Simultaneous Analysis of Nutrients (Minerals) in Food with Nutrient Function Claims Using ICPE-9820

Importance of the Topic

The simultaneous determination of mineral nutrients in functional foods is critical for ensuring product quality, consumer safety, and regulatory compliance.
Fast, accurate analysis of elements such as Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Na supports manufacturers and regulatory bodies in verifying label claims and maintaining consistent health benefits.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the performance of the Shimadzu ICPE-9820 simultaneous ICP atomic emission spectrometer for mineral analysis in foods with nutrient function claims (FNFCs).
Key goals include:

• Simultaneous quantitation of multiple minerals across wide concentration ranges
• Validation of sample preparation and measurement protocols
• Demonstration of axial/radial view switching to optimize sensitivity and dynamic range

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:
1 g of each FNFC sample was incinerated at 500 °C, digested with 10% HCl, heated for 30 minutes, filtered and diluted to 50 mL.
Final solutions were diluted 50-fold and spiked with standards for method validation.

Instrumentation:

• Instrument: Shimadzu ICPE-9820 simultaneous ICP-AES
• Plasma power: 1.2 kW; plasma gas: 10 L/min; auxiliary gas: 0.6 L/min; carrier gas: 0.7 L/min
• Sample introduction: 10UES nebulizer; cyclone chamber (HE); mini-torch
• Observation modes: axial (AX) for low concentrations; radial (RD) for high concentrations

Analytical Conditions:
Calibration curves were prepared from single-element standards and showed excellent linearity across the targeted ranges.

Results and Discussion

Quantitative results matched label claims for four commercial FNFC products (A–D) with recoveries of 97–104% for spike tests.

• Calcium and magnesium were measured in RD mode up to 200 mg/L.
• Sodium analysis in RD mode avoided ionization interferences from calcium, achieving 97% recovery.
• Axial mode enabled accurate detection of trace elements (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn) at low mg/L concentrations.
• Calibration curves for Ca, Na, and Cu exhibited correlation coefficients >0.9999.

Practical Benefits and Applications

The ICPE-9820 streamlines routine testing in quality control laboratories by enabling:

• Concurrent multi-element analysis with high throughput
• Reduced sample handling and reagent consumption
• Compliance with official food labeling standards
• Reliable support for product development and batch release

Future Trends and Applications

• Extension to additional trace and ultra-trace elements in complex matrices
• Integration with automated sample preparation systems for higher lab efficiency
• Development of portable or miniaturized ICP systems for field testing
• Coupling with speciation techniques to assess bioavailability and chemical forms

Conclusion

The Shimadzu ICPE-9820 provides a robust, efficient solution for simultaneous mineral nutrient analysis in FNFCs, delivering high accuracy, wide dynamic range, and streamlined workflows aligned with regulatory requirements.

Reference

(1) Annex Table 11 of Food Labeling Standards (Cabinet Office Ordinance of Mar. 20, 2015)
(2) Annex Table 9 of Food Labeling Standards (Cabinet Office Ordinance of Mar. 20, 2015)
(3) Attachment Analysis Methods of Nutrients to CAA/FLD Notification No. 139 (Mar. 30, 2015)