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Canned fish is submitted to processes that may degrade its lipids and form harmful compounds called cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). Samples of Brazilian commercial canned tuna were analyzed to evaluate the influence of different liquid mediums (oil and brine) on the fatty acid composition and formation of COPs. The exchange between fish lipids and the constituents of the covering liquid was highlighted by the high levels of linoleic acid found in tuna conserved in oil. High amounts of COPs were found. However, higher contents of COPs were found in tuna in brine (933.14 to 1914.23 µg/g) than in oil (698.24 to 1167.88 µg/g). This result was mainly promoted by the presence of pro-oxidant elements such as salt, as well as greater heat transfer in brine than in oil. This study showed that canned tuna is a potential source of exogenous COPs, indicating the role of liquid mediums in oxidative processes.

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalence has been growing, hence the importance of studying food alternatives with reduced sodium content sensory well accepted. Develop culinary preparations reduced in sodium, with addition of glutamic acid-rich ingredients, and evaluate their sensory acceptance. Research about use of glutamic acid-rich ingredients in recipes was done. Recipes were developed, aiming good sensory acceptance; their salt content was estimated by using TACO and USDA’s food composition table. They were later submitted to sensory analysis, in which was applied 9-point hedonic scale (global acceptance and flavor), and linear scale of 10 cm (salt intensity). Data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey Test (p < 0.05) with software FIZZ Biosystemes. Herbs pie samples with parmesan cheese had better acceptance and salt intensity was perceived as moderate. Bruschetta samples, with tomatoes, were well accepted regardless the presence of refined salt or herbs; and had a harmonious salt intensity perception. Salt intensity was considered adequate on chicken stroganoff samples while champignon mushrooms provided better global acceptance. All samples had 50-60% less salt than traditional recipes. Ingredients naturally rich in glutamic acid (parmesan cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms) are good for strategies of sodium content reduction in culinary preparations, without reduce sensorial acceptance.

Fish and fish products are important from a nutritional point of view due to the presence of high biological value proteins and the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially those of the n-3 series, and above all eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. However, these important food products also contain significant amounts of cholesterol. Although cholesterol participates in essential functions in the human body, it is unstable, especially in the presence of light, oxygen, radiation, and high temperatures that can cause the formation of cholesterol oxidation products or cholesterol oxides, which are prejudicial to human health. Fish processing involves high and low temperatures, as well as other methods for microbiological control, which increases shelf life and consequently added value; however, such processes favor the formation of cholesterol oxidation products. This review brings together data on the formation of cholesterol oxides during the preparation and processing of fish into food products which are recognized and recommended for their nutritional properties.