Measuring vitamins and minerals in dietary supplements for nutrition studies in the USA

This article illustrates the importance of having analytical data on the vitamin and mineral contents of dietary supplements in nutrition studies, and describes efforts to develop an analytically validated dietary supplement ingredient database (DSID) by a consortium of federal agencies in the USA. Preliminary studies of multivitamin mineral supplements marketed in the USA that were analyzed as candidates for the DSID are summarized. Challenges are summarized, possible future directions are outlined, and some related programs at the Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health are described. The DSID should be helpful to researchers in assessing relationships between intakes of vitamins and minerals and health outcomes.     

Chemical fingerprinting of Hoodia species and related genera: chemical analysis of oxypregnane glycosides using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection in Hoodia gordonii

Hoodia gordonii, family Asclepiadaceae, is a succulent plant and is traditionally used in southern Africa for its appetite-suppressant properties. A high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with UV detection for analysis of 11 oxypregnane glycosides from H. gordonii has been developed. The simultaneous analysis of 11 oxypregnane glycosides was achieved with a Phenomenex (Torrance, CA) reversed-phase C18 column using gradient mobile phase of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.025% trifluoroacetic acid. The developed method was applied to the identification of oxypregnane glycosides in 3 different species of Hoodia and 23 related genera. The HPLC profiles of various plant samples were compared for the presence of oxypregnane glycosides.     

Analysis of bovine immunoglobulin G in milk,colostrum and dietary supplements: a review

The immunoprotective properties of bovine milk immunoglobulin G (IgG) have led to a recent proliferation of nutritional products incorporating this protein. It has therefore become critical that reliable analytical techniques for the measurement of the IgG content in such products are available. This literature review surveys current methods of analysis for IgG, including separation-based or immuno-based concentration analysis. The review also discusses nutraceutical applications, regulatory issues, stability of IgG and the significance of primary reference material in IgG analysis.     

Analytical procedures for water-soluble vitamins in foods and dietary supplements: a review

Water-soluble vitamins include the B-group vitamins and vitamin C. In order to correctly monitor water-soluble vitamin content in fortified foods for compliance monitoring as well as to establish accurate data banks, an accurate and precise analytical method is a prerequisite. For many years microbiological assays have been used for analysis of B vitamins. However they are no longer considered to be the gold standard in vitamins analysis as many studies have shown up their deficiencies. This review describes the current status of analytical methods, including microbiological assays and spectrophotometric, biosensor and chromatographic techniques. In particular it describes the current status of the official methods and highlights some new developments in chromatographic procedures and detection methods. An overview is made of multivitamin extractions and analyses for foods and supplements.     

Determination of key flavonoid aglycones by means of nano‐LC for the analysis of dietary supplements and food matrices

A method for the analysis of flavonoids (myricetin, quercetin, naringenin, hesperitin, and kaempferol), with interesting bioactivity, has been developed and validated utilizing nano‐LC technique. In order to find optimal conditions, capillary columns (75 μm id × 10 cm) packed with different types of stationary phases, Kinetex® C18 core–shell (2.6 μm particle size), Hydride‐based RP‐C18 (sub‐2 μm particle size), and LiChrospher® 100 RP‐18 endcapped (5 μm particle size) were evaluated. The method was validated using Hydride‐based RP‐C18 stationary phase, with sub‐2 μm particle size. A good chromatographic performance, expressed in terms of repeatability (RSD, in the range 1.63–4.68% for peak area), column‐to‐column reproducibility (RSD not higher than 8.01% for peak area), good linearity and sensitivity was obtained. In particular limit of detection values between 0.07 and 0.31 μg/mL were achieved with on column focusing technique. The method was applied to the determination of studied flavonoids in dietary supplements as well as in food matrices. The amount of quercetin found in the first analyzed dietary supplement, was in agreement to the labeled content. In the other samples, where the content of flavonoids was not labeled, most of the studied flavonoids were determined in amounts somewhere comparable to those reported in literature.     

