Determination of chondroitin sulfate content in raw materials and dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection after enzymatic hydrolysis: single-laboratory validation

A method to quantify chondroitin sulfate in raw materials and dietary supplements at a range of about 5 to 100% (w/w) chondroitin sulfate has been developed and validated. The chondroitin sulfate is first selectively hydrolyzed by chondroitinase ACII enzyme to form un-, mono-, di-, and trisulfated unsaturated disaccharides; the resulting disaccharides are then quantified by ion-pairing liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The amounts of the individual disaccharides are summed to yield the total amount of chondroitin sulfate in the material. Single-laboratory validation has been performed to determine the repeatability, accuracy, selectivity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, ruggedness, and linearity of the method. Repeatability precision for total chondroitin sulfate content was between 1.60 and 4.72% relative standard deviation, with HorRat values between 0.79 and 2.25. Chondroitin sulfate recovery from raw material negative control was between 101 and 102%, and recovery from finished product negative control was between 105 and 106%.     

Determination of ubidecarenone (coenzyme Q10, ubiquinol-10) in raw materials and dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: single-laboratory validation

A method based on high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection has been developed to quantify ubidecarenone [coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)] in raw materials and dietary supplements. Single-laboratory validation has been performed on the method to determine repeatability, accuracy, selectivity, limits of detection and quantification (LOQ), ruggedness, and linearity for CoQ10. As CoQ10 can exist as the biologically active reduced form, the application of an oxidizing agent, ferric chloride, drives the equilibrium mechanics to the fully oxidized state and allows for exact quantification of total CoQ10 in the sample. This method was found to be fit and linear for the testing of materials containing CoQ10 in the range of approximately equal 50-1000 mg/g. Repeatability precision for CoQ10 was between 2.15 and 5.00% relative standard deviation. Observed recovery of CoQ10 was found to be between 93.8 and 100.9%. LOQ was found to be 9 microg/mL. Further, limited studies showed that some adulterants and degraded material could be satisfactorily separated from CoQ10 and identified.     

Method for the determination of Aconitum alkaloids in dietary supplements and raw materials by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and confirmation by tandem mass spectrometry: single-laboratory validation

A study of single-laboratory validation (SLV) of a reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) method was conducted for the determination of diester-diterpene Aconitum alkaloids, viz., aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine, in a variety of dietary supplements, including single- and multiple-ingredient dry powder extracts, pills, capsules, and raw materials. The Aconitum alkaloids in the samples were extracted by diethyl ether in the presence of ammonia. After cleanup with solid-phase extraction to remove the matrix interferences, the alkaloids were determined by RP-LC with UV detection at 235 nm, and the results were confirmed by tandem mass spectrometry. The linear responses for aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine based on the present LC system ranged from 0.5 to 200 microg/mL. Relative standard deviations of 2.0 to 6.9% were obtained from duplicate analysis of 6 test materials of different matrixes for the 3 Aconitum alkaloids performed by 2 analysts on 5 different days. The recoveries determined for supplements and raw materials spiked with 3 Aconitum alkaloids at levels of 2.5-10 microg/g were in the range of 86-99%. In view of the attainment of satisfactory results for accuracy, precision, and recovery in the SLV study, it is recommended that the method validation process proceed to a collaborative study.     

Determination of campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol in saw palmetto raw materials and dietary supplements by gas chromatography: single-laboratory validation

In conjunction with an AOAC Presidential Task Force on Dietary Supplements, a method was validated for measurement of 3 plant sterols (phytosterols) in saw palmetto raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements. AOAC Official Method 994.10, "Cholesterol in Foods," was modified for purposes of this validation. Test samples were saponified at high temperature with ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution. The unsaponifiable fraction containing phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol) was extracted with toluene. Phytosterols were derivatized to trimethylsilyl ethers and then quantified by gas chromatography with a hydrogen flame ionization detector. The presence of the phytosterols was detected at concentrations greater than or equal to 1.00 mg/100 g based on 2-3 g of sample. The standard curve range for this assay was 0.00250 to 0.200 mg/mL. The calibration curves for all phytosterols had correlation coefficients greater than or equal to 0.995. Precision studies produced relative standard deviation values of 1.52 to 7.27% for campesterol, 1.62 to 6.48% for stigmasterol, and 1.39 to 10.5% for beta-sitosterol. Recoveries for samples fortified at 100% of the inherent values averaged 98.5 to 105% for campesterol, 95.0 to 108% for stigmasterol, and 85.0 to 103% for beta-sitosterol.     

