The analysis of pantothenic acid in milk and infant formulas by HPLC

A method is described for the estimation of pantothenic acid in milk and infant formula based on deproteination of sample and direct analysis by reversed-phase HPLC with a low pH phosphate:acetonitrile eluent and multiwavelength UV detection. Several LC columns were evaluated and a C8 chemistry selected for routine application. Comparative data are provided against compendial microbial and GLC procedures. Based on the low content of bound, endogenous pantothenate in milk, the method provides a reliable measure of total vitamin B5 for compliance control during infant formula production.