Oxidised cholesterol in milk and dairy products

Cholesterol is found in animal foods. It can be oxidised in various ways and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) are formed. Such products are often found in animal foods including dairy products. Recently published results suggest that the contents of COPs in milk and dairy products is very small and does not confirm the results of earlier studies. A higher concentration of COPs can be found only in processed dairy products exposed to harsh storage conditions where the impact of oxygen and light or oxygen and low water activity are concomitant.