A comparative study of the fatty acid profile of common fruits and fruits claimed to confer health benefits

This study aims to verify the nutritional value of the fatty acid (FA) profile of three fruits claimed to confer health benefits (goji berry, white mulberry, and cranberry), often referred to as "superfruits", over three common fruits (banana, apple, and strawberry). Nineteen different FAs, ranging in concentrations between 0.018 and 9.4 mg/g dry sample were detected. Levels of very long-chained FAs were highest in cranberries, oleic acid was most abundant in goji berries, alpha-linolenic acid showed high levels in strawberries and linoleic acid showed high levels in goji berries and white mulberries. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated FAs was highest in strawberries and goji berries, and the ratio of odd-carbon to even carbon saturated FAs was high in all common fruits, whereas among the superfruits both goji- and white mulberries showed very low ratios. Finally, the ratio of very long-chain to long-chain FAs showed the highest levels in cranberries and apples. A composite measure of the FA profile suggests apples and cranberries to show the most beneficial lipid profile. However, a common and beneficial lipid profile was not found in the superfruits as compared to more common fruits.