Chromatographic analysis of natural and synthetic estrogens in milk and dairy products

The occasional presence of relatively high amounts of natural estrogens in milk and milk derivatives and the abusive or illegal use of synthetic estrogens in dairy practices have become causes for concern, since intake of these hormones is associated with illnesses or disorders. Development of methodologies that confirm or deny the presence of natural and synthetic estrogens, their metabolites and other compounds with estrogenic activity is very important.This article provides an overview of chromatographic methods for the analysis of these compounds in milk samples and dairy products.

► Chromatographic analytical methods for estrogen determination are reviewed.
► The review focuses on natural and synthetic estrogens in milk and dairy products.
► Sample-pretreatment methods are presented and commented upon.