Fatty acid (FA) composition and contents of <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> unsaturated FA in hydrogenated vegetable oils and blended fats from Pakistan

This study presents the FA composition and trans FA (TFA) contents of different hydrogenated vegetable oils and blended fats marketed in Pakistan. Thirty-four vanaspati (vegetable ghee), 11 shortenings, and 11 margarines were analyzed. The contents of saturated FA, cis monounsaturated FA, and cis PUFA were in the following ranges: vanaspati 27.8–49.5, 22.2–27.5, 9.3–13.1%; vegetable shortenings 37.1–55.5, 15.8–36.0, 2.7–7.0%; and margarines 44.2–55.8, 21.7–39.9, 2.9–20.5%, respectively. Results showed significantly higher amounts of TFA in vanaspati samples, from 14.2 to 34.3%. Shortenings contained TFA proportions of 7.3–31.7%. The contents of TFA in hard-type margarines were in the range of 1.6–23.1%, whereas soft margarines contained less than 4.1% TFA.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trans</Emphasis> FA content in Danish margarines and shortenings

Margarines and shortenings have been major contributors to the intake by humans of the probably atherogenic trans FA (TFA). In 1999, all 73 brands of margarines and shortenings on the Danish market were analyzed by GLC on a 50-m highly polar capillary column, and the results were compared with similar investigations in 1992 and 1995. A gradual decline of TFA in Danish margarines was observed. From 1992 to 1995, a reduction of TFA from 10.4 to 3.6% took place in margarines with 20–40% linoleic acid. In 1999, TFA was practically absent in all the margarines, but it remained unchanged in shortenings, averaging about 6–7%. Long-chain TFA from hydrogenated fish oil, although present in 13 brands in 1995, were not found at all in the 1999 samples. Trans-linoleic acids or CLA were not found. The reduction in TFA content in margarines has not resulted in a systematic change over the years in the content of saturated FA, monounsaturated FA, or PUFA. Calculated from sales figures, the intake of TFA decreased from 2.2 g per capita per year in 1992, to 1.5 g in 1995, and to 0.4 g in 1999.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> Fatty Acid Content of Canadian Margarines Prior to Mandatory <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> Fat Labelling

Dietary trans fatty acids (TFA) are of major concern because of their adverse effects on blood lipid levels and coronary heart disease. In Canada, margarines were significant sources of TFA during the 1980s and 1990s. However, this is expected to change with increased public awareness over their adverse health effects and the introduction of new legislature to include TFA content on the Nutritional Facts table of food labels. In this study, the TFA content of the top-selling 29 Canadian margarines, which represented 96.3% of the market share, was determined by capillary gas-liquid chromatography in order to assess the influence of regulatory development during the 3-year transition period between the announcement of new food labelling regulations in Canada that require mandatory declaration of the trans fat content in most pre-packaged foods in January 2003 and its enforcement on 12 December 2005. The 29 margarines included 15 tub margarines made from non-hydrogenated vegetable oils (NHVO-tub margarines), 11 tub margarines made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO-tub margarines) and three print margarines, which were also made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO-print margarines). The 15 NHVO tub-margarines accounted for 71% of the total margarine market share and generally contained less than 2% TFA (mean value 0.9 ± 0.3% of total fatty acids). The mean total TFA contents of PHVO-tub margarines and PHVO-print margarines, were 20.0 ± 4.5% and 39.6 ± 3.5%, and their market shares were 19.3 and 6.0%, respectively. Although during the last 10 years, increasing number of soft tub margarines that contained very little trans fats have been made available in Canada, the PHVO-tub- and -print margarines still contain high levels of trans fats similar to those margarines that were sold in the 1990s. The market share data suggest that the margarines prepared using NHVO and containing almost no TFA were preferred by Canadians over those margarines prepared using PHVO, even before the mandatory declaration of TFA content came into effect on 12 December 2005.     

