Gas chromatography analysis of omega-3 fatty acids content in fish oil supplements

Abstract

Fish oils are excellence source of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two main bioactive components responsible for health benefits of fish oil are omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), which are essential for humans as cannot be synthesized by the human body. They have been shown to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and reduce inflammation. Fish oil dietary supplements are widely available at various health food stores and pharmacies. The main objective of this study was to analyze omega-3 fatty acids content in encapsulated fish oil dietary supplements present at local market. Samples of four commercial types of encapsulated fish oil products sold on the local market were analysed by gas chromatography (GC-FID). The content of their eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) content was examined. The obtained values for EPA and DHA content in analyzed samples were lower than product declared values ranging from 6.06% to 10% for EPA and from 0.45% to 8% for DHA. These results indicate that the label claims for EPA and DHA for analyzed encapsulated fish oil products are presented with reasonable accuracy.