Determination of major phenolic compounds in Echinacea spp. raw materials and finished products by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: single-laboratory validation matrix extension

A method previously validated to determine caftaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cynarin, echinacoside, and cichoric acid in echinacea raw materials has been successfully applied to dry extract and liquid tincture products in response to North American consumer needs. Single-laboratory validation was used to assess the repeatability, accuracy, selectivity, LOD, LOQ, analyte stability (ruggedness), and linearity of the method, with emphasis on finished products. Repeatability precision for each phenolic compound was between 1.04 and 5.65% RSD, with HorRat values between 0.30 and 1.39 for raw and dry extract finished products. HorRat values for tinctures were between 0.09 and 1.10. Accuracy of the method was determined through spike recovery studies. Recovery of each compound from raw material negative control (ginseng) was between 90 and 114%, while recovery from the finished product negative control (maltodextrin and magnesium stearate) was between 97 and 103%. A study was conducted to determine if cichoric acid, a major phenolic component of Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and E. angustifolia DC, degrades during sample preparation (extraction) and HPLC analysis. No significant degradation was observed over an extended testing period using the validated method.     

Determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV: collaborative study

A multilaboratory collaborative study was conducted on a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method utilizing UV detection, previously validated using AOAC single-laboratory validation guidelines for determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements at levels ranging from 0.4 to 6% (w/w). Nine collaborating laboratories determined the hydrastine and berberine content in 8 blind samples. Sample materials included powdered botanical raw materials, whole root material, and 4 finished product dietary supplements containing either goldenseal powdered root material or extract. The materials were extracted with an acidified water and acetonitrile solution. HPLC analyses of the extracts were performed on a C18 column using UV detection at 230 nm. Results for powdered root material and capsule products ranged from about 0.2% (w/w) for each alkaloid to about 4% (w/w) for each alkaloid. Liquid tincture results were approximately 4000-5000 microg/mL for each alkaloid. Reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) for hydrastine ranged from 2.68 to 6.65%, with HorRat values ranging from 0.77 to 1.89. RSDR for berberine ranged from 5.66 to 7.68%, with HorRat values ranging from 1.32 to 2.12. All finished products containing goldenseal extract yielded HorRat values <2.0. Based on these results, the method is recommended for Official First Action for determination of hydrastine and berberine in goldenseal raw materials and dietary supplement finished products containing powdered goldenseal and goldenseal extract.     

Determination of anthocyanins in cranberry fruit and cranberry fruit products by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: single-laboratory validation

A single-laboratory validation study was conducted on an HPLC method for the detection and quantification of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside (C3Ga), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3GI), cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside (C3Ar), peonidin-3-O-galactoside (P3Ga), and peonidin-3-O-arabinoside (P3Ar) in cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) raw material and finished products. An extraction procedure using a combination of sonication and shaking with acidified methanol was optimized for all five anthocyanins in freeze-dried cranberry fruit and finished products (commercial extract powder, juice, and juice cocktail). Final extract solutions were analyzed by HPLC using a C18 RP column. Calibration curves for all anthocyanin concentrations had correlation coefficients (r2) of > or = 99.8%. The method detection limits for C3Ga, C3Gl, C3Ar, P3Ga, and P3Ar were estimated to be 0.018, 0.016, 0.006, 0.013, and 0.011 microg/mL, respectively. Separation was achieved with a chromatographic run time of 35 min using a binary mobile phase with gradient elution. Quantitative determination performed in triplicate on four test materials on each of 3 days (n = 12) resulted in RSD(r) from 1.77 to 3.31%. Analytical range, as defined by the calibration curves, was 0.57-36.53 microg/mL for C3Ga, 0.15-9.83 microg/mL for C3GI, 0.28-17.67 microg/mL for C3Ar, 1.01-64.71 microg/mL for P3Ga, and 0.42-27.14 microg/mL for P3Ar. For solid materials prepared by the described method, this translates to 0.06-3.65 mglg for C3Ga, 0.02-0.98 mg/g for C3Gl, 0.03-1.77 mg/g for C3Ar, 0.10-6.47 mg/g for P3Ga, and 0.04-2.71 mg/g for P3Ar.     

