Simultaneous determination of carotenes and tocopherols in ATBC drinks by high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple method for the simultaneous extraction and HPLC determination of provitamin A and vitamin E derivatives in vitamin supplemented (ATBC) drinks has been developed. The method allowed the complete separation of α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol, α-tocopheryl acetate, all-trans-α-carotene, all-trans-β-carotene, and the 9-cis and 13-cis isomers of β-carotene in less than 50 min. Recovery of analytes and reproducibility of HPLC determination proved to be excellent. Eight commercial ATBC drinks were investigated for their tocopherol and carotene contents. UV detection was sufficiently sensitive for the detection of all compounds. Due to the ease of handling, the analytical system may find application both in the food and pharmaceutical industry and in the Food Inspection Board.