Targeted quantification of B vitamins using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry in faba bean seeds

Abstract

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (UPLC-SRM MS) was used for targeted quantification of water-soluble B vitamins from seeds of 30 genotypes of faba bean with contrasting anti-nutritional profiles. Sixteen vitamers from seven B vitamins were quantified from whole seeds, seed coats and cotyledons. A single-step extraction approach with the use of four enzymes (acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, protease and rat serum) and 2 h incubation at 37 °C was used. The total B vitamin concentrations ranged from 23.08 to 39.26 μg/g in whole seeds, 11.51 to 30.31 μg/g in seed coats and 23.56 to 32.66 μg/g in cotyledons. Significant genotype by environment interaction effects were observed for all B vitamins. Our results indicated low-tannin genotypes had high B5 content, whereas tannin-containing genotypes had high B1, B2, B6, and B9 content, particularly in seed coats. The analysis of a large number of faba bean germplasm here suggests that its seeds are a rich source of vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B5. The increased consumption of faba bean seeds and ingredients in the human diet can provide enhanced dietary B vitamins.