Intramuscular fatty acid profiles in farm animals vis-a-vis meat eating and nutritional quality: A Review

Abstract

In regards with fast growing meat consumption in modernizing countries in the 20th Century, recommendations for a public healthier eating were formulated. It is assumed that an increasing consumption of meat whose fat composition is considered too high in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and too low in Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), constitutes a public health hazard. The main health risk associated with consumption of meat rich in SFA is that they are reported to contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease in human. This paper aims to review the existing information on some of the most important aspects of intramuscular fatty acid composition and metabolism in farm animals. Trends in healthy eating resulted in selection for leaner animals that has characterized the meat production systems in developed countries, affecting de facto meat eating and technological indices. Similar predictions would be drawn for emerging societies thus; more reflections are needed to deal with human health aspects of meat, without affecting its eating quality and technological processing.

Keywords: Intramuscular fat, fatty acid profiles, meat quality, modern eating trends