Tocopherol composition of deodorization distillates and their antioxidative activity

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Deodorization distillates from plant oil refining are by-products rich in valuable biological substances like tocopherols.
• Tocopherols are potent antioxidants with significant implications for food preservation and nutritional value.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the content and antioxidant capacity of tocopherol concentrates derived from rapeseed, soybean, and sunflower oil deodorization distillates.
• To compare the antioxidant efficacy of these natural tocopherol concentrates against synthetic tocopherol isomers.

Main Methods:

• Tocopherol concentrates were isolated from deodorization distillates using a freezing method with an acetone solution at -70°C.
• Antioxidant activity was assessed using peroxide value measurements at 25°C and the Oxidograph test in a lard model system.
• Comparisons were made with synthetic alpha-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherols.

Main Results:

• The freezing method yielded tocopherol concentrates with approximately a fivefold increase in tocopherol content compared to deodorization condensates.
• All tested tocopherol concentrates demonstrated antioxidant capacity in the lard model system.
• The antioxidant effect of natural concentrates was lower than synthetic delta- and gamma-tocopherols but higher than alpha-tocopherol.

Conclusions:

• Natural tocopherol concentrates from plant oils are effective food antioxidants.
• These concentrates enhance the biological and nutritional value of foods, particularly animal fats and products of animal origin.
• Tocopherol concentrates present a viable natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants currently used in the food industry.