R-Biopharm Rhone Ltd.

EASI-EXTRACT® FOLIC ACID Immunoaffinity columns launched

R-Biopharm Rhône Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of a new EASI-EXTRACT® FOLIC ACID immunoaffinity column for the analysis of folic acid in a range of foods by HPLC. Folic acid and folate are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B9, which can occur naturally in food or can be taken as supplements. Taking folic acid before and during pregnancy can help to reduce the occurrence of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Recent studies in America have also shown that taking a folic acid containing multi-vitamin during the 2nd trimester has helped to reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia in approximately 63% of pregnant women studied. Researchers believe that folic acid and folates play an important role in the implantation and development of the placenta.

Conventional HPLC methods for the analysis of folic acid from complex foods is difficult since the vitamin is present in ver low levels. Another problem comes from the presence of pigments and other interfering compounds in these matrices, which can mask the presence of folic acid on an HPLC chromatogram.

The EASI-EXTRACT® FOLIC ACID column overcomes these problems by using a highly specific monoclonal antibody to isolate and concentrate folic acid from the sample, whilst at the same time allowing pigments and interfering components to be washed from the column. The use of EASI-EXTRACT® FOLIC ACID gives rise to improved sensitivity and a much cleaner sample for analysis by HPLC.

EASI-EXTRACT® FOLIC ACID columns have been evaluated for the detection of added folic acid in a range of food types. The columns when used in conjunction with recommend extraction protocols allow analysis of sample commodities containing between 10µg -100,000µg folic acid per 100g. To date vitamin tablets, vitamin premixes, cereals, flour, infant formula (powders and milk), dietetic milk powders and soya milk have been successfully analysed in-house using the protocols outlined in the instructions for use. In addition NIST powdered infant formula samples and FAPAS cereal samples have been analysed using the EASI-EXTRACT® FOLIC ACID columns and results were found to lie within the specified range.

For further information, please contact RBR