Validation of analytical method for monitoring of vitamin A in milks from Programa Viva Leite

Introduction: There is an evidence of hypovitaminosis A in certain populations. In order to combat this deficiency in Sao Paulo State, a government program was created for free distribution of pasteurized milk enriched with vitamins A, D, and iron for the low income population for the purpose to offer a food supplement with high nutritional value. Objective: Optimization and validation of a methodology for the determination of vitamin A in fluid milk, using modified methodology of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Method: The high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was used to evaluate vitamin A contents in 261 milks of the program. Results: The validated analytical method was adequate for the determination of vitamin A in fluid milks in the laboratory routine. The results showed that 52% of the samples had vitamin A concentrations above the declared value in the nutrition facts label, while 11% presented lower content in comparison to the declared value. Conclusions: Monitoring of vitamin A levels in these milks should be continuous to ensure the amount of micronutrient declared on the label and to meet the objectives of the program