Current Analytical Strategies for the Determination of Phytosterols in Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oil is a valuable source of nutrients and essential dietary fats for human consumption. Plant sterols are a diverse group of naturally occurring compounds that exhibit various beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. These phytosterols hold significant medicinal value despite their relatively low abundance in plant-based foods. Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analyses of phytosterols in vegetable oil are imperative. This review examines the latest advancements in phytosterol detection techniques for vegetable oil, spanning from 2013 to 2023. It provides comprehensive insights into pretreatment methods for vegetable oil and various qualitative and quantitative detection techniques for phytosterol components. Additionally, the article explores the advantages and disadvantages of several analytical methods and highlights promising innovative technologies with potential practical applications.