Korn
May 31st, 2007, 08:55 AM
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/np/fnrb/fnrb1003.htm?pf=1#b12
Better Way to Measure Vitamin B12 Offered
Now there's a new, improved technique for measuring the amount of vitamin B12 in foods and in supplements such as vitamin pills. This nutrient, found in meat and dairy products, is essential for proper growth and for healthy cells.
The new approach from ARS scientists is faster than the most commonly used laboratory assay. And, the new technique can be used to individually detect all the various forms of vitamin B12, called cobalamins.
The improved assay should enhance research aimed at learning how our bodies take up and use cobalamins. The B12 test uses either of two standard techniques--capillary electrophoresis or micro-high-performance liquid chromatography--for separating samples into the various individual cobalamins. This is combined with a technique, called inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which measures how much of each form of vitamin B12 is present.
For more information, contact Nancy Miller-Ihli, (301) 504-8252, ext. 252, USDA-ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, MD.
Better Way to Measure Vitamin B12 Offered
Now there's a new, improved technique for measuring the amount of vitamin B12 in foods and in supplements such as vitamin pills. This nutrient, found in meat and dairy products, is essential for proper growth and for healthy cells.
The new approach from ARS scientists is faster than the most commonly used laboratory assay. And, the new technique can be used to individually detect all the various forms of vitamin B12, called cobalamins.
The improved assay should enhance research aimed at learning how our bodies take up and use cobalamins. The B12 test uses either of two standard techniques--capillary electrophoresis or micro-high-performance liquid chromatography--for separating samples into the various individual cobalamins. This is combined with a technique, called inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which measures how much of each form of vitamin B12 is present.
For more information, contact Nancy Miller-Ihli, (301) 504-8252, ext. 252, USDA-ARS Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Beltsville, MD.