Application of 1H NMR in the study of fatty acids composition of vegetable oils.

The fatty acid composition is a parameter that determines the quality and origin of vegetable oils. The standard method used in the analysis of fatty acid composition is gas chromatography (GC). In the last 20 years, however, the 1H NMR method has become more important in the analysis of fatty acids. Thanks to no need of special sample preparation, the high speed of analysis and the possibility to automate the process of analysis, 1H NMR is becoming a popular method of testing vegetable oils. It is possible to test oils both qualitatively and quantitatively, taking into account both the fatty acid profile and the level of minor components. In combination with statistical and chemometric methods, the analysis of 1H NMR spectra allows one to obtain much valuable information about the tested oil, considering its composition, quality, the presence of impurities, or the origin. The paper presents an overview of publications focusing on the application of the 1H NMR method in the profiling of fatty acids in vegetable oils.