Content of <i>trans</i>‐fatty acids in edible margarines

Abstract

Abstract Fatty acid composition, including trans ‐isomers, was determined for four types of imported margarines consumed by the Bulgarian population. The results were compared with data obtained from a Bulgarian edible margarine produced under German license. Fatty acid composition and trans ‐isomer content were determined by gas chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters on a packed and capillary column, respectively. The total contents of trans ‐isomers of oleic and linoleic acid were within the ranges of 1.9–8.0% and 0.4–1.4%, respectively. The Bulgarian margarine contained similar quantities of trans ‐isomers.