Effects of relative humidity on the antioxidant properties of α-tocopherol in stripped corn oil

The effects of relative humidity (RH) on the antioxidant properties of α-tocopherol (10, 20, 42, and 84 ppm) were determined in stripped corn oil oxidised at 60 °C. The degree of oxidation in oils was determined by analysing headspace oxygen content and conjugated dienoic acids (CDAs). Changes in moisture and α-tocopherol content were also monitored. The oxidative stability of stripped corn oil and stability of α-tocopherol differed significantly depending on the RH. As the concentration of α-tocopherol increased from 10 to 84 ppm, oxidative stability decreased significantly irrespective of RH. The remaining α-tocopherol content decreased as RH increased, suggesting an important role for moisture content in the stability of α-tocopherol. Antioxidant properties of α-tocopherol were greatly influenced by both moisture content in oil and α-tocopherol concentration.