Physicochemical and textural properties of puff pastry margarines

In this paper some physicochemical and textural characteristics of four puff pastry margarines are defined: MLT1 and MLT2 with low trans fatty acid (TFA) content, MLT3 with relatively low and MLT4 with high TFA content. Analyzing the solid trigliceride content (SFC), the crystallization kinetics in isothermal conditions and the margarine firmness, it is determined whether the technological characteristics of margarines (which are very important for puff pastry quality) are significantly changed due to TFA decrease in margarines. The highest SFC at 10, 20, 25 i 30°C have samples MLT1 and MLT4. Despite of significant differences in fatty acid composition of these margarines, SFC content at temperatures at 20, 25, and 30°C do not differ significantly, at the level of significance of 95% (p>0.05). The SFC of MLT1 and MLT2 samples, which have practically the same fatty acid composition at every investigated temperature, statistically have significant difference (p<0.05). The crystallization kinetics are in the range from 2.6 to 10.1% per min. The significance of the induction period at every observed samples is negligible. The average firmness of margarine samples MLT1, MLT2, MLT3, and MLT4 at 20, 25, and 30°C is significantly different (p<0.05). The firmness changes of the samples MLT1 and MLT2 in the most important temperature interval for puff pastry production (between 20 and 30°C) are at level of 5 to 25%, and for margarine samples MLT3 and MLT4 these values reach even 70%.     

Composition,physical and textural characteristics of soft (tub) margarines

Soft (tub) margarines were analyzed for fatty acid,trans and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. Soybean and sunflower-palm kernel-palm margarines contained high levels ofcis-cis methylene interrupted (CCMI)-PUFA. Canola and canola-palm products contained the lowest amounts of saturated fatty acids. Polymorphic forms of the crystals were as follows: soybean beta prime, canola beta, canola-palm and a sunflower-palm kernel-palm—a mixture of beta and beta prime. Dropping points of the fats ranged from 27.3 to 34.2°C. Softening points of the products were higher especially for margarines that existed in the beta form. Texture was determined by cone penetrometer, constant speed compression and penetration. Soybean margarines were generally most resistant to deformation. The solid fat content (SFC) of the “whole” margarines as determined by the Bruker Minispec was found to be slightly lower than that of the separated fat (AOCS-method) at 10°C. Correlation of values within the textural methods was significant (P<.01), but not between the texture and SFC of the product which means that the nature of the crystal network also plays a role in texture.     

Determination of trans fatty acids and fatty acid profiles in margarines marketed in spain

Two gas chromatography (GC) procedures were compared for routine analysis of trans fatty acids (TFA) of vegetable margarines, one direct with a 100-m high-polarity column and the other using argentation thin-layer chromatography and GC. There was no difference (P>0.05) in the total trans 18∶1 percentage of margarines with a medium level of TFA (∼18%) made using either of the procedures. Both methods offer good repeatability for determination of total trans 18∶1 percentage. The recoveries of total trans isomers of 18∶1 were not influenced (P>0.1) by the method used. Fatty acid composition of 12 Spanish margarines was determined by the direct GC method. The total contents of trans isomers of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids ranged from 0.15 to 20.21, from 0.24 to 0.99, and from 0 to 0.47%, respectively, and the mean values were 8.18, 0.49, and 0.21%. The mean values for the ratios [cis-polyunsaturated/(saturated +TFA)] and [(cis-polyunsaturated + cis-monounsaturated)/(saturated +TFA)] were 1.25±0.39 and 1.92±0.43, respectively. Taking into account the annual per capita consumption of vegetable margarine, the mean fat content of the margarines (63.5%), and the mean total TFA content (8.87%), the daily per capita consumption of TFA from vegetable margarines by Spaniards was estimated at about 0.2 g/person/d.     

Determination of FA composition and total trans FA of Turkish margarines by capillary GLC

In this research, FA composition and total trans FA contents of 16 different brands of margarine (8 hard-type and 8 soft-type) sold in Turkey were determined by capillary GLC method. According to the results, the contents of saturated FA, monounsaturated FA, and PUFA were within the ranges of 23.9–32.3, 44.0–61.9, and 14.2–24.1%, respectively, in hard-type margarines, and 27.0–39.9, 21.0–40.9, and 32.0–53.7%, respectively, in soft-type margarines. Hard-type margarines contained total trans FA concentrations of 20.1–34.3%, whereas soft-type margarines contained less than 8.9% total trans FA. C_18∶1 trans acid content was within the range of 18.5–29.8% in hard-type margarines, and it was significantly higher than the range in soft margarines (0.7–8.1%). C_18∶1 trans acid was the major trans FA in all margarines, and C_18∶3 trans acid concentrations were less than 0.2%.     

