conditions which relate to and/or result from eral nutrition.

The present invention further provides in one of its aspects phytosterols obtained in the processes disclosed herein. While reducing the phytosterol content of the oils disclosed therein, the collected phytosterols originated from the oils may be used for various purposes. For example, the phytosterols are known of their protective effect against certain types of cancer such as colon, breast and prostate, and their positive effects on benign prostatic hyperplasia. They are also known of their immune modulator, anti-inﬂammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Thus, apart from the beneficial effect of the oil blends disclosed , the by-product pytosterols produced during the preparation of the oil blends may be beneficially used.

DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLES Example 1: Reducing phytosterol levels in soybean oil using column chromatography. gr of n oil containing 2300 ppm phytosterols and a phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio of about 0.2 were dissolved in 50 ml hexane, loaded on chromatography column filled with 278 grams of silica gel (Davisil, No. 1000186615, Grace Davison, Belgium) and washed with 1040 ml of hexane: ethyl acetate mixture (25:1 ratio). Elution was performed using 1680 ml of hexane: ethyl e mixture (25:3 ratio).

The first eluted fraction ning the phytosterol esters was collected (fraction No. 1), then the second eluted fraction containing pure TG fraction was collected (fraction No. 2). The free phytosterols remained bound to the .

In order to e the free phytosterols from the silica 750 ml of pure ethyl acetate were passed through the column generating fraction No. 3.

The three fractions were subjected to solvent evaporation in order to isolate the oil. The oil was analyzed for free and total phytosterols t using GC .

Oil yield and phytosterol content in each of the three entioned fractions are summarized in Table 1: Table 1: Oil yield and phytosterol content Fraction Yield Phytosterol esters Free (% W/W from total (as free sterols equivalent) phytosterols oil eluted) (ppm) (ppm) 1 . 1 18000 3 9 --- 40000 Conclusion: on No. 2 represented about 90% of the eluted soybean oil and contained only about 110 ppm phytosterols, very low compared to the original content of 2300 ppm.

The phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio in on No. 2 was about 8.

Example 2: Reducing phytosterol levels in soybean oil using molecular distillation and column chromatography. 39.3 gr soybean oil containing 2620 ppm phytosterols and phytosterol esters:free phytosterols ratio of about 0.37 were fed into a lab scale molecular distillation unit (Pope) with an evaporator having an inlet position and an outlet position with the following parameters: 230°C inlet temperature of the evaporator heating media, 0.01 mbar re, 70°C ser temperature. Residue fraction and distillate fraction were collected.

The residue was ed for free and total phytosterol content by GC method and was found to contain only 622 ppm phytosterols.

Additional removal of phytosterols from the residue fraction was obtained by dissolving the fraction with 50 ml of hexane and loading on a tography column filled with 278 grams of silica gel (Davisil, No. 1000186615, Grace Davison, Belgium). The column was washed with 1040 ml hexane: ethyl acetate mixture (25:1 ratio) and elution was performed using 1680 ml hexane: ethyl e mixture (25:3 ratio).

The first eluted on containing the phytosterol esters, was collected (fraction No. 1), then the second eluted fraction containing pure TG (fraction No. 2) was collected and the free phytosterols remained bound to the silica.

In order to release the free phytosterols from the silica 750 ml of pure ethyl acetate were transferred through the column generating fraction No. 3.

The three fractions were subjected to solvent ation in order to isolate the oil. The oil was analyzed for free and total sterol content using GC method.

Oil yield and phytosterol content in each of the entioned three ons are summarized in Table 2: Table 2: Oil yield and phytosterol t Fraction Yield Phytosterol esters Free phytosterols (% W/W from total oil (as free sterols equivalent) 1 .

Example 3: preparation of vegetable soybean and rapeseed oils blend according to the present invention using molecular distillation.

Soybean oil with about 2620 ppm phytosterols and rapeseed oil with 8400 ppm were treated separately using a molecular distillation unit as described in Example 2 above.

