Differentiation of Plant and Animal-Derived Cholesterol Using irm-¹³C NMR and IRMS

In the European Union, animal products for human consumption are regulated as products of animal origin (POAO), while those not intended for human consumption are considered animal by-products (ABPs). Both POAO and ABP are subject to strict regulations to ensure animal and public health, and they are controlled through various EU directives and regulations. Consumer demand for plant-derived cosmetics, botanicals, and nutraceuticals has also increased sharply over the past decade. Ensuring the origin of ingredients, starting materials, and excipients used in these complex consumer products can be challenging, even when certified reference standards are available. Herein, we report a reliable approach for identifying the origin of cholesterol, a common ingredient in cosmetics and beauty products, using irm-¹³C NMR and IRMS to differentiate plant versus animal-derived cholesterol. Further, we show that we can also discriminate semi-synthetic cholesterol from plant and animal-derived varieties.