Physical and chemical properties of trans-free fats produced by chemical interesterification of vegetable oil blends

Fat blends, formulated by mixing a highly saturated fat (palm stearin or fully hydrogenated soybean oil) with a native vegetable oil (soybean oil) in different ratios from 10:90 to 75:25 (wt%), were subjected to chemical interesterification reactions on laboratory scale (0.2% sodium methoxide catalyst, time=90 min, temperature=90°C). Starting and interesterified blends were investigated for triglyceride composition, solid fat content, free fatty acid content, and trans fatty acid (TFA) levels. Obtained values were compared to those of low- and high-trans commercial food fats. The interesterified blends with 30–50% of hard stock had plasticity curves in the range of commercial shortenings and stick-type margarines, while interesterified blends with 20% hard stock were suitable for use in soft tubtype margarines. Confectionery fat basestocks could be prepared from interesterified fat blends with 40% palm stearin or 25% fully hydrogenated soybean oil. TFA levels of interesterified blends were low (0.1%) compared to 1.3–12.1% in commercial food fats. Presented at the 88th AOCS Annual Meeting and Expo, May 11–14, 1997, Seattle, Washington.     

Zero-<Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> shortening using palm stearin and rice bran oil

Several pilot-scale trials reported in this paper, using palm stearin-rice bran oil (PS-RBO) blends, obviously did not contain trans FA (TFA), whereas the commercial products were found to contain 18–27% TFA. The effects of processing conditions such as rate of agitation, crystallization temperature, and composition of the blends on the crystal structure of shortenings were studied. The products were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics using DSC, X-ray diffraction (XRD), HPLC, and FTIR techniques. The formulation containing 50% PS and 50% RBO showed melting and cooling characteristics similar to those of hydrogenated commercial “vanaspati” samples. Analysis of the FA composition revealed that the formulated shortenings contained 15–19% C_18∶2 PUFA. Tocopherol and tocotrienol contents of the experimental shortenings were in the range of 850–1000 ppm with oryzanol content up to 0.6%. XRD studies demonstrated that the crystal form in the shortenings was predominantly the most stable β′ form, and there was less of the undesirable β form.     

Interesterification of tea seed oil and its application in margarine production

Blends of hydrogenated and nonhydrogenated tea seed oil (Lahijan variety) (30:70, w/w) were chemically interesterified at 60, 90, and 120°C for 30, 60, and 90 min in the presence of 1% (w/w) NaOH. Physicochemical properties of the products were compared with those of the noninteresterified mixture. Statistical comparison of m.p., iodine values (IV), and solid fat contents (SFC) showed that the sample having the highest ranking was interesterified at 120°C for 30 min. The sample was used as a hardstock (40%), with liquid tea seed oil and sunflower oil (ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, and 0:100) as, a softstock (60%) for production of table magarine, and the properties of these margarines were compared with those of commercial ones. Samples E and D (ratio of 80:20 and 60:40 liquid tea seed oil/sunflower oil, respectively) had the lowest significant differences with commercial table margarine for physicochemical (m.p., IV, and SFC) and organoleptic characteristics, respectively. Generally, based on m.p. and SFC, margarines E and D were classified as soft margarine. The trans FA content of E, D, and commercial margarines were 1.8, 1.8, and 2.2%, respectively.     

Comparison of fatty acid composition of domestic and imported margarines and frying fats in Bulgaria

A total of 82 dietary fats sold on the Bulgarian market in the period 1995—2000 were analyzed. The samples included 68 table margarines (50 of which were imported), 10 frying fats (6 imported) and 4 salad dressings (all imported). A validated analytical method, thin‐layer chromatography‐AgNO₃‐densitometry, was used. It enabled direct determination of all fatty acid groups, differing by degree of unsaturation and double bonds geometry. Low levels of trans fatty acids (TFA) down to 0.1% of the total for mono trans‐trienoic (Tcct) and mono trans‐dienoic (Dct), and down to 0.2% for trans‐monoenoic (Mt) were quantitated, with an error under 3% and a standard deviation of 0.1—1.5. The total content of TFA in table margarines varied from 0 to 26.9% with a mean value of 8.6 ± 7.2% for imported and 1.6 ± 3.4% for Bulgarian samples. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) content varied from 11.5 to 45.7%, with a mean value of 25.4 ± 5.7% for imported and 26.9 ± 5.2% for Bulgarian margarines. A general trend of lower levels of TFA and SFA in imported margarines was observed over the studied period. Additionally, the content of individual saturated fatty acids was determined by gasliquid chromatography in 37 of all studied samples.     

