Fate in digestion in vitro of several food components, including some toxic compounds coming from omega-3 and omega-6 lipids

In this study it was proved the formation of oxygenated alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes (OαβUAs) of 6, 7, 9 and 10 carbon atoms during the thermal treatment (190 °C with aeration) of a commercial vegetable oil rich in omega-3 and omega-6 acyl groups, which also contained small amounts of added proteins and carbohydrates to produce barbecue aroma when heated. The OαβUAs detected by Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) followed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) were: 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal, 4-oxo-2-hexenal and 4,5-epoxy-2-heptenals, coming from omega-3 acyl groups; and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, 4-oxo-2-nonenal and 4,5-epoxy-2-decenals, coming from omega-6 acyl groups. Mixtures of this oil, either thermodegraded or not, with standard food were submitted to an in vitro digestion model. The study of the digestion products obtained revealed that OαβUAs remained unaltered, being bioaccessible in the gastrointestinal tract and so able to reach the systemic circulation. Besides, it was evidenced that during digestion Maillard, esterification and oxidation reactions take place.