The stability of vitamins A, E, and C was determined in 12 brands of vitamin supplements over a 12-month storage period. The variations in concentrations of these vitamins across three different batches of five brands were measured. Vitamins A and E was determined by HPLC method, and vitamin C was measured by using potentiometric titration. All samples for stability studies were maintained at room temperature and protected from light. Measurements were carried out in the first semester of the expiration date and then every six months up to 12 months of storage. After this period, only one sample showed no significant decrease in vitamin A and E concentrations in relation to the concentrations measured at the beginning of the study. The concentration of vitamin C showed no significant decrease in 50% of the samples after 6 months of storage, although after 12 months, 92% had significant losses in concentration. The analysis of the different batches showed significant variations in the vitamin levels, which do not seem to be significant for inspection purposes considering the tolerance outlined in the legislation. Overfortification of vitamin supplements during manufacture seems to be required, but the additional amount of supplementation will depend on each sample.
The stability of vitamins A, E, and C was determined in 12 brands of vitamin supplements over a 12-month storage period. The variations in concentrations of these vitamins across three different batches of five brands were measured. Vitamins A and E was determined by HPLC method, and vitamin C was measured by using potentiometric titration. All samples for stability studies were maintained at room temperature and protected from light. Measurements were carried out in the first semester of the expiration date and then every six months up to 12 months of storage. After this period, only one sample showed no significant decrease in vitamin A and E concentrations in relation to the concentrations measured at the beginning of the study. The concentration of vitamin C showed no significant decrease in 50% of the samples after 6 months of storage, although after 12 months, 92% had significant losses in concentration. The analysis of the different batches showed significant variations in the vitamin levels, which do not seem to be significant for inspection purposes considering the tolerance outlined in the legislation. Over-fortification of vitamin supplements during manufacture seems to be required, but the additional amount of supplementation will depend on each sample.
Introduction: The information provided in supplements labels contributes to consumer guidance on choosing the most suitable product for their needs; therefore, labels with nonconformity information to health legislation can negatively affect consumer health. Objectives: To evaluate the compliance of vitamin and mineral supplements labels marketed in the São Paulo city during the 2014–2017 period. Method: A checklist was drawn up covering the main items related to the labeling, which were verified in each package: name under which the product is sold; list of ingredients; composition; net quantity; identification of origin; batch identification; expiration date; warning and guidance statements; storage instructions; use of expressions; nutrition labeling; information on the presence of gluten and permitted additives. Results: The main irregularities observed were the presence of phrases or expressions inducing the consumer to mistake (29%), the incorrect description name (15%), and statement of active components not authorized to vitamin supplements (5%). Conclusions: The results highlight the problems related to the commercialization of vitamin and mineral supplements in Brazil, due to a complex legislation difficult to interpret that makes it possible for producing companies to create excuses to circumvent the law, damaging the health of the population. ; Introdução: As informações em rótulos de suplementos contribuem para a orientação do consumidor sobre a escolha do produto mais adequado às suas necessidades, no entanto, rótulos com informações não conformes à legislação sanitária podem afetar negativamente a saúde dos consumidores. Objetivos: Avaliar a conformidade de rótulos de suplementos de vitaminas e minerais comercializados na cidade de São Paulo no período de 2014 a 2017. Método: Foi elaborado um checklist com os principais itens relacionados à rotulagem, os quais foram verificados em cada embalagem: denominação de venda; lista de ingredientes; composição; conteúdo líquido; identificação de origem; identificação de lote; prazo de validade; frase de advertência e de orientação; cuidados de conservação; uso de expressões; rotulagem nutricional; informação sobre presença de glúten e aditivos permitidos. Resultados: As principais irregularidades observadas foram a presença de frases ou expressões induzindo o consumidor a engano (29%), a denominação de venda de forma incorreta (15%) e a declaração de componentes ativos não autorizados para suplementos vitamínicos (5%). Conclusões: Os resultados evidenciam os problemas relacionados à comercialização de suplementos vitamínicos e minerais no Brasil, em decorrência da complexa legislação, que dificulta sua interpretação gerando pretextos para as empresas produtoras burlarem a lei, prejudicando a saúde da população.
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. ; Introdução: A ocorrência de hipovitaminose A é evidente em determinadas populações. Com o intuito de combater essa deficiência no estado de São Paulo, foi criado um programa governamental com distribuição gratuita de leite pasteurizado enriquecido com vitaminas A, D e ferro para a população de baixa renda, com a finalidade de oferecer um complemento alimentar de alto valor nutritivo. Objetivo: Otimizar e validar uma metodologia analítica para determinação de vitamina A em leites fluidos, utilizando metodologia oficial da Association of Official Analytical Chemistry (AOAC) com modificações. Método: Foi utilizada a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detecção por fluorescência para avaliar os teores de vitamina A em 261 amostras de leites distribuídos pelo programa. Resultados: O método analítico validado se mostrou adequado para a determinação de vitamina A em leites fluidos na rotina do laboratório. Os resultados indicaram que 52% das amostras apresentaram concentrações de vitamina A acima do valor declarado na informação nutricional da rotulagem, enquanto 11% apresentaram teores abaixo do valor declarado. Conclusões: O monitoramento dos teores de vitamina A nestes leites deve ser contínuo para garantir a quantidade de micronutriente declarada no rótulo e atender os objetivos do programa.
