The aim of this study was to determine whether supplemental addition of coenzyme Q10 and ascorbic
acid or a-tocopherol, either alone or together, can prevent oxidative damage in chicken liver pâté, as
reflected by reduced formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) and by preservation of sensorial
quality. Separate groups of chicken liver pâtés had no supplements (control) or were supplemented with
coenzyme Q10 (0.2 g/kg) and either ascorbic acid (2 g/kg) or a-tocopherol (0.2 g/kg), or both. All products
were pasteurised (82 C) or sterilised (121 C). Four COPs were found: 7a-, 7b-, 20a- and 25-hydroxycholesterol.
The COP radical scavenger function of coenzyme Q10 (control, 5.16 mg/kg; plus Q10, 3.94 mg/
kg) and the synchronous actions of coenzyme Q10 and a-tocopherol (2.6 mg/kg) were confirmed in
sterilised pâtés. Generally, in pasteurised and sterilised pâtés, the most efficient scavenger function was
with ascorbic acid either alone or together with a-tocopherol, where the formation of COPs was below
the limit of detection. An increase of 1.9 mg/kg in COP production during heating was also seen in
samples without added antioxidants. There was a weak interdependence between the content of COPs
and the sensory parameters of the pâté. For addition of antioxidants, in the pasteurised pâté, colour and
smell were slightly improved, but flavour deteriorated; in the sterilised pâté, colour was slightly worse,
with a more tender texture. Overall, instrumentally measured colour and sensory properties (except
texture) showed no significant differences between pasteurisation and sterilisation