Gas chromatographic separation of the FAME prepared from dairy products,
PHO, and refined vegetable oils applying a negative temperature
gradient.
Abstract
To date no single gas chromatographic method can simultaneously measure
all fatty acids (FA), including trans FA (TFA), that are contained in
dairy products, partially hydrogenated oils (PHO), and refined vegetable
oils. Using 100% poly(biscyanopropyl siloxane) capillary columns,
ruminant and dairy fats are preferentially analyzed by applying
temperature programs that separate short chain FA, but not trans-18:3
from 20:1. Refined vegetable oils and PHO are preferentially analyzed by
applying isothermal elutions that provide quantification of all 18
carbon TFA including trans-18:3 FA, but not of all short chain FA. In
this short communication, we propose a temperature program method
capable of simultaneously measuring short chain FA and all 18 carbon TFA
including trans-18:3 by applying a negative temperature gradient after
the elution of trans-18:1. A simplified version of the method is also
described for equipment not able to perform negative temperature
gradients.