Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates to a process for the production and purification of sterols from oil distillates or oil distillation residues, in particular from the latter. Specifically, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for obtaining sterols in a pure form with reduced impurity and improved color.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates to a process for the production and purification of sterols from oil distillates or oil distillation residues, in particular from the latter. Specifically, the presently claimed invention relates to a process for obtaining sterols in a pure form with reduced impurity and improved color.

Abstract: A process for purification of phytosterols, said process comprising, a. providing a liquid mixture comprising a phytosterol, lower alcohol, wherein the lower alcohol is present in an amount of from 25 to 800% by weight, based on the amount of phytosterol; b. cooling the mixture to form phytosterol crystals, wherein the crystals are formed at a temperature of from of from 10° C. to 75° C., preferably 15° C. to 50° C., more preferably 20° C. to 45° C., even more preferably 25° C. to 35° C. c. separating the phytosterol crystals from the remainder of the mixture by filtration; d. subjecting the phytosterol crystals to washing with a solvent system comprising at least one polar aprotic solvent to obtain purified phytosterol; e. optionally repeating step (d); f. drying the washed phytosterol crystals; g. optionally melting and drying in molted state to remove traces of remaining solvent; and h. optionally subjecting to a particle-forming process to obtain solid sterol particles.