Development of Analytical Methods and Nutritional Studies Using Synthetic Fatty Acids and Triacylglycerols

The metabolism of fatty acids or triacylglycerol (TAG) is affected by their molecular structures. Several methods to separate and quantify TAG isomers in natural fats and oils were developed. For instance, an analytical method of TAG molecular species using a gas chromatograph-flame ionization detector and the analytical method to separate and quantify TAG positional isomers and enantiomers using a high performance liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer were established. Furthermore, using these analytical methods, the relationship between molecular structure and metabolism of fatty acid and TAG were investigated. Using the CO2 breath test in ddY mice revealed that saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid bound to the sn-2 (beta) position of TAG were highly catabolized in the presence of calcium, whereas saturated fatty acids bound to the sn-1, 3 (alpha) position of TAG were not well catabolized. Recently, the distribution of dietary fatty acids in the body were visualized by combining a stable isotope labeling technique with imaging mass spectrometry, which revealed that the administered arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid accumulated as phospholipid in the mouse brain. The methods developed can assess food quality and create new functional foods.

Automated summary

The study investigated the relationship between the molecular structure of fatty acids and TAG and their metabolism, revealing differences in the catabolism efficiency of saturated fatty acids at different positions in mice. The application of new technologies also allows for the visualization of the distribution of dietary fatty acids in the body, providing insights for food quality assessment and the development of new functional foods.