Trans octadecenoic fatty acid (TFA) isomers in German foods and bakery goods

In the present study, 122 food samples from the German food market were analysed for their C18:1 trans fatty acid (TFA) content and profile. A particular focus of the survey were baked and fried foods. TFA analysis was performed by means of silver ion SPE (Ag⁺‐SPE) in combination with high‐resolution GC (HRGC‐FID). Overall, 51 bakery product samples were analysed of which 25 samples were prepacked bakery products purchased from local retail stores and 26 samples of unpacked bakery products purchased from local bakery shops. In addition, 14 French fries samples obtained from small local fast food restaurants as well as from internationally operating fast food chains, 27 potato and tortillas chips, 15 instant soups as well as 15 dry culinary sauces were analysed. The highest amounts of C18:1 TFA isomers were found in deep‐fried bakery products. Prepacked branded cookies and biscuits on the other hand contained only negligible C18:1 TFA amounts. Regarding their C18:1 trans isomer profile most deep‐fried bakery products exhibited a Gaussian‐distributed isomer profile. The analysed prepacked croissants, cookies and biscuits contained predominantly ruminant TFA (TFA) as suggested by the presence of vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans 11), which was the major C18:1 TFA isomer in these products. All non‐bakery samples (n = 71) contained less than 3 g C18:1 TFA per 100 g fat. In conclusion, TFA still occur in considerable amounts in a few German food products, especially in some deep‐fried bakery products (‘Berliner’ type of doughnuts). Practical applications: Trans fatty acids, in particular the trans octadecenoic fatty acid isomers (C18:1), are generally considered from the nutritional point of view as undesirable food components due to their negative health effects. Tremendous efforts have been made by major food processors in order to decrease or even eliminate the presence of TFA in some foodstuffs (e.g. in margarines in European countries). However, some food processors of other food sectors are still applying oils and fats containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, whereas others within the same food category have already switched their processing conditions and/or raw materials towards TFA alternatives. Therefore, actual TFA data of foodstuffs determined by means of state‐of‐the‐art analytical procedures (Ag⁺‐SPE in combination with GC‐FID) is necessary to detect areas of further improvement in the food supply chain and to provide data for an update of dietary TFA intake.     

Gas chromatographic separation of the fatty acid methyl esters prepared from dairy products,partially hydrogenated oils,and refined vegetable oils applying a negative temperature gradient

To date no single gas chromatographic method can simultaneously measure all fatty acids (FA), including trans-FA (TFA), that are contained in dairy products, partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), and refined vegetable oils. Using 100% poly(biscyanopropyl siloxane) capillary columns, ruminant and dairy fats are preferentially analyzed by applying temperature programs that separate short chain FA, but not trans-18:3 from 20:1. Refined vegetable oils and PHO are preferentially analyzed by applying isothermal elutions that provide quantification of all 18 carbon TFA including trans-18:3 FA, but not of all short chain FA. In this short communication, we propose a temperature program method capable of simultaneously measuring short chain FA and all 18 carbon TFA including trans-18:3 by applying a negative temperature gradient after the elution of trans-18:1. A simplified version of the method is also described for equipment not able to perform negative temperature gradients.     

Trans fatty acids in margarines marketed in Brazil: Content,labeling regulations and consumer information

A set of 46 different trademarks of margarines produced in Brazil by eight different companies was investigated in terms of the national labeling requirements for trans fatty acids (TFA). Experimental measurements of the content of total saturated fatty acids, cis‐monounsaturated fatty acids, cis‐polyunsaturated fatty acids and total TFA by gas chromatography showed the reliability of the data listed on the nutrition facts panel, which were used as reference for this analysis. The results revealed that 50% of the manufacturers and 13% of all the investigated trademarks of margarines violated the current Brazilian labeling regulations. A group of 200 consumers categorized by age, sex and years of formal education was also questioned about the importance of nutrition labeling information and TFA. Approximately 33% of the consumers interviewed were not informed about the possible detrimental effects of TFA on human health. Individuals with longer years of formal education and those affected by coronary heart diseases attributed to the intake of TFA were most interested in reading the nutrition labeling.     