The resulting soybean and rapeseed oils, which contained 622 ppm and 2960 ppm of phytosterols, respectively and phytosterol : free phytosterols ratio of .5 and 3, respectively, were mixed in 1:1 ratio to obtain an oil blend containing 1791 ppm phytosterols and terol esters: free phytosterol ratio of 30.

Example 4: ation of vegetable oil blends according to the t invention using lar distillation.

Rapeseed oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil (HOSO), palm oil, t oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil and sunﬂower oil were each treated using lab scale molecular distillation unit (VKL 70-4, VTA company, Germany) to reduce their phytosterol level.

Each oil was fed (separately) into a heated feed vessel at 50°C and pumped into a wiped film evaporator (degassing stage) to remove water and air residues at 4.7 mbar and 160°C. Following degassing stage the oil was pumped into the short path distillation stage at feed rate of approximately 300 gr/h. Short path evaporator (having an inlet position and an outlet position) was operated under vacuum of approximately 0.02mbar and temperature as specified in Table 3.

Table 3 demonstrates that the residues (bottom fractions) from distillation contained oils with d amount of phytosterols. It further demonstrates that while most oils showed reduced phytosterol content of the residue with increased distillate weight percentages, palm kernel oil and coconut oil distillation were most efficient in reducing phytosterol content within a ic range of distillate weight percentage.

Specifically, between about 6% to about 21% distillate weight for palm kernel oil and between 6% and 30% distillate weight for coconut oil out of total oil .

Table 3: distillation conditions of different oils Phytosterol Inlet % Phytosterol % content ature Distillate content phytosterol before of the (W/W) out following l distillation evaporator of total distillation (ppm) heating oil weight (PPm) media (0C) Rapeseed 8484 260 2.6 4231 -----280 8.9 2976 65.0 ——_—— ——_—— ——_—— ——_—— ——_—— ——_—— ——_—— Coconut oil Soybean oil Sunﬂower oil 300 36 145 91.4 Example 5: Stability of vegetable oil blends ing to the invention in comparison with tional (not phytosterol-reduced) vegetable oil blend.

Rapeseed oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil and palm oil were treated using a pilot scale lar distillation unit (VK 125-15, VTA company, Germany) to reduce their phytosterols level.

Each oil was fed into a heated feed vessel at 50°C and then pumped into a wiped film evaporator (degassing stage) to remove water and air residues (5 mbar & 170°C). Following the degassing stage the oil was pumped into the short path distillation stage.

Short path evaporator was operated with the following conditions: Vacuum of about 0.02mbar, feed rate of about 12 kg/hr, inlet temperature of the evaporator heating media of about 312°C for rapeseed oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil and soybean oil, 293°C for palm oil and 215°C for coconut oil and distillate weight % of about 40% for rapeseed oil, high oleic sunﬂower oil and soybean oil, about 30% for palm oil and about 10% for coconut oil.

The residues (bottom fraction) from distillation n lower terol levels.

Phytosterol levels before and after the molecular distillation process are summarized in Table 4. 2016/050180 Table 4: terol level in vegetable oils before and after terol reduction Rapeseed High oleic Soybean Coconut oil sunﬂower oil oil Phytosterol content of 535 476 conventional (prior phytosterol reduction) refined oil (ppm) Vegetable distilled oil Not temperature (°C) measured ed measured Phytosterol content of 1 171 194 161 193 307 oils with reduced phytosterol content (2pm) Four different oil blends (Blend 1 to 4) were prepared following heating each oil to 40°C as describe in Table 5.

Blend 1 (a blend of phytosterol d rapeseed and palm oils); Blend 2 (a blend of conventional rapeseed and palm oils); Blend 3 (a blend of phytosterol d rapeseed and high oleic sunﬂower oils); and Blend 4 (a blend of conventional rapeseed and high oleic sunﬂower oils).

