PROCESS FOR PRODUCING FATTY-ACID-CONTAINING EMULSION USING ULTRASONIC WAVE

摘要

A process for producing an O/W type emulsion by emulsifying an aqueous phase and an oily phase comprising an ω-3 unsaturated fatty acid, said process comprising utilizing a method of emulsification with an ultrasonic wave having a frequency of 20 kHz or higher and an output of 200 W or higher, thereby maintaining the oxidative stability of the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acid contained in the oil droplets of the O/W type emulsion. This ultrasonic emulsification method can solve the problem wherein the long-term stability of ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids remains unsolved even when any of various oxidation prevention methods is used and wherein when ingesting the ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids, there are cases where the emulsions feel unpleasant because of an oxidized flavor and a fully satisfactory oxidation prevention effect cannot be obtained. The ultrasonic emulsification method makes it possible to provide the production process for maintaining the oxidative stability of an O/W type emulsion containing an ω-3 unsaturated fatty acid such as docosahexaenoic acid or eicosapentaenoic acid.