The fatty acid composition of small and large naturally occurring milk fat globules

Native milk fat globules of various mean diameters, ranging from d₄₃ = 1.5 to 7.3 μm, were obtained using microfiltration of raw whole milk acquired in winter and spring. After total lipid extraction, fatty acid composition was characterized by methyl and butyl ester analysis using gas chromatography. The oleic and linoleic acid content of milk obtained in winter increased with fat globule size, whereas myristic and palmitic acid decreased. There was significantly more lauric, myristic and palmitoleic acid, and less stearic acid in small fat globules compared to large fat globules in milk obtained in both winter and spring. The relative content of oleic and linoleic acids were found to depend on fat globule size and season. Results are interpreted on the basis of the relative content of milk fat globule membrane depending on fat globule size, and on consequences of compositional variations on milk fat globule melting behavior.     

Membrane phospholipids and sterols in microfiltered milk fat globules

Native milk fat globules of various mean diameters, ranging from d₄₃ = 2.3 µm to 8.0 µm, were obtained using microfiltration of raw whole milk. After milk fat globule washing, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) was separated by manual churning. After total lipid extraction and separation of polar lipids, their phospholipid (PL) and sterol composition was measured using thin‐layer chromatography, methyl ester analyses by gas chromatography, and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The main PL species were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. The respective fatty acid composition of each PL species was measured. Many different minor bioactive sterols were detected in the MFGM, e.g. lanosterol, lathosterol, desmosterol, stigmasterol and β‐sitosterol. No significant differences in the PL and sterol profile were found between MFGM extracted from small and large milk fat globule fractions.     

Effects of milk fat replacement by PUFA enriched fats on n‐3 fatty acids,conjugated dienes and volatile compounds of fermented milks

A study was carried out to determine the profiles of fatty acids in fermented milks and dairy derivatives made with milk fat substituted by polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐enriched fat. In order to improve the organoleptic properties of those products, whey protein concentrates (WPC) were added during the manufacturing process. Interest was focused during manufacturing and storage period on the contents of “healthy” fatty acids, mainly conjugated linoleic acid and n‐3 PUFA. Contents of these fatty acids were not affected by the manufacture practices and neither did addition of WPC during manufacturing nor cold storage cause their decrease. Percentages of total n‐3 fatty acids in fat from dairy derivatives enriched in PUFA after 21 d of storage (1.45%) were very close to those obtained before processing (1.39%). Contents did not differ either substantially when WPC were added during manufacturing (1.46%). The increase of volatile compounds was also examined. Although a slight decrease in the total volatile content was observed, percentages of different compounds were not modified when milk fat was substituted by PUFA enriched fat.     

The influence of dietary rumen‐protected linoleic acid on milk fat composition,spreadability of butter and energy balance in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a diet supplemented with rumenprotected linoleic acids (C18:2) on the composition of milk fat and the energy balance of dairy cattle during the first 15 wk of lactation. The 32 Holstein‐Friesian cows were allotted in two treatment groups; in the experimental group one‐third of the starch (relative to the control group) was substituted with protected fat on an energy basis. Milk samples from all cows were collected weekly from week 2 to 15 postpartum (p.p.). To analyze the milk fat composition milk samples from 16 cows in each group were collected from week 6 and 7 as well as from week 13 and 14 p.p. and were mixed together, respectively. Triglyceride analysis demonstrated an extensive use of depot fat in both cow groups at the beginning of the lactation period. However, calculated energy balance, triglyceride composition and back fat thickness showed that the usual deficit of energy intake in early lactation was significantly shortened in the experimental group by three weeks. In comparison with the control group the content of the saturated fatty acids (FAs) C12, C14 and C16 in the experimental group decreased by 17.3% at 6 to 7 wk and by 19.2% at 13 to 14 wk. The stearic acid content of milk fat was increased by 25.9% at 6 to 7 wk and by 27.7% at 13 to 14 wk in the experimental group. The content of cis Δ9 oleic acid was increased by 21.6% at 6 to 7 and by 30.3% at 13 to 14 wk, while the C18:2 FA content was doubled as compared with the control group. Thus besides the increase of the trans‐C18:1 FA (TFA) content the nutritional value of fats could be improved using the experimental fat supplement. The TFA content still remained within the range of variation of natural milk fats. Additionally the experimental fat intake led to a number of desired effects; an increase in the content of conjugated linoleic acids (cis Δ9, transΔ11) by 55.9% (6 to 7 wk) and by 97.1% (13 to 14 wk p.p.), respectively, and a decrease in the cholesterol level. Further, the butyric acid content increased relatively by more than 20%. The addition of this fat resulted simultaneously in a changed triglyceride composition with increased C50, C52 and C54 contents. Thus a markedly improved spreadability of the resulting butter might be expected.     