Table 5: Preparation of oil blends —Blend 1 Blend 2 Blend 3 Blend 4 Conventional (prior phytosterol reduction) 10 10 ra eseed oil (_r) reduced phytosterol 10 10 content (_r) Conventional (prior phytosterol reduction) high oleic sunﬂower High oleic sunﬂower oil with reduced phytosterol content Conventional (prior phytosterol reduction) palm oil (gr) Palm oil with reduced phytosterol content ity of all four blends was tested following incubation at 40°C for six days using peroxide value (PV) measurements. The results of the stability test are summarized in Table 6.

Table 6: PV values of oil blends following six days incubation at 40°C Blend No. PV (mel K011 /k-) Blend 1 (a blend of terol reduced 2.4 rapeseed and palm oils) and palm oils ) rapeseed and high oleic sunflower oils) Blend 4 (a blend of conventional rapeseed 5.9 and high oleic sunflower oils) As demonstrated in Table 6, phytosterol reduced oil blend according to the invention demonstrated % reduction in the peroxide value in comparison with the corresponding conventional oil blends (blend 1 vs. blend 2 and blend 3 vs. blend 4). This result is tive of the greater stability of oil blends with reduced phytosterol levels, according to the invention, in comparison with conventional oil blends.

Example 6: Production and properties of infant formulas containing conventional (not phytosterol reduced) vegetable oil blends and infant as containing vegetable oil blends according to the invention.

A. Infant formulas production: Four infant formulas were produced using the following method: 102 kg water were ed into a heated 50-55°C tank with an agitator at 40 RPM. Then, the components specified in Table 7 were added.

Table 7: Infant a components Wei-ht (k-) Lactose 20.89 Demineralized whey powder 27 Skimmed milk powder 13.23 Whey protein concentrate 80 Vit premix FPS 152 v1 M111 oremix FPSl36A [515_ Ascorbic acid Choline Chloride 0.258 FeSO4x7HZO 0.0825 Na3Citx2HZO CaCO3 0.75 DKP (potassium hydrogen phosphate) —I5E_ Taurine 0.138 Finally, after preheating to 40°C, 23.67 kg of one of the oil blends described in Table 8 were added to the tank.

Table 8: composition of oil blends Oil Blend Oil Blend Oil Blend Oil Blend # # # # 483-27* 483-26** * ** C820 % (w/w) out of oil 0.6 1.2 0.6 1.2 C1020 % (w/w) out of 011 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 C12:0 % (w/w) out 01 011 7.1 7.0 C1420 % (w/w) out 01 011 2.9 3.3 C1620 (w/w) out 01 011 20.7 19.3 C1820 (w/w) out of 011 2.9 3.9 2.9 3.9 of oil C1823 Linolenic) (w/w) out of 011 ***Free 011010510101 (kg) _— 0.057 0.059 fied 011010510101 (kg) _— 0.020 0.025 * Oil blends were prepared from the conventional vegetable oils described in Example 5 (Table ** Oil blends were prepared from the phytosterol reduced vegetable oils described in Example 5 (Table 4).

***Free cholesterol was added to one of the oils of each blend after its prior heating to about 60°C.

After all the materials were added to the tank, a homogenization stage was ed (stage 1 — 200 bar, stage 2 — 50 bar). Then, the mixture was cooled down to 12-15°C and transferred through an in-line pasteurization stage at 70°C for several seconds. The mixture was then fed into the spray dryer (40 liter/hr., 190°C air inlet, 90°C air outlet) connected in series to a ﬂuidized bed (70°C). Dried material was packed in 3kg bags, ﬂashed with en and heat sealed. The four formulas were marked according to their oil blend number (i.e., 483-23, 483-25, 483-26, 483-27 as detailed in Table 8). The infant formulas composition is bed in Table 9.

