Determination of vitamin B12 in four edible insect species by immunoaffinity and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography.

Graphical abstract Highlights • A new UHPLC method for the analysis of vitamin B 12 in edible insects is proposed. • Vitamin B 12 was studied in mealworm, cricket, grasshopper and cockroach. • Possible occurrence of pseudovitamin B 12 was reported in all four species. • Risk of overestimation of vitamin B 12 content in edible insects. Abstract Insects are rich in major nutrients, such as protein and fat. Recently, minor nutrients like vitamins have become the subjects of interest in insects. Hence, this study reports on the development and validation of a method for the determination of vitamin B 12 in mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larvae), cricket (Gryllus assimilis), grasshopper (Locusta migratoria) and cockroach (Shelfordella lateralis), using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography approach with preliminary immunoaffinity chromatography sample preparation. The method was validated regarding linearity, specificity, accuracy and precision, as well as limits of detection/quantification, and was found to be satisfactory for the desired application. Found levels of vitamin B 12 were 1.08 µg/100 g for mealworm, 2.88 µg/100 g for cricket, 0.84 µg/100 g for grasshopper, and 13.2 µg/100 g dry weight for cockroach, representing the first validated report on the content of vitamin B 12 in edible insects. Observed interferences are likely caused by the presence of pseudovitamin B 12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]