The experience of studying and possible ways to eliminate false-positive identification results when analyzing food products for the content of prohibited substances by high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method

Introduction. The presence of prohibited compounds undeclared by the manufacturer in specialized food products (dietary supplements and sports nutrition products) is a violation of TR CU 021. However, the variety of chemical classes of prohibited compounds, their high biological activity and low effective concentrations determine the need for the use of highly sensitive chromatomass spectrometric methods for their detection. The aim of the work was to improve methodological approaches to identification during HPLC-MS/MS analysis of food products for the content of prohibited substances.

Material and methods. The study were carried out by HPLC with tandem mass-selective detection with ionization in electrospray in the target screening mode. Samples of dietary supplements and sports nutrition products were used as objects.

Results. The probable sources of false positive results of the analysis are considered and classified, examples from real practice are given. It is indicated that the main reasons for the appearance of false positive results may be: close values of the m/z precursor ions of the compounds being determined (the difference is less than 1 unit m/z); similarity of the structure of the compounds under study; the compound under study does not form a molecular precursor ion; matrix effects; cross-contamination.

Limitations. 5 main sources of identification errors associated with incorrect interpretation of mass spectra are analyzed.

Conclusion. The solution of the problems of reliable identification of prohibited compounds in dietary supplements is possible through the continuous development and improvement of screening methodology, the development of new methodological approaches, evaluation of their advantages and possible limitations.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require the submission of the conclusion of the biomedical ethics committee or other documents.

Contribution of the authors:
Orlova O.I. – concept and design of research, writing text, editing;
Koryagina N.L. – processing of materials, writing text, editing.
All co-authors – approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all elements of the article.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study had no sponsorship.

Accepted: December 25, 2023 / Revised: 06 May, 2024 / Received: / Published: February 25, 2025