Determination of aristolochic acid in botanicals and dietary supplements by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection and by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry: single laboratory validation confirmation

The presence of aristolochic acid in some dietary supplements is a concern to regulators and consumers. A method has been developed, by initially using a reference method as a guide, during single laboratory validation (SLV) for the determination of aristolochic acid I, also known as aristolochic acid A, in botanical species and dietary supplements at concentrations of approximately 2 to 32 microg/g. Higher levels were determined by dilution to fit the standard curve. Through the SLV, the method was optimized for quantification by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (LC-UV) and LC/mass spectrometry (MS) confirmation. The test samples were extracted with organic solvent and water, then injected on a reverse phase LC column. Quantification was achieved with linear regression using a laboratory automation system. The SLV study included systematically optimizing the LC-UV method with regard to test sample size, fine grinding of solids, and solvent extraction efficiency. These parameters were varied in increments (and in separate optimization studies), in order to ensure that each parameter was individually studied; the test results include corresponding tables of parameter variations. In addition, the chromatographic conditions were optimized with respect to injection volume and detection wavelength. Precision studies produced overall relative standard deviation values from 2.44 up to 8.26% for aristolochic acid I. Mean recoveries were between 100 and 103% at the 2 microg/g level, between 102 and 103% at the 10 microg/g level, and 104% at the 30 microg/g level.     

Determination of Bitter Orange alkaloids in dietary supplements standard reference materials by liquid chromatography with ultraviolet absorbance and fluorescence detection

Four adrenergic amines [synephrine, octopamine, tyramine, and n-methyltyramine] were determined in a variety of Bitter Orange containing dietary supplements. Two extraction techniques were evaluated in detail: Soxhlet extraction and sonication extraction. A liquid chromatographic separation using a reversed-phase C(18) stationary phase and the ion-pairing reagent sodium dodecyl sulfate was developed to separate the Bitter Orange alkaloids. Ultraviolet absorbance detection at 220 nm and fluorescence detection with excitation at 273 nm and emission at 304 nm were used for the alkaloid detection. The method described was used for the assignment of the levels of the predominant alkaloids in three candidate standard reference materials containing Bitter Orange.     

Determination of zearalenone in botanical dietary supplements, soybeans, grains, and grain products by immunoaffinity column cleanup and liquid chromatography: single-laboratory validation

The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility characteristics of a method for measuring levels of zearalenone (ZON) in botanical root products, soybeans, grains, and grain products were determined by an AOAC single-laboratory validation procedure. Replicates of 10 test portions of each powdered root product (black cohosh, ginger, ginseng), brown rice flour, brown rice grain, oat flour, rice bran, soybeans, and wheat flour at each spiking level (ZON at 0, 50, 100, and 200 microg/kg) were analyzed on 3 separate days. Test samples were extracted with methanol-water (75 + 25, v/v). The extracts were centrifuged or filtered, diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.5% Tween 20, and filtered; the filtrates were applied to an immunoaffinity column containing antibodies specific for ZON. After the column was washed with methanol-PBS (15 + 85, v/v) containing 0.5% Tween 20 and then with water, the toxin was eluted from the column with methanol, and the eluate was diluted with water. The eluate containing the toxin was then subjected to RPLC with fluorescence detection. All commodities that were found to contain ZON at < 10 microg/kg were used for the recovery study. The average within-day and between-days recoveries of ZON added at levels of 50-200 microg/kg ranged from 82 to 88% and from 81 to 84%, respectively, for all test commodities. The total average of within- and between-day SD and RSDr values for all test commodities ranged from 2.5 to 7.3 microg/kg and from 4.6 to 6.2%, respectively. HorRat values were <1.3 for all matrixes examined. The tested method was found to be acceptable for the matrixes examined.     

