Predigested Mixture of Arachidonic and Docosahexaenoic Acids for Better Bio-Accessibility

Abstract

A predigested product from arachidonic acid oil (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil in a 2:1 (w/w) ratio has been developed and evaluated in an in vitro digestion model. To produce this predigested lipid mixture, first, the two oils were enzymatically hydrolyzed up to 90% of free fatty acids (FFAs) were achieved. Then, these two fatty acid (FA) mixtures were mixed in a 2:1 ARA-to-DHA ratio (w/w) and enzymatically esterified with glycerol to produce a mixture of FFAs, mono-, di-, and triacylglycerides. Different glycerol ratios and temperatures were evaluated. The best results were attained at 10 °C and a glycerol-to-FA molar ratio of 3:1. The bio-accessibility of this predigested mixture was studied in an in vitro digestion model. A total of 90% of the digestion product was found in the micellar phase, which contained 30% monoacylglycerides, more than 50% FFAs, and a very small amount of triacylglycerols (3% w/w). All these data indicate an excellent bio-accessibility of this predigested mixture.

Keywords

• arachidonic acid
• bio-accessibility
• docosahexaenoic acid
• esterification
• hydrolysis
• in vitro digestion