In a recent article published in the journal Toxins, researchers presented a comprehensive study on the quantification of hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) in food supplements, emphasizing the importance of food safety in the context of these compounds.
Study: Determination of 16 Hydroxyanthracene Derivatives in Food Supplements Using LC-MS/MS: Method Development and Application. Image Credit: khawfangenvi16/Shutterstock.com
The study aims to develop and validate a robust analytical method using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to detect and quantify 16 specific HADs in commercial food products.
This research is particularly relevant given the increasing consumption of herbal supplements and the need for stringent food safety regulations.
Background
Hydroxyanthracene derivatives are primarily derived from plants such as Aloe and Cassia senna, which are commonly used in traditional medicine and dietary supplements. While these compounds are known for their laxative effects and potential therapeutic benefits, they also pose risks if consumed in excessive amounts.
Regulatory bodies, including the European Commission, have established guidelines regarding the permissible levels of these substances in food products to ensure consumer safety.
The study highlights the necessity of monitoring HAD levels in food supplements to prevent adverse health effects and to comply with food safety standards. The authors underscore the lack of comprehensive data on the occurrence of these compounds in commercial products, which further necessitates the development of reliable analytical methods.
The Current Study
The study employed a validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method to quantify 16 HADs in food supplements. Sample preparation involved a solid-liquid extraction process, where food supplement samples were homogenized and then subjected to extraction using a suitable solvent mixture. The extracts were filtered to remove particulate matter before analysis.
Chromatographic separation was achieved using a C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of a gradient of water and acetonitrile, both containing 0.1% formic acid to enhance ionization. The flow rate was maintained at 0.3 mL/min, and the column temperature was set at 30°C.
The mass spectrometer operated in negative ion mode, utilizing multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) to detect specific transitions for each HAD, ensuring high sensitivity and specificity.
Method validation included assessments of linearity, sensitivity, recovery, repeatability, and reproducibility. Calibration curves were constructed using matrix-matched standards, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.025 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg.
The method's recovery rates were determined to be between 80% and 120%, with repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD) values ranging from 0.5% to 11.6%. The expanded measurement uncertainty was calculated to be below 50% for all analyzed HADs, confirming the method's reliability for routine analysis in food safety assessments.
Results and Discussion
The study's results revealed significant findings regarding the presence of HADs in commercial food supplements and herbal infusions. The analysis indicated that a substantial proportion of the samples contained levels of HADs that exceeded the thresholds established by regulatory authorities.
Specifically, around 60% of the tested samples surpassed the permissible limits for several HADs, raising concerns about food safety and consumer health. The distribution of HAD concentrations varied widely among the samples, highlighting the need for consistent monitoring and regulation of these compounds in the food supply.
The study's findings contribute to the growing body of evidence regarding the prevalence of potentially harmful substances in dietary supplements. The authors discussed the implications of their results in the context of food safety, emphasizing the importance of using validated analytical methods to assess the quality and safety of food products.
They also noted that the method developed in this study could serve as a valuable tool for regulatory agencies and the scientific community in collecting occurrence data on HADs, thereby facilitating more accurate dietary exposure assessments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study successfully developed and validated a UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of hydroxyanthracene derivatives in food supplements, underscoring the critical role of food safety in the consumption of these products.
The findings revealed that a significant number of commercial samples contained HAD levels exceeding regulatory limits, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced monitoring and regulation in the food industry.
As the demand for natural health products continues to rise, the need for effective regulatory frameworks and analytical methods becomes increasingly important. This study serves as a vital step toward ensuring that food supplements are safe for consumption, ultimately protecting public health and enhancing consumer confidence in the food supply.
Journal Reference
Malysheva S.V., Guillaume B., et al. (2024). Determination of 16 Hydroxyanthracene Derivatives in Food Supplements Using LC-MS/MS: Method Development and Application. Toxins, 16, 505. DOI: 10.3390/toxins16120505, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/16/12/505