Just Keep Swimming: NMR For Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3s and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are an important part of the human diet. Both are necessary for the body to conduct basic metabolic processes including heart and brain activity. PUFAs are also responsible for reducing inflammation in the body and have been known to have anti-cancer properties.
However, many people don't get enough omega-3s in their diet because their main source for them is fish. Fortunately, the composition of fish oil supplements can be analyzed using NMR benchtop spectrometers so people can get the omega-3s and PUFAs they need for a well-balanced diet.
How are Omega-3 supplements made?
The main omega-3s from fish oil include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). EPA and DHA have the most health benefits, assisting with blood regulation, proper brain function, improved cardiovascular health, and more.
The fish oil concentrates many people use to receive these health benefits are unique to omega-3 supplements. Certain fish oil concentrates aren't naturally occurring, but need to be extracted through a transesterification reaction.
For instance, using a triglyceride of PUFA, a reaction is made using ethanol. The reaction eliminates the triglyceride linkage as glycerol and creates the ethyl ester derivatives (EPA, DHA, and ALA) instead. Transesterification reactions are used because the process renders the PUFAs easier to refine, purify, and concentrate for use.
What is NMR spectroscopy's role in Omega-3 supplements?
Ethyl ester derivatives are considered difficult for the body to absorb. But because the supplements are prepared in the absence of saturated and monosaturated fatty acids, and other undesirable toxins from natural fish oils you don't need to worry about absorbing other fatty acids or toxins from the nutrient source.
NMR spectroscopy can be used to determine the quality parameters of omega-3 supplements. Using a benchtop NMR spectrometer, impurities can be located and removed during the omega-3 supplements creation process. NMR can also determine whether or not the transesterification reaction was effective in the triglyceride for accurate and effective creation of ethyl ester derivatives.
NMR benchtop spectrometers grant you the ability to use nuclear magnetic resonance, one of the most useful analytical methods in modern chemistry, but in a more affordable and accessible way. The NMReady-60e is a market-leading compact, single-channel NMR spectrometer with superior performance and innovative design. For more information on the NMReady-60e and other benchtop spectrometers, contact Nanalysis today.