Free and total carnitine in infant and adult/pediatric nutritional formulas by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry: first action 2012.17.

Data from a previously published study in J. AOAC Int. 91,130-142 (2008) was presented to the Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) during the AOAC Annual Meeting held in Las Vegas, NV, from September 30 to October 3, 2012. The panel reviewed the data submitted and concluded that the method satisfied the standard method performance requirements established by SPIFAN. Based on this information, the panel approved the method as AOAC First Action. The determination of free carnitine involves dilution and filtration of the sample, followed by determination of L-carnitine by LC/MS/MS. The determination of total carnitine includes a saponification procedure prior to dilution and filtration.