Effect of lecithins partly replacing rumen‐protected fat on fatty acid digestion and composition of cow milk

The effects on fatty acid digestibility and milk fat composition of calcium soaps of palm oil fatty acids and of a 25% replacement of the Ca soaps by four different lecithins (raw, deoiled and deoiled/partially hydrolysed soy lecithin, raw canola lecithin) and soybean oil were investigated in six lactating cows each. The complete diets contained the lipid supplements at proportions of 30 g fatty acids/kg dry matter. Partial replacement of Ca soaps by soy or canola lecithins and soybean oil had small but significant effects on fatty acid digestion and utilisation, as well as the fatty acid profile in milk. Relative to Ca soaps alone, C 16:0 digestibility was slightly higher with lecithins, and percentage of conjugated linoleic acid and trans C 18:1 in milk fat increased while proportion of C 16:0 decreased. Deoiling of lecithins slightly reduced the effects on C 16:0 digestibility and excretion with milk. The influence of lecithin processing was higher than the differences between raw soy and raw canola lecithin. Nevertheless, most of the few effects observed may be related to the fatty acids supplied with the lecithins but, regarding C 18:1 trans‐11 and odd chain fatty acids, there is some evidence that lecithins impair rumen microbial activity less than soybean oil.     

Determination of milk fat in chocolates by gas-liquid chromatography of triglycerides and fatty acids

The combination of two routine methods is proposed to determine the content of milk fat (MF) in chocolates, which is applicable even in the presence of lauric fats or others. The content of MF is obtained from the sum of C₄₀, C₄₂, and C₄₄ medium-chain triglycerides, determined by capillary gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). A new method, based on methyl esters of lauric acid and on minor acids situated between myristic and palmitic, is proposed. It enables detection and estimation of potential lauric fats, as well as the determination of the actual content of MF. The influence of other vegetable and animal fats is discussed. We analyzed 45 MF samples extracted from industrial milk powders and from pure or fractionated MF for chocolate manufacturing or pastry by GLC of triglycerides. We also analyzed by capillary GLC the methyl esters from 22 of those fats. Mixtures of these 22 MF samples with a cocoa butter also were used for chromatographic analyses of methyl esters and triglyceride. Results from the various analytical methods have been presented.     

Triglyceride composition of ewe,cow, and goat milk fat

The separation and identification of the components in milk fat, which are mainly triglycerides, is a challenge due to its complex composition. A reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with gradient elution and light-scattering detection is described in this paper for the triglyceride analysis in ewes’ milk fat. Triglyceride identification was carried out by combining HPLC, gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), and the calculated equivalent carbon numbers of several triglyceride standards. Quantitation of partially resolved peaks in the HPLC chromatogram was accomplished by applying a peak deconvolution program. Forty-four fatty acids were identified by GLC analysis, but only 19 were used for the following prediction of triglyceride molecular species; 181 triglycerides were identified, some of which were grouped at the same peak and needed application of the deconvolution program. Consequently, coefficients of variation were close to or lower than 5%. Moreover, the triglyceride composition of ewe, cow, and goat milk fat were compared by using these methods. These results show that ewe milk fat is richer in short- and medium-chain triglycerides, and cow milk fat is richer in long-chain and unsaturated triglycerides.     

Fatty acid and 3‐hydroxy fatty acid composition of two Hypericum species from Turkey

The fatty acid compositions of flowering tops of Hypericum perforatum L. and Hypericum retusum Aucher (Guttiferae) were analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The major components were C16:0 (24.87%), C18:3 n‐3 (21.94%), 3‐OH‐C18:0 (18.46%) and 3‐OH‐C14:0 (14.22%) for H. perforatumL. and 3‐OH‐C14:0 (28.29%), C18:0 (16.47%) and C16:0 (14.17%) for H. retusum Aucher. Besides widespread plant fatty acids, 3‐hydroxy fatty acids, namely 3‐hydroxytetradecanoic acid (3‐OH‐C14:0) and 3‐hydroxyoctadecanoic acid (3‐OH‐C18:0) were also obtained.     

