Effect of dietary tocopherols and tocotrienols on the antioxidant status and lipid stability of chicken

We determined the effect of dietary tocopherols and tocotrienols on the lipid stability of pre-cooked chicken breast and thigh. The birds were supplemented with one of two doses of a commercial mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols (Oryza1, Oryza2) or one of two doses of all-rac alpha-tocopherol acetate (Toc1, Toc2). Diets were formulated so that Oryza1 and Toc1 and Oryza2 and Toc2 contained similar tocopherol concentrations. No quantifiable amounts of tocotrienols were found in either breast or thigh muscles. Tocotrienols present in the diet reduced muscle alpha-tocopherol concentration. The effect of Oryza1 on the tocopherol content in muscle and on its lipid stability was not significant. The Oryza2, Toc1 and Toc2 diets increased the alpha- and gamma-tocopherol in breast and thigh muscles and enhanced their lipid stability. This improvement was only due to the antioxidant action of the tocopherols. Lipid stability of pre-cooked chicken was not enhanced by adding tocotrienols to a tocopherol supplement. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.