Quantification of Fatty Acids and their Regioisomeric Distribution in Triacylglycerols from Porcine and Bovine Sources Using 13C NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

The uptake of specific fatty acids in humans is dependent on their position on the glycerol backbone. There is a great interest in methods that can access this information fast and accurately. By way of high-resolution NMR, we have analyzed TAG extracted from pig and beef tissues and obtained quantitative data for the composition and regioisomeric distribution of all major unsaturated fatty acids usually found in these source materials, using a combination of manual integration and deconvolution of 13C NMR spectra. In addition, we have developed a method for determining composition and regioisomeric distribution of the two main saturated fatty acids found in pork (16:0, 18:0). The results are discussed in relation to species-specific genetic characteristics of fatty acid and TAG biosynthesis. The developed method could support decisions related to breeding for desired fatty acid profiles, and stimulate further methodology developments using high field NMR.