Determination of ginsenoside content in Asian and North American ginseng raw materials and finished products by high-performance liquid chromatography: single-laboratory validation

A single-laboratory validation study was conducted for the quantification of Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd in Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) and North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) raw materials and finished products by RP-HPLC. The extraction with aqueous methanol was optimized for whole root, powdered extract, and finished product (raw, tablet, and capsule matrixes) test articles. Root materials were treated with base to hydrolyze acidic malonyl ginsenosides to their neutral counterparts. Calibration curves for each ginsenoside were linear over the following ranges (microg/g): 5-394 for Rg1, 15-1188 for Re, 39-2981 for Rb1, 6-499 for Rc, 5-406 for Rb2, and 7-600 for Rd, all having a coefficient of determination (r2) of > or = 99.5%. The LOD for Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, and Rd was determined to be 1.06, 1.25, 2.19, 1.24, 1.27, and 1.70 microg/mL, respectively. Quantitative determinations performed with eight test materials by two analysts over 3 days (n = 12) resulted in RSDr values that ranged from 1.11 to 7.61%.     

Determination of fumonisin B1 in botanical roots by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection: single-laboratory validation

The accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility characteristics of a published method for measuring levels of fumonisin B1 (FB1) in botanical root products were determined by an AOAC single-laboratory validation procedure. Replicates of 10 test portions of each powdered root product (black cohosh, echinacea, ginger, ginseng, valerian, dong quai, and turmeric) at each spiking level (FB1 at 0, 50, 100, and 200 ng/g) were analyzed on 3 separate days. Test samples were extracted with methanol-acetonitrile-water (25 + 25 + 100, v/v/v). The extracts were centrifuged, the supernatants diluted with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing 1% Tween 20 and filtered, and the filtrates applied to an immunoaffinity column containing antibodies specific for fumonisins. After the column was washed sequentially with PBS and water, the toxin was eluted from the column with 80% methanol, and the eluate dried by lyophilization. The residue was reconstituted with 50% acetonitrile. FB1 was derivatized with a mixture of o-phthaldialdehyde and mercaptoethanol by using an LC autoinjector. Separations were performed with an RP-LC column, and the FB1 derivative was quantified by fluorescence detection. All root products were found to contain FB1 at <10 ng/g. Average within- and between-day recoveries of FB1 from the botanical roots ranged from 67 to 95% and from 68 to 100%, respectively. Total RSD values for within- and between-day repeatability ranged from 5.5 to 26.4%. HorRat values were <1.3 for all of the matrixes examined. The method meets the AOAC method performance criteria at levels of >50 ng/g for the seven botanical roots tested.     

Determination of total soy isoflavones in dietary supplements, supplement ingredients, and soy foods by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection: collaborative study

An interlaboratory study was conducted to evaluate a method for determining total soy isoflavones in dietary supplements, dietary supplement ingredients, and soy foods. Isoflavones were extracted using aqueous acetonitrile containing a small amount of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and all 12 of the naturally occuring isoflavones in soy were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection using apigenin as an internal standard. Fifteen samples (6 pairs of blind duplicates plus 3 additional samples) of soy isoflavone ingredients, soy isoflavone dietary supplements, soy flour, and soy protein products were successfully analyzed by 13 collaborating laboratories in 6 countries. For repeatability, the relative standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 1.07 for samples containing over 400 mglg total isoflavones to 3.31 for samples containing 0.87 mg/g total isoflavones, and for reproducibility the RSDR values ranged from 2.29 for samples containing over 400 mg/g total isoflavones to 9.36 for samples containing 0.87 mg/g total isoflavones. HorRat values ranged from 1.00 to 1.62 for all samples containing at least 0.8 mg/g total isoflavones. One sample, containing very low total isoflavones (< 0.05 mg/g), gave RSDR values of 175 and a HorRat value of 17.6. This sample was deemed to be below the usable range of the method. The method provides accurate and precise results for analysis of soy isoflavones in dietary supplements and soy foods.     

