Immunoaffinity-HPLC Analysis for Vitamin B 12 of Korean Cattle-Hanwoo ( Bos taurus coreanae )

Nutritional information on Hanwoo ( Bos taurus coreanae ) frequently consumed in Korea is of high concern, but reliable vitamin B 12 database is not available. This study was performed to produce reliable vitamin B 12 data for revision of national Food Composition Table. Total 37 retail cuts of Hanwoo (10 primal cuts) were analyzed for vitamin B 12 , and the applied immunoaffinity-HPLC method was verified. Analytical quality control (QC) was also performed at internal (QC chart) and external (proficiency test) levels. Over 97% recoveries were obtained from vitamin B 12 analysis of certified reference materials, indicating good accuracy. Coefficient variations for repeatability and reproducibility were 8.5 and 10.5%, respectively, which were below the acceptance precision level of guideline. Assay proficiency was excellent based on z -score − 0.2 in a proficiency test. Vitamin B 12 contents of Hanwoo significantly varied depending on the types of primal and retail cuts ( p < 0.05). Galbi (rib) showed the highest mean vitamin B 12 with the range of 1.61~3.58 μg/100 g among 10 primal cuts. For 37 sub-cuts, Anchangsal in Galbi was the highest by 3.58 μg/100 g, while Samgaksal in Seoldo was the lowest by 0.95 μg/100 g. Vitamin B 12 levels were also significantly different within the same primal cuts ( p < 0.05) . The largest difference in vitamin B 12 content was observed in Seoldo (0.95~2.31 μg/100 g), while differences in vitamin B 12 of Yangii sub-cuts (except for Chimasal ) were not significant at α = 0.05 but significant at α = 0.1. QC chart showed that all analysis was under the control. All verified data is expected to be used for national and international vitamin B 12 databases.