The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of sterols and fatty acids of oysters cultivated in Florianopolis-SC in two seasons of the year. Oysters were dried in oven at 60 °C for 48 hours and ground. Lipids were determined by Soxhlet method and fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography. Oysters collected during the spring showed a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids than oysters collected during summer. Even so, both samples showed good quantities of n-3: 550 mg.100 g-1 (summer) and 892 mg.100 g-1 (spring). Oysters collected during the spring showed a higher content of total steroids; however, only 42% (summer) and 45% (spring) of these steroids were cholesterol. Oysters cultivated in Florianopolis present healthy lipids, including n-3 and low concentration of cholesterol. Due to their lipid composition, oysters may be part of a healthy diet, following suitable quantity and preparation.
oysters; fatty acids; n-3; cholesterol; sterols
