Extraction and quantification of major carotenoids in processed foods and supplements by liquid chromatography

A simple, fast and robust method with minimum steps, small sample size and amounts of solvents was developed to determine major carotenoids contents in processed foods, tablets and gel capsules. The method involves dispersion of the sample in hot water (60 °C) with added butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in ethanol to minimize oxidation, followed by extraction with chloroform and analysis by liquid chromatography. Chromatographic parameters were: a C30 column protected with a C18 guard cartridge; gradient elution at the rate of 1.0 mL/min starting with 100% methanol (A) and ending with 40:60 (v/v) methanol/isopropanol (B); detection set at 450 nm for carotenoids, and 325 nm for retinol, retinyl acetate and retinol palmitate. The method exhibited: (i) high degree of repeatability (%rsd); (ii) linear calibration curves (r2 ⩾ 0.9998); (iii) low detection; and quantification limits. The method was validated with standard reference material 2383 for trans-β-carotene; and tested for α-, and β-carotenes, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, trans-retinol in processed foods, tablets and gel supplements.