Oil content and fatty acid composition of commercially important Turkish fish species

The oil content and fatty acid composition of commercially important Turkish fish species (anchovy,Engraulis encrasicholus; freshwater rainbow trout,Salmo gairdneri; and cultured salmon,S. salar) were determined. Palmitic (16∶0), palmitoleic (16∶1), oleic (18∶1), and docosahexaenoic (22∶6) acids were the most abundant fatty acids in all species. Eicosapentaenoic acid (20∶5) was twice as high in the anchovy oil as in the rainbow trout and salmon oils. Significant quantities of linoleic acid (18∶2) and docosahexaenoic acids (22∶6) were found in both rainbow trout and salmon samples. The individual fatty acid data obtained from rainbow trout and salmon were similar to each other. All three fish species contain high levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and would be suitable for inclusion in the formulation of low-fat highly unsaturated diets.     

One-step extraction/methylation method for determining the fatty acid composition of processed foods

In a one-step extraction/methylation (OSM) method for determining individual fatty acids (FA) in processed food products, freeze-dried samples, containing 10–50 mg fat, were transmethylated without prior fat extraction with a mixture of methanol-HCl/toluene. After washing the organic phase the formed FA methyl esters were ready for separation by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The relative standard deviation for total FA content was <3.5%, regardless of the food type analyzed. Furthermore, the FA composition of selected fatty foods as obtained by the OSM procedure was almost identical with the FA composition of the pure fats extracted by the Soxhlet procedure and with chloroform-methanol, respectively. The OSM method is inexpensive and simple to perform and is, therefore, well suited for nutrient labeling studies, especially in situations where many samples have to be analyzed for their total FA content.     

Polymorphic stability of some shortenings as influenced by the fatty acid and glyceride composition of the solid phase

A number of North American vegetable and animal fat shortenings, which had been analyzed previously for their physical and textural characteristics, were analyzed also for their chemical composition. The fatty acid and triglyceride composition of the solids were calculated by analyzing the composition of the original product and the liquid phase, and by determination of the solid fat content (SFC) of the fat. The solids were also isolated by isopropanol (IP) separation, and the high melting glycerides (HMG) by acetone crystallization at 15°C. There was not much difference in total saturates andtrans content between vegetable and animal fat shortenings. Changing formulations from soy-palm to soy-cottonseed does not change the total saturates plustrans content. The solids of the vegetable shortenings in the β form contained about 20% of 16:0, those in the β′ form 30% or more. The animal fat shortenings were mainly in the β form, their solids contained 30% or more of 16:0. C54 triglyceride content of the solids of β vegetable shortenings (calculated and IP-separated) was >45%, that of all animal fats was <25%. Solids of animal fat shortenings contain high levels of C52. The C54 triglycerides are β-tending and should be kept low in vegetable shortening. In the HMG the C54 should not exceed 30%. This can only be achieved by incorporation of a β′ hard fat, preferably palm hard fat. Animal fat, especially lard, crystallizes in the β form because the palmitic acid in the glyceride molecule is located in the 2-position, whereas those of vegetable fats are in the 1- and 3-position.     

Effect of chlorine dioxide treatment on lipid oxidation and fatty acid composition in salmon and red grouper fillets

Chlorine dioxide (CIO₂) has been explored as a potential substitute for aqueous chlorine to clean seafood products. In an attempt to understand the interaction of CIO₂ with organic compounds, duplicate fillets of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and red grouper (Epinephelus morio) were treated for 5 min with freshly prepared aqueous CIO₂ at 20, 40, 100, and 200 ppm total available CIO₂ in 3.5% brine. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values and fatty acid composition were determined. CIO₂-treated salmon and red grouper showed a dose-related increase in TBA; the 100 and 200 ppm groups had significantly (P<0.05) greater TBA values than controls and the 20 ppm group. Treated red grouper and salmon did not differ in percentage monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to controls, although differences occurred with some individual fatty acids. Thus, CIO₂ treatment did not greatly affect fatty acid composition of treated fillets.     

