Characterization of farmed and wild salmon (Salmo salar) by a combined use of compositional and isotopic analyses

Gas chromatography, isotope ratio mass spectrometry, and high‐resolution 2H site‐specific natural isotope fractionation/nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have been used to study the different kinds of fish oils and lipids extracted from muscle of wild and farmed salmon (Norway, Scotland). A statistical analysis of the fatty acid compositions, overall 2H and 13C isotope ratios, and molar fractions of the isotopomeric deuterium clusters was carried out to select the most efficient variables for distinguishing the different groups of salmons and fishes studied. A classification analysis based on four fatty acid compositions, three deuterium molar fractions, and the overall (D/H)tot isotope ratio of fish oils completely assings the oils to the right group.