Liquid chromatographic method for analysis of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and retinyl palmitate in milk-based infant formula using matrix solid-phase dispersion.

A liquid chromatographic method is described for analysis of all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, tocopherols, and retinyl palmitate in milk-based infant formula. The vitamins are extracted from infant formula without saponification by matrix solid-phase dispersion and quantitated by normal-phase chromatography with fluorescence detection. Retinyl palmitate and vitamin E are quantitated isocratically with mobile phases of 0.125% (v/v) and 0.5% (v/v) isopropyl alcohol in hexane, respectively. Results were similar to the certified and non-certified ranges for all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, and tocopherols in the infant formula standard reference material (SRM) 1846. Results also compared favorably with the label declaration on a retail infant formula. Recoveries were determined on an analyte-fortified zero control reference material for milk-based infant formula and averaged 96.8% (n = 30) for retinyl palmitate and 91.5% (n = 25) for all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Examination of 5 concentrations for each analyte gave results that were linear (r = 0.999) over the concentration examined, with coefficients of variation ranging from 1.02 to 5.86%. The method provides a rapid, specific, and easily controlled assay for analysis of retinyl palmitate and vitamin E in fortified infant formula. Additionally, the method minimizes solvent use by using only 14 mL solvent per extraction.