Chemical and thermal characteristics of milk-fat fractions isolated by a melt crystallization

Anhydrous milk fat (AMF) was fractionated by a two-stage dry fractionation process to produce three fractions: high melting (HMF), middle melting (MMF), and low melting (LMF). The HMF (m.p. 42°C) exhibited a broad melting range similar to a plastic fat. The MMF (m.p. 33°C) resembled the original AMF (m.p. 31°C), but with slightly higher solid fat content. The LMF (m.p. 16°C) was liquid at ambient temperature. Differences in the thermal properties of these fractions were attributed to the triacylglycerols (TAG) and their fatty acid composition. Saturated TAG with carbon numbers of 36–54 were concentrated in the HMF; whereas unsaturated TAG of carbon number 36–54 predominated in the LMF. Likewise, the long-chain saturated fatty acids were significantly higher and the long-chain unsaturated fatty acids were significantly lower in the HMF fraction. Binary blends of milk-fat fractions with a range of melting profiles were produced by mixing HMF with AMF, MMF, or LMF. Laboratory-prepared fractions were similar to commercially available fractions.     

Fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of ostrich fat extracted by supercritical fluid extraction

The objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of ostrich fat obtained by supercritical fluid extraction. The fatty acid composition was analysed by GC‐MS and the result revealed that ostrich fat contained 9‐octadecenoic acid (40.7 ± 0.3%), hexadecanoic acid (32.5 ± 0.3%), octadecanoic acid (7.43 ± 0.05%), 9, 12‐octadecadience acid (7.38 ± 0.02%) and 9‐hexadecenoic acid (7.13 ± 0.15%) as the major components. Furthermore, seven physicochemical indexes were assessed according to Chinese Pharmacopeia (2005) and relevant regulations as follows: relative density (0.92 ± 0.02%), melting point (34.7 ± 0.4°C), acid value (0.84 ± 0.02 mg KOH/g), peroxide value (0.10 ± 0.01 g/100 g), saponification value (226 ± 3 mg KOH/g), ester value (225 ± 3 mg KOH/g) and iodine value (74.6 ± 0.8 g I/100 g). It can be inferred from the basic information that ostrich fat is a promising raw material for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. Practical applications : With the increasing attention being paid to ostrich fat, it is necessary to elucidate the fatty acid composition and physicochemical properties of this natural product. This basic information not only reveals the essential characteristics of ostrich fat, but also provides the data support for the quality evaluation and efficacy research.     

Conifer seeds: Oil content and fatty acid composition

The seed oils from twenty-five Conifer species (from four families—Pinaceae, Cupressaceae, Taxodiaceae, and Taxaceae) have been analyzed, and their fatty acid compositions were established by capillary gas-liquid chromatography on two columns with different polarities. The oil content of the seeds varied from less than 1% up to 50%. Conifer seed oils were characterized by the presence of several Δ5-unsaturated polymethylene-interrupted polyunsaturated fatty acids (Δ5-acids) with either 18 (cis-5,cis-9, 18∶2,cis-5,cis-9,cis-12 18∶3, andcis-5,cis-9,cis-12,cis-15 18∶4 acids) or 20 carbon atoms (cis-5,cis-11 20∶2,cis-5,cis-11,cis-14, 20∶3, andcis-5,cis-11,cis-14,cis-17 20∶4 acids). Pinaceae seed oils contained 17–31% of Δ5-acids, mainly with 18 carbon atoms. The 20-carbon acids present were structurally derived from 20∶1n-9 and 20∶2n-6 acids. Pinaceae seed oils were practically devoid of 18∶3n-3 acid and did not contain either Δ5-18∶4 or Δ5-20∶4 acids. Several Pinaceae seeds had a Δ5-acid content higher than 50 mg/g of seed. The only Taxaceae seed oil studied (Taxus baccata) had a fatty acid composition related to those of Pinaceae seed oils. Cupressaceae seed oils differed from Pinaceae seed oils by the absence of Δ5-acids with 18 carbon atoms and high concentrations in 18∶3n-3 acid and in Δ5-acids with 20 carbon atoms (Δ5-20∶3 and Δ5-20∶4 acids). Δ5-18∶4 Acid was present in minute amounts. The highest level of Δ5-20∶4 acid was found inJuniperus communis seed oil, but the best source of Δ5-acids among Cupressaceae wasThuja occidentalis. Taxodiaceae seed oils had more heterogeneous fatty acid compositions, but the distribution of Δ5-acids resembled that found in Cupressaceae seed oils. Except forSciadopytis verticillata, other Taxodiaceae species are not interesting sources of Δ5-acids. The distribution profile of Δ5-acids among different Conifer families appeared to be linked to the occurrence of 18∶3n-3 acid in the seed oils.     