Determination of beta-carotene in supplements and raw materials by reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography: collaborative study

Twelve laboratories representing 4 countries participated in an interlaboratory study conducted to determine all-trans-veta-carotene and total beta-carotene in dietary supplements and raw materials. Thirteen samples were sent as blind duplicates to the collaborators. Results obtained from 11 laboratories are reported. For products composed as softgels and tablets that were analyzed for total beta-carotene, the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 3.35 to 23.09% and the HorRat values ranged from 1.06 to 3.72. For these products analyzed for trans beta-carotene, the reproducibility relative standard deviation (RSDR) ranged from 4.28 to 22.76% and the HorRat values ranged from 0.92 to 3.37. The RSDr and HorRat values in the analysis of a beadlet raw material were substantial and it is believed that the variability within the material itself introduced significant variation in subsampling. The method uses high pressure liquid chromatography (LC) in the reversed-phase mode with visible light absorbance for detection and quantitation. If high levels of alpha-carotenes are present, a second LC system is used for additional separation and quantitation of the carotene species. It is recommended that the method be adopted as an AOAC Official Method.     

Method for the determination of beta-carotene in supplements and raw materials by reversed-phase liquid chromatography: single laboratory validation

A single laboratory validation (SLV) study was conducted for a liquid chromatography (LC) method for the determination of total and all-trans-beta-carotene in a variety of dietary supplements, including multivitamin tablets, softgels, capsules, and beadlet raw materials. Extraction variants were developed for the different types of supplements tested based upon the supplement type and level of beta-carotene. Water dispersible formulations such as powders, emulsions, tablets, and capsules were enzymatically digested with protease and extracted with dichloromethane-ethanol. Oily suspensions were directly dissolved in dichloromethane-ethanol. After appropriate dilution or concentration, the extracts were chromatographed by using either a reversed-phase C18 column or, in products containing high amounts of alpha-carotene, a reversed-phase C30 column. The LC systems provided linear responses in the range of 0.1-50 microg beta-carotene/mL. The main geometrical isomers of beta-carotene (all-trans, 9-cis, 13-cis, and 15-cis) were well separated from each other and from other carotenoids such as a-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin. Duplicate determinations of total beta-carotene performed by 2 technicians in 8 different test materials on 5 different days resulted in relative standard deviations of 1.2-4.4%. Recoveries determined for supplements and beadlet raw material spiked with beta-carotene levels of 10 microg to 100 mg/test portion and 0.2-40%, respectively, ranged from 97.5 to 102.1%. On the basis of the accuracy, precision, and recovery results from the SLV study, the method is suggested for a collaborative study on the determination of total and all-trans-beta-carotene in dietary supplements.     

Determination of vitamin B12 in food products by liquid chromatography/UV detection with immunoaffinity extraction: single-laboratory validation

A fast and simple method to determine vitamin B12 in foods is presented. The method allows, in addition to the determination of added cyanocobalamin, the determination of natural vitamin B12 forms, making it also applicable to nonfortified products, especially those that are milk-based. Vitamin B12 is extracted in sodium acetate buffer in the presence of sodium cyanide (100 degrees C, 30 min). After purification and concentration with an immunoaffinity column, vitamin B12 is determined by liquid chromatography with UV detection (361 nm). The method has been validated in analyses of a large range of products: milk- and soy-based infant formulas, cereals, cocoa beverages, health care products, and polyvitamin premixes. The method showed appropriate performance characteristics: linear response over a large range of concentrations, recovery rates of 100.8 +/- 7.5% (average +/- standard deviation), relative standard deviation of repeatability, RSDr, of 2.1%, and intermediate reproducibility, RSDiR, of 4.3%. Limits of detection and quantitation were 0.10 and 0.30 microg/100 g, respectively, and correlation with the reference microbiological assay was good (R2 = 0.9442). The proposed method is suitable for the routine determination of vitamin B12 in fortified foods, as well as in nonfortified dairy products. It can be used as a faster, more selective, and more precise alternative to the classical microbiological determination.     

