Numerous studies have focused on arsenic in marine organisms, and relatively high natural levels of the
element have been reported in marine samples. Despite their seemingly consistent presence in marine
oils and fats, there is currently only limited knowledge available on arsenic compounds that exhibit lipid
soluble characteristics, the arsenolipids, in contrast to the water-soluble arsenic species. The development
of analytical techniques has, however, renewed the interest in these arsenic species and significant
novel findings have been published in the last couple of years. The aim of this review is to present current
knowledge on the occurrence and chemistry of arsenolipids in marine oils, and to identify future research
needs. The occurrence of arsenolipids and their relevance in marine organisms will be discussed, in addition
to their relevance for consumers and industry, with respect to feed and food safety and legislative
issues. Analytical techniques, including techniques in the early work on arsenolipids in addition to methods
employed today, and relevant sample preparation will be discussed.