Stability of vitamin B complex in multivitamin and multimineral supplement tablets after space flight

The effect of storage in space on the stability of vitamin B complex in two commercial vitamin tablets was examined. Multiple vitamin samples returned after storage on the space shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) along with two ground control and three positive control groups were included in the study. Content of vitamin B3 in the tablets and in vitro dissolution rate were determined using a modified high performance liquid chromatographic assay from USP/NF 2010. Results indicate that vitamin B3 in one of the brands tested (#2) may be subject to marginal degradation after storage on ISS for 4 months as indicated by the chromatograms for all six tablets showing a split peak appearing as a notch at the peak tip. Chromatograms were not different for ground and flight samples for Brand #1 suggesting that this may be more suitable for use in space.