Formulation of sunflower and flaxseed oil blends rich in omega 3 fatty acids

The recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) are aimed at increasing the consumption of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. The recommended ratio of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids in diet is 4-10 : 1, which allows muscle building, hormone production, reduces risk of the cardiovascular diseases, reduces blood pressure, triglyceride concentrations, improves brain functions, mood, intelligence etc. However, just some foods (eg. flaxseed oil, fish oils etc.) are rich in these compounds. The aim of this study was to examine the possibility of enriching refined sunflower oil (RSO) with omega 3 fatty acids by adding cold pressed flaxseed oil (CPFO). Samples: refined sunflower oil, cold pressed flaxseed oil, their blends in the mass ratio 70:30, 50:50 and 30:70 were analised, and the obtained results were compared with the one comertial vegetable oil blend present on the market of R. Serbia. The content of saturated fatty acids in analysed samples ranged from 9.63 to 10.3 2%, monounsaturated from 17.15 to 30.44 % and polyunsaturated from 59.78 to 73.15 %. The ratio of omega 6 : omega 3 fatty acids found in the samples was between 853 : 1 and 0.33 : 1.