Effects of different deodorization methods on the oxidation of sterol components in rice bran oil

•Deodorization of water vapor contributed to the loss of oil and phytosterols.•Deodorization with nitrogen instead of water vapor improved phytosterols retention.•Nitrogen deodorization promoted the formation of phytosterol esters.•Nitrogen deodorization reduced the formation of phytosterol oxides products.