ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL, TOTAL VITAMIN-A AND TOTAL FAT IN MARGARINES AND MARGARINE-LIKE PRODUCTS

Consumers' interest in dietary guidelines advising them to reduce thei r intake of fat has contributed to the development of new low- and fat -free margarine-like products. We measured vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol ) and vitamin A (retinol and beta-carotene) in margarines and margarin e-like products labeled as containing 0-80% fat. Test portions were sa ponified, extracted with petroleum ether, and analyzed by high perform ance liquid chromatography. Margarines of approximately 80% fat conten t contained 4-30 IU alpha-tocopherol/100 8. Reduced-fat margarines (fa t content 14-53%) contained 4-15 IU alpha-tocopherol/100 g, while fat- free margarines (<1% fat) contained <1 IU alpha-tocopherol/100 g. alph a-Tocopherol in the products varied both with total fat content and wi th the vegetable oil ingredients. Total vitamin A measured in margarin e products fell between 59 and 196% of label declarations. Published b y Elsevier Science Ltd.