Quantification of tocochromanols in vitamin E dietary supplements by instrumental thin-layer chromatography

Abstract A variety of vitamin E dietary supplement capsules (DSC) based on different natural oils or synthesis products are currently found the market whose contents need to be controlled before and after marketing. Here, we present an instrumental thin-layer chromatography (TLC) method which allows a direct determination all tocopherols (T) tocotrienols (T3) as well α -tocopherol acetate simultaneously in one run with short analysis time. For this purpose, DSC were extracted, applied silica gel 60 plates, developed n -hexane/ethyl acetate/acetic acid, 90:10:2 ( v/v/v ) mobile phase. The UV scan plate at 293 nm was used for quantification peak height. Following scan, treated 10% sulphuric acid methanol led characteristic yellow-to-brown colouring tocochromanol spots allowed distinguish tocochromanols from matrix components similar R f values. In most cases, determined matched information listed label investigated samples. is fast, easy perform gently treats analytes it requires no thermal treatment prior quantification, makes suitable screening method.