Physicochemical Properties of Palm Oil-Based Puff Pastry Model Margarines Related to Their Baking Performance in Long-Term Storage

Developing trans-free alternative fat solutions suitable for specific applications remains a challenge in edible fats and other domains. This is particularly true for palm oil-based puff pastry margarines, which suffer from post crystallization problems, leading to dramatic loss of functionality. This research is aimed at investigating the influence of triacylglycerol (TAG) compositions of palm oil-based puff pastry margarines on the physical properties of the fat crystal network, which determine the functionality of such products. Three model puff pastry margarines are produced at pilot scale under the same crystallization conditions. They share the same fatty acid composition and close solid fat content (SFC) profiles, whereas the proportions of major TAG (tripalmitoylglycerol (PPP), 1,3-di-palmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (POP), 1,2-di-palmitoyl-3-oleoylglycerol (PPO), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-palmitoylglycerol (POO)) are different. Polymorphism, melting profile, hardness, microscopic structures, and baking performance (puffing effect) of the model fats are examined during a period of 6 months. The following results are obtained: 1) The TAG composition significantly influences the post crystallization processes occurring in palm oil-based margarines. 2) High amounts of POP show negative influences. 3) The proportions of POP, PPO, and PPP should be carefully balanced to prevent detrimental crystal network rearrangements, leading to textural modifications (hardness increase) and significant reduction in baking performance. Practical Applications : The results presented in this work could be helpful for edible fat products developers, especially for roll-in fat applications. This research provides an overview of the relevant properties to study for the assessment of puff pastry margarine functionality. It also highlights the importance of ensuring long-term stability of palm oil-based fat products. Finally, it emphasizes that certain combinations of fat materials should be avoided to maintain the quality of palm oil-based puff pastry margarines.     

The impact of fatty acid profile on the physicochemical properties of commercial margarines in Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate how lipid profiles affect the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, and nutritional qualities of Brazilian margarines. We analyzed the texture profiles of 13 margarine samples and characterized their fatty acid composition, solid fat content, crystallization kinetics by NMR and thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimetry. The samples had total fat content ranging from 20% to 82% and low trans fatty acid (TFA) levels, except for two samples (5–7% elaidic acid). The fatty acid compositions of all samples showed a predominance of linoleic (23%–46%), oleic (20%–46%), and palmitic acids (7%–14%), indicating that they were formulated with soybean and palm oils. Saturated fat content ranged from 23% to 31%. Compared to the other evaluated samples, those with higher content of lipid and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) exhibited increased hardness and stickiness but reduced spreadability and adhesiveness. The presence of TFAs resulted in increased plasticity of the samples. Reformulation resulted in products with greater SFA levels, which had a negative impact as it increased the atherogenic index (AI: 0.22–0.48). The HF55 sample contained canola oil-based fat and presented the best nutritional and physical properties. This study is the first to report a complete evaluation of representative margarines, with essential information in reformulating to achieve lower SFA.     

Fatty acid composition of spanish shortenings with special emphasis on <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis> unsaturation content as determined by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography

A Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic procedure was used to analyze 34 edible fats (22 shortenings and 12 vegetable margarines) as neat fats (IR_NF) to determine their total trans fatty acid (TFA) content. The sloping baseline was corrected with a reference spectrum based on a nonprocessed olive oil. The calibration was done using seven partially hydrogenated fats with an individual TFA content previously determined by the combination of gas chromatography (GC) with argentation thin-layer chromatography. Taking into account the different absorptivities of various trans isomers, different correction factors were calculated using the calibration standards (0.83 and 1.71 for single trans bonds in both diethylene and triethylene and for trans, trans-diethylene fatty acids, respectively) and applied to calculate the total TFA of samples. Moreover, the samples were converted to their methyl esters and reanalyzed following the same procedure (IR_FAME). Differences in TFA content of fats were not found when a t-test was used to compare the results obtained by IR_NF vs. either IR_FAME or GC, suggesting that IR of neat fats could be used, thus avoiding the need to prepare sample solutions in organic solvents and to prepare fatty acid methyl esters. The mean TFA content (determined by IR_NF) of a representative group of Spanish shortenings (22 samples) that varied widely in terms of fat sources, processes, and purposes (bakery, sandwiches, ice cream, coatings, chocolate coverings) was 6.55±11.40%, although more than 54% contained <3% of TFA. Fatty acid composition of shortenings by direct GC using a 100-m polar cyanopolysiloxane capillary column indicated that the mean trans-18∶2 isomer content was 0.58%, ranging from 0.9 to 3.4%. Small amounts of trans-18∶3 isomers (<0.3%) were observed in 18 of the 22 shortenings studied; the maximal value was <2%. The mean value of the fraction saturated+TFA of shortenings was high (59.95±12.73%), including two values higher than 83%.     

