RP-HPLC-RID analysis of InsP 6 to InsP 3 in Indian cereals, legumes, and their products: A comparative evaluation of PRP-1 Vs C18 column.

Phytic acid or inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP 6 ) and its dephosphorylated forms (InsP 5 , InsP 4 & InsP 3 ) are integral to cellular functions and confer several health benefits. The present study was aimed to develop a cost effective and high sample throughput RP-HPLC-RID method for routine quantification of lower inositol phosphates in both raw and processed cereals and pulses. For this asuitable mobile phase composition was formulated and two columns (MacroporusHamilton PRP-1 Vs Waters Symmetry C18) were compared in terms ofsystem specificity,linearity, accuracy and precision. Separation ofInsP 3 , InsP 4 , InsP 5 and InsP 6 were recorded at 2.39, 2.93, 3.83 and 5.37 min usingPRP-1column while the RT were 4.67, 5.64, 6.99 and 9.14 min with C18column.Linearity of standards (R 2  > 0.99), with an accuracy and precision ranging from 1 to 5 % was achieved. The LOD and LOQ of all InsPs were 5 and 15 μg/ml, respectively. In quality control sample InsP 6 was found in highest concentration (446 ± 14.71 mg/100 g) followed by InsP 5 (162 ± 8.00 mg/100 g) and InsP 4 with the least concentration of 11.63 ± 1.06 mg/100 g whereas InsP 3 was below detectable limit (BDL). The optimised method was used for profiling of InsPs in the raw and processed cereals and pulses consumed as staple foods in India. Processed foods contained lesser InsP 6 and more of lower InsP compared to raw foods. The optimised method using unique mobile phase composition was found to yield accurate results and can used for large scale analysis of cereals and pulses and estimation of mineral nutrition potential and allied health benefits.