Table 9: infant formulas composition 483- 27 483- 26 483- 23 483- 25 (Control- (Infant formula (Control- infant (Infant formula standard infant with the formula with with the formula) vegetable oil rd oil vegetable oil blend blends and blend of the invention) added invention and cholesterol) added cholesterol) Moisture Cholesterol Phytosterols B. Wettability test: Infant Formula samples 483IF and 483IF were tested for wettability [the rate at which powder particles become wetted (sink below the surface of the water and any remaining on the surface adopt typical wet appearance)] and free fat (the amount of fat that ends up on the surface of the powder particles instead of being "trapped" within its core). As demonstrated in Table 10 the infant formula which contained a vegetable oil blend ing to the invention had better ility (19% faster wettability) in comparison with infant formula containing a conventional vegetable oil blend. In addition, less free fat (7%) was measured in the infant a which ned a vegetable oil blend according to the invention in comparison with infant formula containing a conventional vegetable oil blend.

Table 10: Wettability and free fat 483IF 483IF (Control- infant (Infant formula a with standard containing the oil blends) vegetable oil blend of the invention) Wettability (Sec) Free fat (%w/w) 0.6 0.56 Example 7: The effect of different phytosterol levels in infant formulas on fatty acid release The effect of ent phytosterol levels in infant formulas on free fatty acids release during digestion was ed in an in Vitro model of intestine, pH stat. This model is used to monitor the lipolysis rate and extent. The pH stat methodology was done using an auto-titration unit (Titrando 902, Metrohm, Switzerland) in a heated jacketed reactor (maintained at 37°C), continuously stirred (230 RPM) with pH held nt at 0. This was done using “TIAMO 2.3” software (Metrohm, rland) and controlled volumes of 50 mM NaOH, based on previous reports 1 gr formula N0. 483IF and 1 gr formula N0. 483IF were mixed with 6 ml of purified water until fully homogenized solutions were achieved. 4 ml of each solution were tested separately in the gut model system which included bile extract and CaClz solution. Eventually, a freshly prepared lipase solution containing lipase was added. pH=7 was adjusted using minimal volumes of HCl and NaOH solutions using 1 M, 0.5 M and 0.05 M, as needed. Once the lipase solution was added to the reactor the pH stat l program was initiated.

The tage of free fatty acids (FFAs) released during pH stat lipolysis was determined through the amount of NaOH that was added to the reactor.

Results The results of the pH stat represent the lipolysis of the different lipids (triglyceride mixtures). The quality of lipolysis was examined in mean of total lipolysis. The lipolysis e of the samples is shown in Fig. 3.

The results demonstrate that sample "483-26 IF" (Infant Formula 483IF) according to the invention underwent lipolysis to a higher extent compared to the Infant formula with higher phytosterols level e "483-27 IF" i.e., Infant Formula 483IF). This may indicate a better digestive potential for the oil blend of the invention.

Example 8: The effect of different oil blends on the lipids absorption and blood profile in an animal model.

Study design: The bioavailability of ent oil blends is investigated in an animal model of neonatal Sprague Dawley rats aged 3-5 days. Animals are randomly assigned to one of the four diets detailed herein below, twelve rats per group. Animals within a litter are randomly assigned across treatments.

The study groups are: Group A: a containing standard (not phytosterol reduced) vegetable oils blend.

Group B: a ning standard (not phytosterol d) vegetable oils blend enriched with cholesterol.

Group C: Formula ning vegetable oils blend with reduced phytosterol content according to the present invention.

Group D: Formula containing vegetable oils blend with reduced phytosterol content according to the present invention enriched with cholesterol.

All diets are essentially r with respect to nutrient content including fatty acid composition and differ only in the level of cholesterol and phytosterols.

Gastrostomy tube fed infant rats: The gastrostomy tube fed rat pup is a model mimicking infants fed formula, using tube feeding to overcome the difficulties in bottle-feeding of neonatal rats. The milk as are based on rat milk. The model enables complete control of the volume and thus nutrient intake. This avoids any difficulties due to variable intake across treatment . The animals are reared by milk feeding from 3-5 to 18-20 days of age. Milk volume is calculated daily based on the animal weight. es: Blood samples are centrifuged at 2000 g x 10 minutes, and plasma is recovered. Plasma is analyzed for: VLDL+LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TAG, fatty acids, fat soluble vitamins.