Determination of bitter orange alkaloids in dietary supplement Standard Reference Materials by liquid chromatography with atmospheric-pressure ionization mass spectrometry

A liquid chromatographic atmospheric-pressure ionization electrospray mass spectrometry (LC–API–ES–MS) method has been developed for the determination of five bitter orange alkaloids (synephrine, octopamine, n-methyltyramine, tyramine, and hordenine) in bitter orange-containing dietary supplement standard reference materials (SRMs). The materials represent a variety of natural, extracted, and processed sample matrices. Two extraction techniques were evaluated: pressurized-fluid extraction (PFE) and sonication extraction. The influence of different solvents, extraction temperatures, and pH were investigated for a plant material and a processed sample. The LC method uses a new approach for the separation of highly polar alkaloids. A fluorinated, silica-based stationary phase separated the five alkaloids and the internal standard terbutaline in less than 20 min. This method enabled the determination of the dominant alkaloid synephrine and other minor alkaloids in a variety of dietary supplement SRMs.     

Determination of campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol in saw palmetto raw materials and dietary supplements by gas chromatography: collaborative study

An interlaboratory study was conducted to evaluate a method for the determination of campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol in saw palmetto raw materials and dietary supplements at levels >1.00 mg/100 g based on a 2-3 g sample. Test samples were saponified at high temperature with ethanolic KOH solution. The unsaponifiable fraction containing phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol) was extracted with toluene. Phytosterols were derivatized to trimethylsilyl ethers and then quantified by gas chromatography with hydrogen flame ionization detection. Twelve blind duplicates, one of which was fortified, were successfully analyzed by 10 collaborators. Recoveries were obtained for the sample that was fortified. The results were 99.8, 111, and 111% for campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol, respectively. For repeatability, the relative standard deviation (RSDr) ranged from 3.93 to 17.3% for campesterol, 3.56 to 22.7% for stigmasterol, and 3.70 to 43.9% for beta-sitosterol. For reproducibility, the RSDR ranged from 7.97 to 22.6%, 0 to 26.7%, and 5.27 to 43.9% for campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol, respectively. Overall, the Study Director approved 5 materials with acceptable HorRat values for campesterol, stigmasterol, and beta-sitosterol ranging from 1.02 to 2.16.     

Determination of coenzyme Q10 in over-the-counter dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric detection

A rapid and sensitive method is described for the determination of coenzyme Q10 (Q10) in over-the-counter dietary supplements by automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with coulometric detection. Sample solutions of powder-filled capsules, oil-based softgels, and tablets were prepared by serial dilution with 1-propanol. After dilution, a known volume of sample solution containing Q10 and the internal standard, coenzyme Q9 (Q9), was directly injected into the HPLC system. Most of electrochemically active compounds in the injection were oxidized at the precolumn conditioning cell and postcolumn guard cell. Q9 and Q10 were monitored at an analytical cell that contained 2 coulometric electrodes, where Q9 and Q10 were reduced to the corresponding ubiquinol-9 and -10 and then oxidized to produce currents. This method produced a linear detector response for peak height measurements over the concentration range of 0.05-8 microg/mL (r > 0.999). The lower limit of detection was 5 ng/mL (signal-to-noise ratio, > or =3). The mean recovery was 98.9 +/- 0.6%; coefficients of variation for intra- and interday precisions were 1.8-4.0%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of Q10 in marketed products.     

Determination of coenzyme Q10 content in raw materials and dietary supplements by high-performance liquid chromatography-UV: collaborative study

An international collaborative study was conducted of a high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC)-UV method for the determination of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, ubidecarenone) in raw materials and dietary supplements. Ten collaborating laboratories determined the total CoQ10 content in 8 blind duplicate samples. Sample materials included CoQ10 raw material and 4 finished product dietary supplements representing softgels, hardshell gelatin capsules, and chewable wafers. In addition, collaborating laboratories received a negative control and negative control spiked with CoQ10 at low and high levels to determine recovery. Materials were extracted with an acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran-water mixture. Ferric chloride was added to the test solutions to ensure all CoQ10 was in the oxidized form. The HPLC analyses were performed on a C18 column using UV detection at 275 nm. Repeatability relative standard deviations (RSDr) ranged from 0.94 to 5.05%. Reproducibility relative standard deviations (RSDR) ranged from 3.08 to 17.1%, with HorRat values ranging from 1.26 to 5.17. Recoveries ranged from 74.0 to 115%. Based on these results, the method is recommended for Official First Action for determination of CoQ10 in raw materials and dietary supplement finished products containing CoQ10 at a concentration of >100 mg CoQ10/g test material.