Chemical fingerprint analysis and quantitative determination of steroidal compounds from Dioscorea villosa,Dioscorea species and dietary supplements using UHPLC‐ELSD

Ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with evaporative light scattering detection was used for the quantification of steroidal saponins and diosgenin from the rhizomes or tubers of various Dioscorea species and dietary supplements that were purported to contain Dioscorea. The analysis was performed on an Acquity UPLC? system with an UPLC? BEH Shield RP₁₈ column using a gradient elution with water and acetonitrile. Owing to their low UV absorption, the steroidal saponins were observed by evaporative light scattering detection. The 12 compounds could be separated within 15 min using the developed UHPLC method with detection limits of 5–12 µg/mL with 2 μL injection volume. The analytical method was validated for linearity, repeatability, accuracy, limits of detection and limits of quantification. The relative standard deviations for intra‐ and inter‐day experiments were <3.1%, and the recovery efficiency was 97–101%. The total content of standard compounds was found to be in the ranges 0.01–14.5% and 0.9–28.6 mg daily intake for dry plant materials and solid commercial preparations, respectively. UHPLC–mass spectrometry with a quadrupole mass analyzer and ESI source was used only for confirmation of the identity of the various saponins. The developed method is simple, rapid and especially suitable for quality control analysis of commercial products. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Simultaneous quantitation of six major quassinoids in Tongkat Ali dietary supplements by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is one of the most popular traditional herbs in Southeast Asia and generally consumed as forms of dietary supplements, tea, or drink additives for coffee or energy beverages. In this study, the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantitation of six major quassinoids of Tongkat Ali (eurycomanone, 13,21‐dihydroeurycomanone, 13α(21)‐epoxyeurycomanone, 14,15β‐dihydroxyklaineanone, eurycomalactone, and longilactone) was developed and validated. Using the developed method, the content of the six quassinoids was measured in Tongkat Ali containing dietary supplement tablets or capsules, and the resulting data were used to confirm the presence of Tongkat Ali in those products. Among the six quassinoids, eurycomanone was the most abundant quassinoid in all samples tested. The developed method would be useful for the quality assessment of Tongkat Ali containing dietary supplements.     

Determination of copper in medicinal plants used as dietary supplements by atomic absorption spectrometry with direct flame solid analysis

An alternative device for the direct solid analysis (DSA) for copper determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) is proposed. Copper was directly determined in commercial medicinal plants used as dietary supplements. The determination of copper in solid samples by DSA–FAAS was made by using a conventional air–acetylene flame. Between 0.05 and 1.5 mg of each test, sample was weighed directly into a small polyethylene vial connected to the device used for solid introduction into the flame. Test samples were introduced into the flame as a dry aerosol using a T-quartz cell set between the burner and the optical path. The T-quartz cell has a slit in the superior part by which the solid aerosol passes to the flame. A transient signal, evaluated as integrated absorbance, is produced and it is totally integrated in 2 s. Background signals always presented absorbance values less than 0.1. It was found a characteristic mass of 0.8 ng Cu and absolute limit of detection of 1.2 ng (3 s), or 1.2 μg g⁻¹ if a sample mass of 1 mg was used. Optimized conditions for air flow rate, flame stoichiometry, and so on were established as well. No excessive grinding of the samples was needed and samples with particle of size less than 80 μm were used throughout. No statistical difference between the results from the proposed system and those obtained by sample digestion and determination by conventional FAAS was observed. With the proposed procedure, more than 50 test samples can be analyzed in 1 h and it can be easily adapted to conventional spectrometers for FAAS.     

Standard Reference Materials to support US regulations for nutrients and contaminants in food and dietary supplements

To address the measurement and standard needs of the food and nutrition communities, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a suite of food-matrix Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) characterized for nutrient concentrations. These food-matrix SRMs include infant formula, baby food, and typical diet composites; meat homogenate, oyster, mussel, and fish tissues; baking chocolate; peanut butter; and spinach. Many of these materials were developed based on recommendations of the food industry to populate a nine-sectored triangle, developed by the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) International, in which foods are positioned based on their fat, protein, and carbohydrate contents. Value assignment of proximates, vitamins, and elements of nutritional interest in these food-matrix SRMs has been based primarily on the combination of results from measurements at NIST and from a group of collaborating laboratories involved in food measurements. Food-matrix SRMs are now available that are representative of all nine sectors of the AOAC International food-matrix triangle. Current activities are focused on the development of SRMs for dietary supplements including botanical and multivitamin/multielement materials.Presented at the CCQM Workshop on Comparability and Traceability in Food Analysis, 18–19 November 2003, BIPM, Sèvres, France.     

