Cholesterol photosensitized oxidation in food and biological systems

► Review on cholesterol photosensitized oxidation in food and biological systems. ► Food composition, processing, packaging and storage conditions influence COPs levels. ► Singlet oxygen quenchers and/or radical scavengers help contrasting photooxidation. ► Dietary intake of antioxidants may be useful against photo-induced skin damage. ► Research needed on COPs-protein interaction and COPs role on lens deterioration.