Results: Group C demonstrates sed plasma cholesterol and fat soluble vitamin levels in comparison with group A and group D demonstrates increased plasma cholesterol levels in comparison with groups A and B.

Conclusion: The above results demonstrate that rats consuming a according to the invention (Groups C and D) have higher plasma cholesterol and fat soluble vitamin levels in comparison with rats consuming conventional formula (Group A).

Example 9: The effect of different oil blends on the lipids absorption and blood profile in a n piglet model.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of infant formula with phytosterol-reduced vegetable oils in comparison with infant formula with conventional vegetable oils on different parameters using the neonate piglet as a model for the human .

Experimental design: Thirty two male piglets (approximately 1 week of age) were housed in purpose-built plastic metabolism crates in a temperature controlled room maintained at 28i2°C with a 16:8 hours light:dark cycle. The piglets were initially weighed and their daily formula ration ated as 345g prepared liquid formula per kg ight per day. The piglets were randomly allocated to one of the four dietary treatments (8 piglets per group): (a) control standard infant a (483IF, See Example 6), (b) infant formula containing a vegetable oil blend according to the invention 6-IF, See Example 6), (c) standard infant formula with added cholesterol (483IF, See Example 6), (d) infant formula containing a vegetable oil blend ing to the invention with added cholesterol (483IF, See Example 6).

The piglets were trained to drink using a bottle and teat and during the first 6 days were fed hourly from 06:00 h to 22:00 h. From day 7 to 21 of the trial period the pigs received their daily ration as 7 meals fed at 2.5 hr intervals from 06:30 h to 21:30 h.

The pigs were weighed and their daily ration adjusted accordingly. From day 13 to 21, 0.3% um dioxide was added to the formulas as an indigestible marker. The inclusion of the marker from day 13-21 permits the option of using the total faecal collection method or the spot sampling method (which requires an stible marker in the diet) for determining faecal cholesterol digestibility. On day 16 ostomy bags were fitted to the piglets for faecal collection and faeces were collected from days 17 - 21 inclusive.

On day 21 of the study, the piglets were fed their respective formula at hourly intervals starting at 06:30 h. Seven hours after the start of feeding each piglet was anaesthetised, a blood sample taken, and the piglets then euthanased and the last 20cm of small intestine (terminal ileum) dissected out. Digesta was ﬂushed from the dissected ileum, collected and freeze dried. In addition, a sample of liver tissue and two small intestinal tissue samples (one immediately or to the dissected terminal ileal section and one from the duodenum) were taken and frozen at -80°C, the digesta was freeze-dried and plasma was prepared from the blood. The total list of es is as follows: Blood parameters: glucose serum total cholesterol HDL cholesterol LDL cholesterol triglyceride content total blood bile salts Plasma cholesterol precursors and non-cholesterol sterol levels Plasma fat soluble vitamin trations oproteins A, B, LDL size (small particles) Antioxidant capacity: total antioxidants, lipid peroxides, ascorbate, 8- isoprostane and thiobarbituric acid ve substances (TBARS) o Insulin Feces parameters: 0 Stool total fat 0 fecal cholesterol Digesta parameters: 0 Cholesterol in Ileal digesta o Bile acids in Ileal a Tissue parameters: 0 Cholesterol and sterols in liver, proximal and distal intestine Results: The piglets fed the infant formula with the vegetable oil blend according to the invention, demonstrated higher cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and improved bile salt levels in the blood. Furthermore the s indicate that the lipid of the invention enables significant cholesterol levels increase with the addition of cholesterol to the formula and d blood glucose levels and VLDL blood levels. onally, those piglets fed with the oil blend according to the ion demonstrate: 0 lower endogenous cholesterol synthesis (lower levels of terol precursors; A8-cholestenol, lathosterol, and desmosterol) 0 Higher fat soluble vitamin concentrations 0 Lower stool total fat, g better fat absorption 0 Lower fecal cholesterol, pointing of higher absorption 0 Higher HDL cholesterol 0 Lower CRP o Decreased Insulin 0 Increased cholesterol levels in the ine (villous) liver 0 Lower levels of hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity (less endogenous cholesterol production) 0 A more beneficial gut bacteria (higher positive bacteria and less pathogenic bacteria) Conclusion: The cholesterol from the formula with the oil blend of the invention (b and d) is better absorbed (compared to a and c, respectively) thus the cholesterol plasma level is higher ed to the control. Moreover, this oil blend enables better absorption of fat and fat soluble vitamins. This benefit is of high importance for infant nutrition and even to a higher extent in small infant and preterm infants as the level of the pancreatic lipase is limited in those infants.