Brazilian encapsulated fish oils: Oxidative stability and fatty acid composition

Encapsulated fish oils are extensively commercialized in Brazil. These products could have an effect in the reduction of heart diseases because of their high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, information about their composition and quality are still lacking. Fatty acid composition, oxidative stability (Rancimat, 80°C, 2.5 g sample and 8.3 L/h air), peroxide value (PV), and polar compound content were determined in sixteen trademarked encapsulated fish and cod-liver oils, purchased from Brazilian markets. The highly polyunsaturated fatty acid (eicosapentaenoic acid+docosahexaenoic acid) level appear to be typical of marine oils (16.2 and 32.1%). The PV ranged from 2.1 to 20.3 meq/kg, which is considered high, whereas the Rancimat induction periods varied from 1.95 to 8.45 h. The samples analyzed contained from 0.1 to 8.3% polar components. In some cases, both composition and quality were inadequate for this kind of product. One of the samples did not contain cod-liver oil, it appears that it contained soybean oil. Presented at the 6th Latin American Congress and Exhibit on Fats and Oil Processing, LA-AOCS, Campinas, SP, Brazil, Sept. 1995.     

Fat content and fatty acid composition of oils extracted from selected wild-gathered tropical plant seeds from Nigeria

As the search for alternative sources of food to alleviate hunger continues, this study was undertaken to determine the fat content and the fatty acid composition of 15 lesser-known wild tropical seeds gathered in Nigeria. Results were contrasted with five tropical soybean varieties (Glycine max). The fat content varies from less than 1% (Pterocarpus santalinoides, Daniellia ogea) to 59% (Entandrophragma angolense). The fatty acid composition of most of the wild and mostly leguminous seeds differed considerably, compared to the composition of tropical soybeans. The oil of Adansonia digitata, Prosopis africana, Afzelia lebbeck, Enterolobium cyclocarpium, and Sesbania pachycarpa contained high proportions of linoleic and oleic acid as well as palmitic and linolenic acid. Seeds of Milletia thonningii, Lonchocarpus sericeus, and S. pachycarpa were much higher in linolenic acid and relatively poor in linoleic acid, compared to soybeans. The content of saturated fatty acids was higher than that of soybeans, resulting in lower polyunsaturated/saturated (P/S) ratios (0.83–2.12) than observed in soybeans (P/S=3.4), with the exception of the composition of S. pachycarpa (P/S=3.15). Some of these less familiar wild seeds could be used as sources for industrial or edible oils, provided that possible toxic constituents could be removed.     

The regiospecific position of 18∶1 cis and trans monoenoic fatty acids in milk fat triacylglycerols

TAG of butterfat were fractionated according to the type and degree of unsaturation into six fractions by silver-ion HPLC. The fractions containing TAG with either cis-or trans-monoenoic FA were collected and fractionated further by reversed-phase HPLC to obtain fractions containing cis TAG of ACN:DB (acyl carbon number:double bonds) 48∶1, 50∶1, and 52∶1 as well as trans 48∶1, 50∶1, and 52∶1. The FA compositions of these fractions were elucidated by GC. The MW distribution of each fraction was determined by ammonia negative-ion CI-MS. Each of the [M-H]⁻ parent ions was fractionated further by collision-induced dissociation with argon, which gave information on the location of cis-and trans-FA between the primary and secondary positions of TAG. The results suggest that the sn-positions of the monoenoic cis-and trans-FA depend on the two other FA present in the molecule. With 14∶0 FA in the TAG molecule, the 18∶1 FA in the sn-2 position are mostly present as cis-isomers. When there is no 14∶0 in the TAG molecule, the trans-18∶1 isomers seem to be more common in the sn-2 position. Also when other long-chain FA are present, the trans-isomers are more likely to be located in the secondary (sn-2) position.