Abstract:

A GC-MS method was developed for determining inositol in milk powder. Samples were dissolved in water, silylated, and extracted with n-hexane. The extract obtained was cleaned up using a Florisil column before GC-MS analysis. At fortification levels ranging 1.0－10.0 mg/kg, the recoveries of inositol ranged from 88.4% to 102.5%, and the coefficients of variation were between 2.7% and 4.7%. The limit of detection was calculated to be 0.5 mg/kg (RSN = 3). This method, thanks to its simpleness as well as high sensitivity and accuracy, can meet the requirements for qualification and quantification of inositol in milk powder.

Key words: inositol, milk powder, GC-MS