Elemental Analysis of Functional Foods by ICP-OES

Importance of the Topic

Functional foods deliver health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Quality control of micronutrient content is essential for compliance with labeling regulations such as the US FDA Elemental Analysis Manual (EAM) 4.4. Reliable elemental analysis ensures product safety, efficacy, and consumer confidence.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This study demonstrates an analytical workflow for quantifying elemental nutrients and trace elements in elderberry-based functional foods. The approach adapts the FDA’s EAM 4.4 method to the Agilent 5900 Synchronous Vertical Dual View (SVDV) ICP-OES, aiming to streamline analysis while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A two-stage analytical procedure was applied:

• Semi-quantitative screening using IntelliQuant within ICP Expert software to profile over 70 elements and guide wavelength selection and calibration ranges.
• Quantitative analysis in SVDV mode, exploiting axial and radial views in a single measurement to cover major and trace elements simultaneously.
• Automated background correction via Fitted Background Correction (FBC) for accurate baseline adjustment without manual off-peak corrections.
• Validation with certified reference material and spike recovery tests to satisfy EAM 4.4 criteria.
• Sample preparation involved a 1:100 dilution of three elderberry product matrices.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 5900 Synchronous Vertical Dual View ICP-OES
• ICP Expert software with IntelliQuant Screening and Fitted Background Correction features

Main Results and Discussion

Limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were determined for key elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Zn). All measured LODs and LOQs were below the FDA’s nominal EAM 4.4 thresholds. Spike recoveries for a reference matrix fell within 100 ± 10 %, exceeding the method requirement of ±20 %. These results confirm the method’s precision and suitability for accurate nutritional labeling.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• Single-run determination of both major and trace elements accelerates laboratory throughput.
• SVDV dual viewing reduces analysis time compared to sequential axial and radial approaches.
• IntelliQuant screening expedites method development by rapidly identifying sample composition.
• Automated FBC simplifies background corrections across diverse matrices.
• Compliance with FDA EAM 4.4 supports regulatory acceptance for food testing laboratories.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Expansion to other functional food and supplement matrices for broader market coverage.
• Integration of automated sample preparation to further reduce analysis time and variability.
• Enhanced data analytics and machine learning for spectral interpretation and interference correction.
• Miniaturization and portability of ICP-OES systems for on-site quality control.
• Development of multi-modal techniques combining ICP-OES with mass spectrometry for comprehensive elemental profiling.

Conclusion

The Agilent 5900 SVDV ICP-OES, combined with streamlined software tools, offers a robust, efficient, and regulatory-compliant solution for elemental analysis of functional foods. Its rapid dual-view measurement and automated corrections facilitate reliable nutrient profiling and support accurate labeling.

References

• Mindak WR, Dolan SP. Elemental Analysis Manual, EAM 4.4, Ver 1.1. FDA; 2010.
• Agilent Technologies. Determination of Elemental Nutrients and Micronutrients in Functional Foods by ICP-OES. Publication 5994-5356EN.