Analysis of Fourteen β-Agonists in Weight-Reducing Dietary Supplements Using QuEChERS-Based Extraction Followed by High Resolution UHPLC-MS

Abstract

In the present study, a method for analysis of 14 β-agonists in weight-reducing dietary supplements using the QuEChERS procedure followed by UHPLC-ESI/MS-MS based on two scan events (full scan FTMS and HCD data dependent MS/MS) in positive ionization mode has been developed. Sample extraction and purification were carried out using a modified QuEChERS method. Rapid analysis was carried out by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution Fourier transform mass spectrometer. Fourteen β-agonists were separated within 15 min with limit of detection in the range of 1.8–23.1 μg kg−1. The average recoveries in spiked dietary supplements varied from 67.1 to 107.3 %, which were carried out with spiked samples at three concentration levels. Validation parameters including linearity and repeatability were satisfactory. Finally, based on the results, it is concluded that the proposed method is an appropriate procedure for β-agonists analysis in weight-reducing dietary supplements.