Chromatographic analysis of cis/trans carotenoid isomers

Cis/trans configurations of carotenoids are known to effect the biochemistry of carotenoids in certain situations. Methodology for separating carotenoid cis/trans isomers is of importance to nutritionists and food scientists because cis isomers of provitamin A carotenoids have lower provitamin A activities than the all-trans form. Traditional food processing and preservation methods, especially thermal treatments, induce the formation of cis isomeric forms. However, many challenges, are apparent for identifying and analyzing cis/trans isomers present in foods and other biological tissues. The development of current chromatographic methods for the separation of carotenoid cis/trans isomers is reviewed. For the separation of beta-carotene isomers, most procedures employ either Ca(OH)2 or Vydac C18 columns. In general, polymeric C18 columns allow for the detection of cis carotenes, while monomeric C18 columns provide for some separation of certain xanthophylls. The main cis isomers detected in foods are the 13-cis and 9-cis forms, although other forms have also been found (mainly 15-cis and various di-cis isomers). More studies involving the metabolism and physiological consequences of cis/trans isomers in the diet are needed. However, due to limitations in current techniques, further method development in the area of separation, detection and quantitation of cis/trans carotenoid isomers will be required.