Rapid densitometric method for simultaneous analysis of umbelliferone, psoralen, and eugenol in herbal raw materials using HPTLC

The term 'phenolics' refers to a vast array of biologically active compounds ubiquitous in plants, many of which have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Umbelliferone, psoralen, and eugenol are widely occurring phenolic compounds of plant origin, for which many biological activities against chronic diseases have been reported. A simple HPTLC method has been developed for the simultaneous quantification of umbelliferone, psoralen, and eugenol. These three compounds were quantified in the dried fruit pulp of Aegle marmelos and in the fruit of Trachyspermum ammi and Foeniculam vulgare. The technique enables rapid and sensitive simultaneous analysis in different samples. The method was validated for precision, repeatability, and accuracy in accordance with ICH guidelines. The accuracy of the method was checked by a recovery study conducted at three different levels and the average percentage recovery was found to be 98.88% for umbelliferone, 100.104% for psoralen, and 99.33% for eugenol. The proposed HPTLC method for the simultaneous quantification of umbelliferone, psoralen, and eugenol was found to be simple, precise, specific, sensitive, and accurate. It can be used for routine quality control of herbal raw materials as well as formulations containing any or all of these compounds.     

超高效液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱法定性筛查保健食品中西地那非及其相关功效类非法添加化合物

建立了超高效液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）定性筛查102种西地那非及其相关功效化合物的方法。甲醇超声提取样品;采用Agilent Poroshell 120 SB-C18色谱柱（75 mm×3.0 mm,2.7 μm）,以0.1%（v/v）甲酸水溶液-乙腈为流动相梯度洗脱,流速0.4 mL/min;采用电喷雾离子（ESI）源,Q-TOF-MS作检测器,正离子模式检测;与对照品保留时间、母离子及碎片离子精确相对分子质量、元素组成比对,准确定性。西地那非等100种化合物在10种基质中的检出限为0.1~50 mg/kg或0.1~50 mg/L。并分类归纳了文中涉及的98种磷酸二酯酶5抑制剂质谱碎片裂解规律,为可疑物的识别和鉴定提供参考。该方法已应用于实际样品的测定,检出19种化合物,有效打击了非法添加行为。     

Simultaneous Determination of Tinidazole and Furazolidone in Suspension by HPTLC and HPLC

Abstract

High performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) and high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methods were developed for the simultaneous determination of Tinidazole and Furazolidone in suspension.

In the HPTLC method the separation of Tinidazole and Furazolidone was carried out on silica gel 60F₂₅₄ HPTLC glass plate using chloroform:methanol:ammonia (9:1:0.1 v/v) as a mobile phase. Rf values obtained were 0.63 and 0.79 for Furazolidone and Tinidazole respectively. Densitometric evaluation was done at 335 nm. Linearity was obtained within the concentration range 10–50 μg/ml and 3.5–17.5 μg/ml for Tinidazole and Furazolidone respectively.

The second method is based on high performance liquid chromatography on a reversed phase column (μ Bondapak C₁₈) using a mobile phase comprised of water: acetonitrile: triethylamine (80:20:0.1 v/v) adjusted to pH = 3.0 with dil. phosphoric acid. Retention times were 5.24 and 7.82 min for Tinidazole and Furazolidone respectively at a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min. Detection was done at 335 nm. Linearity was obtained within the concentration range 30–180 μg/ml and 10.5–63 μg/ml for Tinidazole and Furazolidone resp.     

Determination of Exemestane in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form by HPTLC

An HPTLC method for analysis of Exemestane in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation has been established and validated. The analyte was separated on aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60 F₂₅₄. The mobile phase was chloroform:methanol 9.2:0.8 (v/v). Quantification was done by densitometric scanning at 247 nm. Response was a linear function of Exemestane concentration in the range of 100–500 μg mL⁻¹. The limit of detection and quantification for Exemestane were 5.8 and 17.58 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. Average recovery of Exemestane was 100.1, which shows that the method was free from interference from excipients present in the formulation. The established method enabled accurate, precise, and rapid analysis of Exemestane in bulk as well as pharmaceutical formulation.     

