Edina Marie A. Araquil, Jeriel Rose G. Borlongan, Florence King H. Erlano (March 2002)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to make use of the rich aquatic resources of the country as a viable source of nutrients to alleviate malnutrition problems specifically vitamin A deficiency. The study initially involved the extraction and partial purification of the milkfish liver oil, and the determination of its physical and chemical properties. Then a qualitative test on the presence of vitamin A in the milkfish liver oil was conducted, followed by the quantitative determination of vitamin A content of the milkfish liver oil by instrumental method using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography). Finally, a vitamin A emulsion was formulated and prepared.
The results of the study showed that the oil yield of milkfish liver is 13.26%. The HPLC analysis of the Vitamin A content of the milkfish liver oil gave a value of 27,980 I.U./g and its physical and chemical properties were comparable to that of commercially available liver oil extracts.
The study indicated that milkfish liver oil is a good source of vitamin A and could be an alternative to the expensive and imported raw materials like cod and shark liver oils used in the preparation of pharmaceutical supplements.