QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF FATTY ACIDS FROM FISH OILS USING GC-MS METHOD AND H-1-NMR SPECTROSCOPY

Seven species of fish (salmon, mackerel, catfish, two species of phytophagous fish, cod liver, bream) were studied for their oil fatty acids composition. Crude fish oils were obtained by standard Soxlet extraction method. Identification and quantitative measurement of fish oils fatty acids were carried out by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and by H-1-NMR spectroscopy. Fourteen individual fatty acids were identified using GC-MS technique. GC-MS was applied on fatty acids methyl esters. Identification of fatty acids from oil samples was made using a standard mixture of 37 fatty acid methyl esters. H-1-NMR spectroscopy gives information about classes of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. By this method can also determine the omega-3 and docosahexaenoic fatty acid content. Using both analytical methods, polyunsaturated fatty acids important for human health (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids) were identified and quantified.