Determination of Free Fatty Acids: A Comparative Study of the Enzymatic Versus the Gas Chromatographic and the Colorimetric Method

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Abstract
The concentration of free fatty acids in 51 [human] plasma samples was determined by 3 different methods, GLC, a colorimetric and an enzymatic method. Values obtained by the 3 methods show a good correlation. The GLC method was used as reference. The results of the enzymatic method are .apprx. 5% too high and the colorimetric results have a bias of +27%. The coefficients of variation of the 3 assays are 4, 7 and 5%, respectively. Storage of the samples at -18.degree. C gives no change in the total amount of free fatty acids, enzymatically determined. Because of low costs (time, reagents and apparatus), combined with sufficient accuracy and precision, the enzymatic method for the determination of total free fatty acids is the method of choice.