Determination of "net carbohydrates" using high-performance anion exchange chromatography

For labeling purposes, the carbohydrate content of foods has traditionally been determined by difference. This value includes sugars, starches, fiber, dextrins, sugar alcohols, polydextrose, and various other organic compounds. In some cases, the current method may lack sufficient specificity, precision, and accuracy. These are subsequently quantitated by high performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection and expressed as total nonfiber saccharides or percent "net carbohydrates." In this research, a new method was developed to address this need. The method consists of enzyme digestions to convert starches, dextrins, sugars, and polysaccharides to their respective monosaccharide components. These are subsequently quantified by high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detector and expressed as total nonfiber saccharides or percent "net carbohydrates." Hydrolyzed end products of various novel fibers and similar carbohydrates have been evaluated to ensure that they do not register as false positives in the new test method. The data generated using the "net carbohydrate" method were, in many cases, significantly different than the values produced using the traditional methodology. The recoveries obtained in a fortified drink matrix ranged from 94.9 to 105%. The coefficient of variation was 3.3%.