Fatty acid dosage (total, profile)

Fatty acid determination is an essential analysis for characterizing the lipid composition of a given matrix. This analysis not only determines the total fatty acid content, but also provides a detailed profile ranging from short chains (C6) to long chains (C24). Performed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID), after a lipid transesterification step, this method offers high precision in the quantification and identification of individual fatty acids.

Importance of fatty acid dosage

Fatty acids play a key role in the nutritional, technological and sensory quality of many food products and plant extracts. Their analysis is essential for:

• regulatory nutritional labeling of food products,
• the characterization of lipid ingredients in nutraceutical formulations,
• monitoring the quality of plant, animal or dairy raw materials,
• control of stability and oxidation during storage,
• the differentiation of botanical origins or the detection of falsifications.

This expertise is aimed at both food industry manufacturers and those involved in animal nutrition, food supplements and functional cosmetics.

Analytical techniques implemented

The analysis is mainly based on gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) . This technique, after transesterification of fatty acids into methyl esters, allows for fine separation and quantification. In some cases, GC-MS can also be used for complementary structural identification, especially when complex profiles or difficult matrices are involved.

Analyzed matrices

Fatty acid determination applies to a wide variety of matrices, including:

• vegetable oils and butters,
• dairy products (cream, cheese, infant milk),
• plant or algal extracts,
• meat or fish products,
• food supplements based on concentrated oils,
• cosmetic formulations containing lipids.

This versatility makes it an essential tool for quality assessment and regulatory compliance in many industrial sectors.

Sector applications

In human nutrition , this analysis provides a detailed nutritional profile, essential for labeling and promoting health claims.
In animal nutrition , it is used to optimize formulations, control digestibility and ensure a lipid balance adapted to physiological needs.
In the nutraceutical , the dosage of fatty acids is crucial to validate the concentration claimed in fish, flax or chia oil capsules.
Finally, in cosmetics , it allows the fatty acid composition of natural ingredients used for their emollient and moisturizing properties to be controlled.

Link to other YesWeLab analyses

For a complete assessment, the fatty acid dosage can be combined with other analyses available in our catalog:

• Omega-3 fatty acid dosage to specifically target ALA, EPA and DHA,
• Omega-6 fatty acid assay to characterize the omega-3/omega-6 ratio,
• Peroxide index or TBARS to assess lipid oxidation,
• Acid number to measure the release of free fatty acids.

These complementary analyses provide a global vision of the quality and stability of lipid matrices.

YesWeLab Commitment

At YesWeLab, we work with a network of carefully selected partner laboratories, most of which are certified or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC). Each request is carefully studied to adapt the methods to the specific needs of your project, whether it involves food, nutraceutical, or cosmetic products.

Since 2020, our digital platform has simplified analysis management by centralizing requests, logistics tracking, and results reception. Many manufacturers, distributors, and design offices already trust us to manage their analyses.

To discuss your needs or obtain a personalized quote, contact our scientific team now.