Development and validation of a pre-column reversed phase liquid chromatographic method with fluorescence detection for the determination of primary phenethylamines in dietary supplements and phytoextracts

A sensitive and selective reversed-phase liquid chromatographic (RP-LC) method was developed and validated to determine octopamine, tyramine and Tyrosine (Tyr) in complex matrices as formulations and phytoextracts (Citrus aurantium), after pre-column derivatization with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) reagent. The chromatographic separations were performed at room temperature on a Phenomenex Luna C18 column using methanol and sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.5) by varying composition gradient elution as mobile phase and detected flurometrically at λ(em)=455 nm with λ(ex)=340 nm. The results obtained by the proposed method were compared with those achieved by a validated direct RP-LC method with fluorescence detection at λ(em)=310 nm with λ(ex)=275 nm, as reference method, using a Phenomenex Gemini C18 column under isocratic elution conditions with acetonitrile and sodium 1-heptanesulphonate (pH 3), as mobile phase. The higher sensitivity of the derivatization method (detection limit about 0.06 pmol) allowed the sure determination of octopamine present in traces in the examined samples. The repeatability of method (RSD) was ≤1.90% and there was no significant difference between repeatability and intermediate precision data. Recovery studies showed good results 99.5-101.3% with RSD ranging from 0.8 to 1.2%. All analyses were performed by mild conditions in absence of preliminary difficult extraction methodologies or laborious step of sample pre-treatment.     

Detection of proline,arginine, and lysine using iodine‐azide reaction in TLC and HPTLC

The application of a modified iodine‐azide procedure for the detection of proline, arginine, and lysine is described. Phenyl isothiocyanate was used to transform amino acids into phenyl thiocarbamyl derivatives (derivatization in situ). The developed plates were sprayed with a mixture of sodium azide and starch solution, adjusted to pH 5.5, and exposed to iodine vapour. Due to the catalytic effect of the C? S bond, the spots appeared white on a violet‐grey background and were stable for 20 minutes. The detection limits were found to lie in the pmole range. The iodine‐azide test is compared with other procedures (iodine, UV, ninhydrin).     

Quantitative determination of phospholipids in mitochondria using HPTLC and fluorimetric assay in situ

A method is described for quantitative determination of phospholipids of mitochondria following one-dimensional thin-layer chromatography without previous elution. Using high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and an in situ fluorescence technique, the time needed for quantitative determination is relatively short. As the method is rather sensitive, small amounts of the extracts can be applied (about 200 ng of total phospholipids per spot). The reproducibility for the phospholipid fractions determined was in the range of 8–17%. The procedure was tested with lipid extracts of rat liver mitochondria. The method allows the determination of cardiolipin, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl choline, and sphingomyelin.     

Simultaneous analysis of 35 specific antihypertensive adulterants in dietary supplements using LC/MS/MS

A sensitive and specific LC/MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 35 compounds used for treating hypertension as adulterants in dietary supplements. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantitation, stability and recovery. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation ranged from 0.20 to 20.0 and 0.50 to 60.0 ng/g, respectively. The linearity was good (r ² > 0.999), with intra‐ and interday precision levels of 0.43–7.87% and 0.65–9.95% and the intra‐ and interday accuracies of 84.36–115.82% and 83.78–118.69%, respectively. The stability (relative standard deviation) was <14.75%. The mean recovery was 80.81–117.86% (relative standard deviation <10.00%). Ninety‐seven commercial dietary supplements available in South Korea were analyzed. While none contained detectable amounts of the 35 antihypertensive compounds, the developed LC/MS/MS procedure can be used for routine analysis to monitor illegal adulteration in various forms of dietary supplements.     

Determination of lecithin and soybean oil in dietary supplements using partial least squares-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Lecithin and soybean oil in dietary supplements were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry transmission measurements in dichloromethane in combination with a partial least squares (PLS) regression. Two different PLS models were developed, using 16 synthetic mixtures of analytes in dichloromethane, making measurements in the spectral range from 931.8 to 1252.3 cm⁻¹ for lecithin and from 911.4 to 1246.9 cm⁻¹ and 1695.3 to 1774.5 cm⁻¹ for soybean oil. Seven products from the Spanish market with lecithin concentrations between 21.1% and 99.1% and soybean oil concentrations between 0% and 37.2% were analyzed by the proposed method and the data was compared to a chromatographic reference procedure obtaining accurate results. For samples spiked with amounts between 50 and 250 mg of lecithin and soybean oil recovery percentages between 98.0% and 102.1% and between 93.6% and 102.0% with an average precision of 0.35% and 0.41% were achieved for lecithin and soybean oil, respectively. This method can be applied for the quality control of dietary supplements.