Project Number: 1235-52000-046-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Feb 22, 2004
End Date: Feb 21, 2009

Objective:
1) Develop robust multi-element methods and quality control materials (focusing on Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, Ca, and P) using ICP-AES and ICP-MS; 2) Develop methods and quality control materials for ultratrace elements important to human health (focusing on Co, Cr, Ni and V) using ICP-AES, ICP-MS and GFAAS; 3) Develop elemental speciation analysis methods combining microseparation techniques with element specific detection. Focus on Vitamin B12 species (cobalamins: hydroxo-, methyl-, cyano- and 5'deoxyadenosyl-) using CE-ICP-MS and CEC-ICP-MS; 4) Develop analytical methods for the determination of total Fe, hemeprotein, and heme Fe in meats.

Approach:
Analytical methods for the accurate determination of trace elements in foods will be developed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The appropriate method will depend on the metal concentration in the foods. Elements of interest include: Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, Ca and P (ppm levels) as well as Co, Cr, Ni and V (ppb levels). Methods developed will be evaluated by commercial labs through collaborative studies. We will be involved in the preparation and characterization of a range of trace element control materials. Elemental speciation methods will be developed by combining microseparation methods with ICP-MS detection focusing on cobalamins (Vitamin B12 species). Species specific cobalamin data will be important for studying absorption and bioavailabilitly and the current official AOAC method is a time consuming, microbiological method which can measure only cyanocobalamin - not all the naturally occurring cobalamin species. Finally, iron species will be measured using size exclusion chromatography and UV/Vis and flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Total iron will be measured in meat samples as well as hemeprotein and heme iron. Appropriate speciation control materials will be developed and characterized to facilitate technology transfer. Preliminary elemental speciation food composition data speciation data tables will be prepared.

Project Team

Harnly, James - Jim

Related National Programs

Human Nutrition (107)