Toxic aldehyde generation in and food uptake from culinary oils during frying practices: peroxidative resistance of a monounsaturate-rich algae oil.

Human ingestion of cytotoxic and genotoxic aldehydes potentially induces deleterious health effects, and high concentrations of these secondary lipid oxidation products (LOPs) are generated in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich culinary oils during high temperature frying practices. Here, we explored the peroxidative resistance of a novel monounsaturate-rich algae frying oil (MRAFO) during laboratory-simulated shallow- and domestically-based repetitive deep-frying episodes (LSSFEs and DBRDFEs respectively), the latter featuring potato chip fryings. Culinary frying oils underwent LSSFEs at 180 °C, and DBRDFEs at 170 °C: aldehydes were determined by 1H NMR analysis in samples collected at increasing heating/frying time-points. Fast food restaurant-fried potato chip serving (FFRPCS) aldehyde contents were also monitored. Substantially lower levels of aldehydes were generated in the MRAFO product than those observed in PUFA-richer oils during LSSFEs. Toxicologically-significant concentrations of aldehydes were detected in FFRPCSs, and potato chips exposed to DBRDFEs when using a PUFA-laden sunflower oil frying medium: these contents increased with augmented deep-frying episode repetition. FFRPCS aldehyde contents were 10-25 ppm for each class monitored. In conclusion, the MRAFO product generated markedly lower levels of food-penetrative, toxic aldehydes than PUFA-rich ones during LSSFEs. Since FFRPCS and DBRDFE potato chip aldehydes are predominantly frying oil-derived, PUFA-deplete MRAFOs potentially offer health-friendly advantages.

Aldehydes identified in commercially available ω-3 supplements via 1 H NMR spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality globally. Studies have suggested that supplementary ω-3 oils may provide cardiovascular protection, although the literature is equivocal. Recently, it has been established that many commercially available ω-3 supplements are unacceptably oxidized, leading to myriad potential health risks. One oxidation product of concern is aldehydes, which have been shown to have mutagenic, cytotoxic, and inflammatory properties that may contribute to many different disease processes, including CVD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of aldehyde contamination in commercially available ω-3 supplements. METHODS: We tested 12 different ω-3 oils (6 fish, 4 krill, 2 algae), using 1 H-nuclear magnetic resonance scanning. This work is of a pilot nature, as such we randomly selected and purchased 12 different oils over the counter from various local retailers according to the sales representatives' recommendations. RESULTS: The four krill products contained aldehydes at concentrations between 5.652 (±0.496) and 6.779 (±1.817) mMol/L. Both algae samples contained aldehydes: 1.235 (±0.111) and 1.565 (±0.618) mMol/L. Two of the six fish oils contained aldehydes 1.568 (±0.291) and 4.319 (±2.361) mMol/L. There is currently no standard for aldehyde content nor for labeling of ω-3 supplements. Two-thirds (8 of 12) of the ω-3 supplements tested in this study contained aldehydes. Aldehydes have the potential to precipitate serious health problems even at very low absolute intake volumes. These findings may provide reason for sober reflection.