Effect of previous ascorbic acid treatment on the fatty acid profile of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) fillets during frozen storage

The present research focuses on the nutritional value of the lipid retention associated with frozen cobia (Rachycentron canadum). The effect of a previous soaking in an aqueous ascorbic acid (AA) solution on the fatty acid profile of fish fillets during a further frozen storage period (-18 degree C) was investigated. Two different AA concentrations were tested (0.25% and 0.50%) and compared to control conditions. As a result of the frozen storage period (up to 6 months), marked decreases were found in the contents of fatty acid groups such as monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and n-3 polyunsaturated, as well as in the n-3/n-6 ratio. However, a preserving effect on such fatty acid parameters could be observed resulting from the previous AA treatment, which was greater when applying the 0.50% AA concentration. Assessment of the polyene index indicated an increased lipid oxidation development during the frozen storage time; this increase was partially inhibited by the previous AA soaking.Original Abstract: Este estudio se centra en el valor nutricional lipidico de cobia (Rachycentron canadum) congelada. Para ello, se investiga el efecto que un tratamiento previo con acido ascorbico (AA) puede tener sobre el perfil de acidos grasos de filete de pescado durante su conservacion en congelacion (-18 degree C; seis meses). Se aplicaron dos concentraciones de AA (0.25% y 0.50%) que fueron comparadas con muestras control. Como resultado de la conservacion en congelacion, se observo un descenso importante en grupos de acidos grasos monoinsaturados, poliinsaturados y poliinsaturados de las serie n-3, asi como en la relacion n-3/n-6. Sin embargo, el tratamiento previo con AA produjo un efecto protector en estos parametros, siendo mayor al aplicar AA en la concentracion superior. La medida del indice de polienos reflejo un incremento de la oxidacion lipidica durante la conservacion en congelacion; este incremento fue parcialmente inhibido como resultado del tratamiento previo con AA.