Oxidomics on the omega-3 volatile degradation pattern to determine differences between vegetable and marine oils

In this work, oxidation assessment of vegetable and marine oils was performed based on their quantitative volatile profile and data analysis by 3-way partial least square chemometrics. Classification models were obtained using broad-spectrum isotopically labelled standards on the analysis of 25 volatile compounds from omega-3 fatty acid (FA) degradation by headspace solid phase microextraction gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Our oxidomic approach was performed on edible oils that differed in their origin (marine or vegetable) and in their omega-3 FA profile. In order to achieve a 3D matrix, every oil was oxidized at 6 different time-points. The obtained models classified edible oils according to their volatile degradation pattern. Oxidation of eicosapentaenoic/docosahexaenoic FA was mainly related to 2-propenal, butanal and 2-ethylfuran while α-linolenic acid oxidation was linked to 1-hydroxy-2-butanone and 5-ethyl-2(5H)-furanone. The present research provides valuable information on the degradation differences of omega-3 oils and proposes specific oxidation markers that could be used to ensure their quality assurance and avoid intentional adulterations.