Investigation into Level of Retinol and Other Antioxidants Present in Vegetable Oil Consumed in Ekiti/Ondo State Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Twenty-two different brands of vegetable oils were collected in different markets in Ekiti/Ondo State of Western Nigeria and tagged as samples A to V, respectively. The oils were estimated for retinol and various antioxidants like; phenol, tocopherol, ascorbic acid and iron reducers using standard methods. The study showed no significant (p>0.05) difference in the concentrations of the retinal, tocopherol and ascorbic acid present in the different oil brands but with significance (p<0.05) differences in the concentration of tannic acid and reducing properties of the oils. For instance, the Sample B, F and N had the highest (857.8 USP/g) while sample I had the lowest (816.6 USP/g) concentrations of retinol, respectively. However, the level of added retinols and other antioxidants were within the limits approved by the laws and controls of the Regulatory bodies (NAFDAC and SON) for the imported but edible vegetable oils. The report of this present analytic survey showed the degree of compliance stipulated by the regulatory bodies by the importers and local producers, (in the areas of the added retinol and antioxidant concentrations) in these imported vegetable oils ranges.