The lower endogenous cholesterol production might be related to later in life lower rate of production and lower risk for metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis.

Thus, the oil blend of the invention with reduced phytosterols provides the subject with more efficient ilability of cholesterol, triglycerides and ns. e 10: the effect of the oil blend of the invention on cholestasis in rats nourished parenterally.

Study design: Male Wistar rats are divided in two groups: 1. Animals infused with total parenteral nutrition (TPN) containing a common oil blend emulsion. 2. Animals infused with TPN containing the oil blend of the ion with reduced phytosterols level.

Diets are isocaloric and differ in their phytosterols levels only.

The animals, are housed in individual room with controlled temperature and light conditions, and have open access to food.

Blood samples are analyzed for liver function tests, lipid profile, and bile acids.

Liver samples (4—6 um) are fixed and analyzed.

Results and sions: The study demonstrates the ts of the oil blend of the invention. The s infused with the oil blend according to the invention show less cholestasis and liver damage as lower levels of liver enzymes (ALP), bilirubin levels and serum bile acid levels are seen in the animals that are infused with the oil blend of the invention compared to the control.

Example 11: The effect of different oil blends on the lipids absorption and blood profile in healthy term infants.

A double blind controlled clinical study is done to examine the effect of different blends of ble oils on the lipid e of healthy term infants. The oil blends are mixtures of vegetable oils to provide fatty acids composition close to the fatty acids composition of human milk fat.

Study design: The effect of the fat component in the infant formula on plasma lipid profile is examined in a double blind randomized clinical trial in human term formula fed s with a reference arm of human breastfed infants.

Following screening, 90 healthy, growing, term infants are randomized to one of three formula groups detailed herein below, with additional 30 breastfed infants as reference. Infants are fed ing to the groups until age of 4 months.

Blood samples are taken at 8 weeks and at 4 months postnatal.

Diets: The four study groups are: Group I - Infants fed conventional (not phytosterol reduced) infant formula.

Group II - Infants fed infant formula according to the invention with reduced phytosterol content.

Group III - Infants fed infant formula according to the invention with reduced phytosterol content ed with 100mg/L cholesterol.

Group IV - Infants fed human milk.

The infant formula groups (I-III) are essentially similar with respect to nutrient content and fatty acid composition and differ only in the level of cholesterol and terols.

Table 11 provides the diet fat ition comparison between tested groups (% of weight of total fatty acids).

Table 11: Diet fat composition comparison between tested Groups (% of weight of total fatty acids) Group II Group III Group IV Fatty acid infant formula infant formula Human milk according to according to the invention the invention with reduced with d phytosterol phytosterol content content enriched with cholesterol —“mm— .4 10.4 10.4 2.01-11.77 4.3 4.3 4.3 68 (Ratio*) 4.4 4.4 4.4 3.49-10.65 C2226 0.4 0.4 0.4 0-1.03 Cholesterol <40mgm <40mg/L 100mgm 100-200mg/L * “Ratio” represents % 0f C1620 at sn-2 palmitic acid out of total C1620.

Blood samples taken at 8 weeks and at 4 months postnatal are analyzed for total cholesterol, VLDL+LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, TAG, fatty acids, fat soluble Vitamins in A, D, E and K).

Group II and III demonstrate sed plasma cholesterol and fat soluble Vitamins levels compared with Group I and similar to the levels of group IV.

