title: Analysis of beta-carotene in medical food by liquid chromatography with matrix solid-phase dispersion.
abstract: A liquid chromatographic method is described for analysis of beta-carotene in medical food. The nutrient is extracted from medical food without saponification by matrix solid-phase dispersion and quantitated by isocratic normal-phase chromatography with a Si 60 column and a mobile phase of hexane containing 0.125% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol. The limit of quantitation is 0.02 microgram/mL at 436 nm. Standard response was linear over the concentration range of 0.02-1.0 microgram/mL (r2 = 0.99998). Recoveries were determined on a zero control reference material containing added beta-carotene at various levels. Recoveries averaged 91.2% (n = 25) with coefficients of variation from 0.50 to 3.10%. The method provides a rapid, specific, sensitive, and easily controlled assay for analysis of beta-carotene in fortified medical food. In addition, retinyl palmitate can be assayed simultaneously with an in-line fluorescence detector.
authors.affiliation: U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Atlanta Center for Nutrient Analysis, GA 30309, USA.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Chase
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Eitenmiller
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Long
mesh_terms: D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods*; D004224:Diterpenes; D005526:Food, Formulated / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D011786:Quality Control; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000032:analysis; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D004224:Diterpenes; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; C014794:retinol palmitate