Fatty acids content in selected edible oils

The four edible oils purchased on Warsaw marked in the years 1996-2002 were investigated. We confirmed that investigated oils contained relatively small amount of saturated fatty acids (7.0-13.4%) and only traces of trans isomers. In the same time they were characterized with high content unsaturated fatty acids, both mono- and polyunsaturated. The highest content of monounsaturated acids (65%) characterized rapeseed oil, whereas polyunsaturated ones--sunflower oil (68%). Polyunsaturated acids were represented mainly by linoleic acid (C18:2). The results of investigation show that oils available on the market despite of their different manufacturers ha got the good health value.