Intake estimates of naturally occurring phytosterols using deterministic and probabilistic methods in a...

Intakes of naturally occurring phytosterols were estimated in the Irish population using phytosterol concentration data obtained from the published literature. Both deterministic and probabilistic approaches were used. Concentration data were applied to dietary intake data as assessed in the North/South Ireland Food Consumption Survey (n = 1,379). With the probabilistic approach, a uniform distribution was used in place of fixed values to reflect variability and uncertainty in phytosterol concentrations. Foods consumed were also categorized into 19 food groups, and the phytosterol intake per food group was calculated. Using the deterministic approach, mean phytosterol intake for the total population was 254 mg/day (28.1 mg/1,000 kJ). Using the probabilistic approach, slightly higher mean phytosterol intakes of 287 mg/day were found. In terms of food groups, 'bread and bread-rolls', 'vegetables and vegetable dishes' and 'spreading fat and oils' were the top three contributing food groups to phytosterol intakes. This study has shown how both deterministic and probabilistic approaches may be used to determine phytosterol intakes in a population.