A rapid method for the analysis of hydrogenated fats by GC with IR detection

A rapid method for analysis of trans and cis FA in hydrogenated fats has been developed. The method is based on a single anlaysis by CG with IR detection. Multivariate partial least squares regression is applied on the IR spectra to predict the number of cis and trans double bonds. For each chain length the method provides information about the amount of the saturated FA, the amount of trans monoenes, the amount of cis monoenes, the amount of PUFA, and the average number of cis and trans double bonds in PUFA. The method has been validated by summing the values to a total trans value and total unsaturation. These sum values were compared with total trans unsaturation, as determined by AOCS method Cd 14-95, and iodine value, as determined by AOCS Cd 1d-92.     

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.