Quantitation of oxidized triglyceride monomers and dimers as an useful measurement for early and advanced stages of oxidation

Abstract

Quantitation of oxidized triglyceride monomers and dimers is reported as a good measurement for early and advanced stages of oxidation. Applicability of this approach to follow-up oxidation was tested in samples of trilinolein and methyl linoleate stored at either room temperature or 60°C for different periods of time. Oxidized monomers, dimers and polymers were determined in 50 mg-samples by adding monostearin as internal standard and applying a combination of adsorption chromatography, using silica cartridges, followed by high-performance size-exclusion chromatography. Additionally, peroxide values and tocopherol contents were measured. Results showed that a significant rise of dimeric compounds denoted the end of the induction period while oxidized monomers were the only group of compounds showing a progressive increase during the early stages of oxidation.