Chromatographic analysis of alpha-tocopherol and related compounds in various matrices

Tocopherols and tocotrienols (Vitamin E) are part of a group of "minor comp onents" of main interest, present in the unsaponifiable fraction of many sa mples. Their importance in biological, metabolical and nutritional studies makes determination of tocopherols and related compounds of major interest. Present work critically reviews the different ways to perform sample pre-t reatment and analysis of these compounds, related to the matrices, other an alyzes to be measured, sensitivity, and simplicity. The review includes wel l referenced tables that provide in-depth summaries of methodology for the chromatographic analysis of alpha -tocopherol and related compounds in food s, pharmaceuticals, plants, animal tissues and other matrices. (C) 2001 Els evier Science B.V. All rights reserved.