Conclusion: The above results demonstrate that healthy term infants consuming formula which ns the composition of the invention (Groups II and 111) have terol and fat soluble Vitamins levels which are more similar to those of breastfed infants and higher in comparison with infants consuming conventional infant as (Group I).

Example 12: The effect of the oil blend of the invention on Cholestasis in preterm infants nourished parenterally Study design: In this double blind study preterm infants are randomly divided in two groups: 1. d with TPN containing a common oil blend emulsion. 2. d with TPN containing the oil blend of the invention with reduced phytosterols level.

Diets are isocaloric with same sources of oils and same fatty acids composition and differ in their phytosterols levels only.

Blood samples are analyzed for liver on tests, lipid profile, and bile acids.

Results and conclusions: The study demonstrates the benefits of the oil blend of the invention. The infants infused with this oil blend show less cholestasis and liver damage as lower levels of bilirubin, GGT, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT and normal serum bile acid levels are seen compared to the infants infused with the control.

Claims

Claims:

1. An oil blend comprising at least two oils, each of which is any one of a natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of said oils is any one of the following oils which has a reduced phytosterol level compared to said oil prior to reducing its terol content: - t oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 450 ppm; - palm kernel oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 900 ppm; - soybean oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1800 ppm; - rapeseed oil having a phytosterol t of less than about 5800 ppm; - sunflower oil having a phytosterol t of less than about 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 wer oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 1200 ppm; - Medium Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil havi ng a phytosterol content of less than about 1000 ppm; or - sn2- ate oil having a phytosterol content of less than about 300 ppm.

2. An oil blend comprising at least two oils each of which is any one of natural oil or processed oil, wherein at least one of said oils is a specific oil which is any one of t oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm olein oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, MCT oil or sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the phytosterol content in ppm of total said specific oils within the blend is below the value obtained using the following formula (I): eÍ:�� á ∗�� á;i /100 Formula (I) wherein 1003642409 - n is an integer of 1 to 13 and ents the number of said specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of a specific oil which value is reduced ed to the phytosterol content of said oil in ppm prior to ng its phytosterol content; and wherein said pre-determined threshold values of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: Oil Kn coconut oil 450 palm kernel oil 900 soybean oil 1800 ed oil 5800 sunflower oil 1600 high oleic sunflower oil 1500 corn oil 5900 palm olein oil 700 palm oil 530 safflower oil 8500 high oleic safflower oil 1200 MCT oil 1000 sn2-palmitate oil 300

3. An oil blend of claim 1 or claim 2, n at least one of said oils is any one - coconut oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - palm kernel oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.6; - soybean oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; 1003642409 - rapeseed oil in which the ratio terol :free phytosterols is greater than about 1.7; - sunflower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - high oleic sunflower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.7; - corn oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.8; - palm olein oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.4; - palm oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1; - wer oil in which the ratio terol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.1; - high oleic safflower oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 1.3; - MCT oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.5; or - lmitate oil in which the ratio phytosterol esters:free phytosterols is greater than about 0.9.

