ARS | Publication request: Increasing gamma- and delta-tocopherols in oils improves oxidative stability

Submitted to: Lipid Technology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: October 1, 2007
Publication Date: November 29, 2007
Citation: Warner, K.A. 2007. Increasing gamma- and delta-tocopherols in oils improves oxidative stability. Lipid Technology. 19(10):229-231.

Technical Abstract: Over the past two decades, plant geneticists have revolutionized how fatty acid compositions of vegetable oils are optimized to improve oxidative stability and functionality. Now, the expertise of plant geneticists is reaching beyond altering fatty acids to changing other oil components such as tocopherols. Basic lipid research on optimizing tocopherol profiles and ratios in vegetable oils is providing information for geneticists to breed the next generation of oxidatively stable vegetable oils. This review will discuss three studies: first, a basic study to determine the oxidative stability provided by the addition of pure delta and gamma tocopherols to oils treated to remove natural tocopherols; second, a practical study to evaluate the oxidative stability of mid-oleic sunflower oil from seeds modified by plant breeding to contain high amounts of delta and gamma tocopherols; and third, a frying test to determine the effects of gamma tocopherol addition.