Analysis of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and retinyl palmitate in medical foods using a zero control reference material (ZRM) as a method development tool

J AOAC Int. 1999 Mar-Apr;82(2):271-5.

Abstract

A liquid chromatographic method is described for analysis of all- rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and retinyl palmitate in medical food. The vitamins are extracted in isopropyl alcohol and hexane-ethyl acetate without saponification and quantitated by normal-phase chromatography with fluorescence detection. All rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and retinyl palmitate are chromatographed isocratically with a mobile phase of 0.5% (v/v) and 0.125% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol in hexane, respectively. Recovery studies performed on a medical food zero control reference material (ZRM) fortified with the analytes averaged 99.7% (n = 25) for retinyl palmitate and 101% (n = 25) for all- rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Coefficients of variation were 0.87-2.63% for retinyl palmitate and 1.42-3.20% for all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. The method provides a rapid, specific, and easily controlled assay for analysis of vitamin A and vitamin E in medical foods. Use of chlorinated solvents is avoided.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography / methods
  • Diterpenes
  • Food, Formulated / analysis*
  • Infant Food / analysis
  • Quality Control*
  • Reference Standards
  • Retinyl Esters
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Tocopherols
  • Vitamin A / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin A / analysis
  • Vitamin E / analogs & derivatives*
  • Vitamin E / analysis
  • alpha-Tocopherol* / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Diterpenes
  • Retinyl Esters
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin E
  • retinol palmitate
  • alpha-Tocopherol
  • Tocopherols