Chromatographic evaluation of tocols and sterols of processed canola oil and deodorizer distillate

Tocopherols and tocotrienols in the combined form are known as tocols. Changes of total and individual tocols and sterols concentration of canola oil and deodorizer distillate (DD) during different processing stages were evaluated with the application of gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For sterols analysis, GC coupled with flame ionization detector (FID) was used while tocols in canola oil samples and DD, normal phase (NP) HPLC was applied. The results of the present study indicated that levels of total and individual tocols and sterols content were decreased during processing (neutralization to deodorization). Deodorization was found to be the most effective process for the reduction of total sterols and tocols as 55.9% and 34.2%, respectively. A high amount of tocols and sterols was observed in DD. Among tocols and sterols; beta tocopherol (β-T) and β-sitosterol were found to be in greater concentration 53.97% and 31.82%, respectively. Therefore, DD could be used as a valuable by-product in the cosmetics and food industries.