Analysis and comparison of lipids in yak ghee from different pastoral areas in China based on lipidomics

Background Yak ghee is a traditional dairy product in the Chinese plateau area, rich in lipids. The lipid composition of dairy products is affected by various factors, and the geographical origin of food has attracted consumer attention. Lipidomics has advantages in tracing the origin of high‐fat products. Aims To analyse and compare the lipids in yak ghee from different pastoral areas, find potential geographical traceability lipid markers and study the metabolic pathways of significantly different lipids. Methods Yak ghee samples from five major Chinese yak pastoral areas were collected. Lipids were extracted and analysed using UHPLC‐Q‐Exactive‐HF‐X. Multivariate statistical methods and KEGG pathway analysis were performed. Major Findings A total of 1921 lipid molecules were identified. There were significant differences in lipid composition, carbon chain length, unsaturation and side‐chain fatty acyl composition among different pastoral areas. One hundred and sixty‐three differential lipids were selected, and 24 potential lipid markers were obtained. Significantly differential lipids were mapped to 95 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes (KEGG) and Genomes pathways, and the metabolic mechanism of sphingomyelin (SM) differences was explained. Scientific Implications This study provides a basis for establishing a ghee origin traceability system and offers comprehensive lipids information for ghee from different pastoral areas, which can help in understanding the potential health benefits of ghee and highlighting its product features.