Standard Reference Materials to support measurement of fatty acids

✍ Scribed by Lane Sander; Michele Schantz; Katherine Sharpless; Stephen Wise

• Publisher: Wiley (John Wiley & Sons)
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 932 KB
• Volume: 21
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0956-666X
• DOI: 10.1002/lite.200800080

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The National Institute of Standards and Technology offers a variety of natural‐matrix and solution‐based Standard Reference Materials (SRM) that are characterized for fatty acid composition. The natural‐matrix SRM are intended primarily for use as control materials, but other uses include method validation, the development of new analytical methods, and use as a component in achieving traceability of measurements. The use of complex‐matrix reference materials for instrument calibration is not recommended; solution calibrants are better suited to this task. In addition to calibration, solution SRM can be used as spiking solutions for fortification of samples, in studying extraction recoveries, for developing chromatographic separations, and as authentic standards for identifying constituents in more complex‐matrix extracts. The use of SRM to support the measurement of fatty acids is relevant to a broad spectrum of applications including compliance with and accuracy of nutritional labeling, food manufacturing tolerances (e. g., infant formulas), traceability of measurements for food exports, clinical nutritional measurements, and characterization of alternative energy sources (e. g., biodiesel). Currently, nearly 30 SRM are available with certified, reference, and information values reported for fatty acids. Additional SRM are under development that will complement these reference materials by providing fatty acid profiles in different types of matrices.