Oxidation reactions of steryl esters in a saturated lipid matrix

► Isolation of intact steryl ester hydroperoxides from a lipid matrix was accomplished. ► Increased solubility of sterol in a lipid matrix decreased its oxidation. ► Unsaturation of steryl ester increased the oxidation of steryl and acyl moieties. ► Steryl and acyl moiety hydroperoxides were formed concomitantly. ► Hydroperoxides decomposed considerably into oligomers even at 100 °C.