CHAPTER 21: High-performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B₅) in Multivitamin Dietary Supplements

Pantothenic acid, vitamin B₅, is a B family water-soluble vitamin. Its richest sources are yeast and animal organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain) but eggs, milk, vegetables, legumes and wholegrain cereals are also common sources. Pantothenic acid is important in the oxidation of fatty acids and carbohydrates and in the synthesis of amino acids, fatty acids, ketones, cholesterol, phospholipids and steroid hormones. As part of acetyl CoA or acyl carrier protein, it is essential in energy metabolic pathways. Historically, pantothenic acid analysis has relied on chemical and physical methods, animal bioassay and microbiological methods. These methods are generally out-dated. Analysis of pantothenic acid in multivitamin dietary supplements using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and optical detectors is difficult since pantothenic does not have a chromophore nor does it emit fluorescence. This discusses the analysis of pantothenic acid using modern HPLC mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The preferred ionization technique, mass analyser, mobile phase, HPLC elution programme and HPLC analytical columns are all covered. An example LC-MS method capable of simultaneous determination of multiple water-soluble vitamins in dietary supplements is also described.