4. An oil blend comprising at least two oils, each of which is any one of natural oil or sed oil, wherein at least one of said oils is a specific oil which is any one of coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soybean oil, ed oil, sunflower oil, high oleic sunflower oil, corn oil, palm olein oil, palm oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, MCT oil or sn2-palmitate oil, wherein the ratio between phytosterol esters concentration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in total said specific oils within the blend is above the result obtained using the following formula (IV): 57 57 0.01 ∗eÍ:�� á ∗�� á ∗�� á;i /eÍ:�� á;i á@5 á@5 Formula (IV) wherein 1003642409 - n is an r of 1 to 13 and represents the number of said specific oils; - Xn represents the percent by weight of a specific oil out of the total weight of said n specific oils; - Rn represents a pre-determined threshold value of the ratio between the phytosterol esters concentration (in ppm) and the free terol concentration (in ppm) in the specific oil; - Kn represents a pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol content in ppm of said specific oil which value is reduced compared to the phytosterol content of said oil in ppm prior to reducing its phytosterol t; and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of the ratio n phytosterol esters tration in ppm and free phytosterols concentration in ppm in the specific oils (Rn) are the following: Oil Rn coconut oil 0.6 palm kernel oil 0.6 soybean oil 0.5 rapeseed oil 1.7 sunflower oil 0.7 high oleic sunflower oil 0.7 corn oil 1.8 palm olein oil 0.4 palm oil 1 safflower oil 1.1 high oleic safflower oil 1.3 MCT oil 0.5 sn2-palmitate oil 0.9 and wherein said pre-determined threshold value of phytosterol contents of the specific oils (Kn) are the following: Oil Kn 1003642409 coconut oil 450 palm kernel oil 900 soybean oil 1800 rapeseed oil 5800 sunflower oil 1600 high oleic sunflower oil 1500 corn oil 5900 palm olein oil 700 palm oil 530 safflower oil 8500 high oleic safflower oil 1200 MCT oil 1000 sn2-palmitate oil 300

5. The oil blend of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fatty acid composition is as follows: - 0-10% C8:0 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-10% C10:0 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-22% C12:0 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-15% C14:0 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 5-55% C16:0 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 1-7% C18:0 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 20-75% C18:1 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 2-40% C18:2 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; - 0-8% C18:3 fatty acids out of the total fatty acids; and - other fatty acids present in levels of less than 8% of the total fatty acids.

6. The oil blends of any one of the preceding claims, wherein endogenic erol concentration is at most 800 ppm.

7. The oil blends of any one of the preceding claims, n the w/w ratio between alpha tocopherols levels to non-alpha tocopherols levels is at least about 5. 1003642409

8. The oil blends of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the percentage of diacylglycerol (w/w) out of the oil blend is at most about 0.5%.

9. An infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, r formula, child formula or adult formula containing any one of the oil blends of any one of the ing claims.

10. An infant formula, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, child formula or adult formula of claim 9, wherein the w/w ratio between cholesterol present in said formula or food to phytosterol in said formula or food is at least about

11. An infant formula, eral formula, baby food, toddler formula, child formula or adult formula of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the w/w ratio between alpha tocopherols levels to non-alpha tocopherols levels is at least about 5.

12. An infant a, parenteral formula, baby food, toddler formula, child formula or adult formula of any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the tage (w/w) of diacylglycerol out of the oil blend is at most about 0.5%.

13. The formula or food of any of claims 9 to 12, comprising at least about 5 mg cholesterol/100 g formula.

14. An l or parenteral preparation or composition comprising an oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for ng and/or optimizing phytosterol levels in a subject.

16. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for reducing the risk and/or severity of eral nutrition– associated liver disease (PNALD) and/or severity of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in a subject. 1003642409

17. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for reducing and/or zing bilirubin levels in a t.

18. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for enhancing and/or optimizing absorption of fat and/or fat soluble nutrients and/or fat soluble vitamins is a subject.

19. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for sing and/or optimizing dietary energy potential in a

20. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for one or more of: (i) reducing and/or optimizing endogenous cholesterol synthesis in a subject; (ii) increasing and/or optimizing one or more of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels in a subject; (iii) optimizing one or more of LDL particles size, triglyceride levels, Apolipoprotein A levels and Apolipoprotein B levels in a subject; or (iv) lling and/or increasing and/or optimizing bile acid secretion in a subject.

21. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a ition, for enhancing and/or zing carotenoids absorption in a subject.

22. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for promoting and/or enhancing beneficial gut flora in a subject.

23. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, for preventing at least one of phytosterolemia, cardiovascular diseases, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis in a subject.

24. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the cture of a composition formulated for administration to an infant. 1003642409

25. Use of the oil blend according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in the manufacture of a composition, wherein the composition is ated for administration to a subject under parenteral nutrition, a subject under partial parenteral nutrition, a subject that cannot tolerate enteral feeding or a t that requires non enteral feeding. 1003642409