Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and selenomethionine supplementation on physicochemical properties, oxidative stability and endogenous enzyme activities of fresh pork loin

Abstract

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, oxidative stability, and endogenous enzyme activities in fresh pork loin from pigs fattened by supplementation of 3 % soybean oil (control), 3 % linseed oil or 3 % linseed oil combined with 0.3 mg/kg selenomethionine (SeMet). Both linseed oil treatments led to higher n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels, lower L* values, n-6/n-3 ratios, and lipoxygenase activity compared to the control (P < 0.001). Supplementation with linseed oil alone reduced a*, n-6 PUFA, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and GPx activity in pork loin compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). Adding SeMet decreased neutral lipase activity but did not affect a* or GPx activity (P > 0.05), likely due to the antioxidant property of SeMet. Overall, linseed oil and SeMet supplementation is a promising strategy to significantly increase n-3 PUFA content in pork without compromising color properties or oxidative stability.