INFLUENCE OF SELECTIVE AND NON-SELECTIVE HYDROGENATION OF RAPESEED OIL ON CARCASS FAT OF RATS

Abstract

Two rapeseed oils with erucic acid contents of 23 and 42%, their hydrogenated products produced under selective and non-selective conditions, corn oil, and a lard – olive oil mixture were fed to separate groups of rats for 4 weeks. Fatty acid composition of dietary oils and carcass fats was determined. The rapeseed oils and their hydrogenated products were associated with lower food intakes and lower body weight gains than were corn oil and the lard – olive oil mixture. Small amounts of erucic acid were incorporated into the body fats. It is possible that the amount of palmitic acid in the rapeseed oils and their products is too small for a good balance of dietary fatty acids, and is partially responsible for the lower weight gains.