Original Research ArticleA novel method for the quantification of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in gummy dietary supplements

- A novel method for quantifying omega-3 PUFA in gummy supplements was validated.
- Twenty market samples of gummy supplements containing marine oils were studied.
- EPA and DHA contents varied from 0.18-5.4 mg/g and 0.99-32 mg/g, respectively.
- Eighteen of the analyzed supplements (90%) met label declarations for DHA.
- Fourteen of the analyzed supplements (70%) contained high-DHA oil.

Dietary supplements containing long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are frequently consumed in the United States (US) to support health and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Gummy supplements which are formulated to contain marine oils are perceived as more palatable alternatives to conventional marine oil soft gels or liquids. However, despite the increasing popularity of these products, a validated method for analyzing their contents of fatty acids has yet to be reported. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a novel analytical method for the quantification of long-chain omega-3 PUFA and other lipids in gummy supplements. This method involves mild digestion of cryogenically homogenized gummy samples followed by liquid-liquid extraction with low toxicity solvents. Extracted lipids are then derivatized to fatty acid methyl esters and analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. This method shows excellent performance in validation studies for accuracy, repeatability, linearity, robustness, and absence of interferences or contaminant carryover. This novel Gummy Method is appropriate for the quantification of long-chain omega-3 PUFA in a variety of gummy supplements which are currently available in the US market.