Understanding lipid quality variability in Asia Pacific through comprehensive lipid evaluation tests

The objective of this study was to investigate the variability in the oxidative quality and nutritional values of different lipid samples collected across Asia-Pacific region. The oxidative quality was evaluated through the peroxide value (PV) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, while the free fatty acid (FFA) content and degree of fatty acid saturation (U/S ratio) were two essential parameters used to understand the nutritional values or metabolizable energy (ME) values of lipid samples. A total of 1221 lipid samples were collected and analyzed over a period of 10 years. The study showed high variability in oxidative quality between the lipid samples. Due to higher unsaturated fatty acid composition, the oxidative quality for most of the fish oil and soybean oil was at a less favorable range compared to rice bran oil, crude palm oil, and refined palm oil. The standard deviation of free fatty acids (FFA) content of soybean oil and refined palm oil was smaller compared to tallow, rice bran oil, crude palm oil, and fish oil. Fish oil and soybean oil had a higher standard deviation in U/S ratio. Variations in the FFA content and U/S ratio contributed to fluctuation in ME values.