Regulatory Changes Affecting the Production and Use of Fats and Oils: Focus on Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), the products of incomplete catalytic hydrogenation of food oils, have been widely employed by the food industry for more than a century. Their exceptional stability and technologic characteristics made them the preferred choice for the production of several food products including margarines, bakery goods, and frying oils. Some of these highly prized characteristics were provided by the high content in trans fatty acids (TFA), defined as fatty acids with one or more isolated double bond in trans configuration. The discovery of negative health effects associated with dietary intake of TFA triggered world-wide a wave of regulatory actions aimed to curb their consumption. PHO became the main target of most campaigns aimed to reduce consumption of TFA, and their fortune in the food industry progressively faded. At the 2017, AOCS Annual Meeting in Orlando, a group of experts from regulatory agencies and industry from North America and Europe met to discuss the current status of government regulations and industry adaptations regarding the productions and use of PHO. The discussion was enriched by including the impact on fats and oils production of the 2016 amendment of the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (TSCA). The present publication may not include all regulatory changes that took place after this symposium, in 2017.     

Contents of trans fatty acids (TFA) in German foods and estimation of daily intake

The contents of trans fatty acids (TFA) in 139 German foods were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography. The TFA analysis included myristelaidic acid (C14:1 t9), palmitelaidic acid (C16:1 t9), petroselaidic acid (C18:1 t6), elaidic acid (C18:1 t9), trans vaccenic acid (C18:1 t11), octadecadienoic acid isomers (C18:2 c9t12, C18:2 t9t12, and C18:2 9tc12), and 9 geometrical octadecatrienoic acid isomers (C18:3 n-3). Maximum TFA contents occurred in French fries (up to 34%), crisps (up to 22%) and in instant sauces (up to 22%) The TFA content in dairy products ranged from 2.0% (blue cheese) to 6.1% (Jurassic cheese), in meat products from 0.2% (cooked ham) to 8.6% (lamb), in fish from 0.4% (pollock) to 1.0% (carp), and in vegetable fats and oils and margarines from <0.01% (edible oils) to 4.1% (sunflower margarines). The average estimated TFA intake was calculated to 1.9g TFA/d for women and 2.3g TFA/d for men.     

High docosahexaenoic acid levels in both neutral and polar lipids of a highly migratory fish: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thunnus tonggol</Emphasis> (Bleeker)

The lipid and FA compositions of various organs (light muscle, dark muscle, liver, pyloric cecum, and the orbital region) and of the stomach contents of a highly migratory fish species Thunnus tonggol (Bleeker) were analyzed. TAG and phospholipids (PE and PC) were the major lipid classes in the total lipids of T. tonggol. DHA was characteristically the major FA of all the major classes of all its organs except for only one case of liver TAG. The mean DHA contents of the various organs accounted for more than 20% of the total FA (TFA), even though it is a neutral depot lipid. However, DHA in the stomach contents, originating from their prey, fluctuated and was generally low. DHA levels were generally higher in a year (2000) when water temperatures were colder than in one when it was warmer (1998). Furthermore, DHA levels in muscle TAG were consistently high in spite of the fluctuation of those in the visceral TAG, which might be directly influenced by the prey lipids. This phenomenon suggests the physiological selective accumulation of DHA in the muscle, after the migration of the digested FA in the vascular system and absorption of the prey lipids in the intestine. In contrast, the FA composition of other species is generally variable and their DHA contents of TAG are usually less than 20% of TFA.