Work

Estimated Daily Phytosterol Intake from Commonly Consumed Foods in Korea and a Global Comparison

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study quantified phytosterol contents in cereals, vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts/seeds, and plant oils commonly consumed in Korea and estimated daily phytosterol intake using nationally representative dietary data. Phytosterol concentrations varied substantially across food groups, with the highest levels observed in plant oils (rapeseed oil, 311.63 mg/100 g; sesame oil, 302.72 mg/100 g) and seeds (sesame seeds, 159.59 mg/100 g). The average daily intake among Koreans was 84.52 mg/d. Cereals contributed 35.84 mg/d, followed by vegetables (20.40 mg/d) and oils (12.60 mg/d). Major contributors included rice (15.90 mg/d), baechu kimchi (4.60 mg/d), tofu (3.17 mg/d), and soybean oil (6.23 mg/d). In international comparisons, Korea had the lowest intake among the countries examined (China, 392.30 mg/d; Spain, 275.40 mg/d; the Netherlands, 285.00 mg/d; Finland, 238.00 mg/d; Indonesia, 223.80 mg/d; Poland, 282.97 mg/d; and the United Kingdom, 163.00 mg/d). The relatively low intake appears to reflect dietary patterns characterized by high cereal consumption and limited use of plant oils. Given that habitual intake remains far below the 2 g/d level associated with cholesterol-lowering effects, these findings provide essential baseline data for evaluating phytosterol exposure in the Korean population and for developing culturally appropriate nutritional strategies.

Source: Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology

DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.72.230

Authors: Mirae HONG, Seonghwa HONG, Hana LEE, Junsoo LEE

Institution: Chungbuk National University

Language: English

Topic: Nutritional Studies and Diet

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Rural Development Administration