Detection of selected stimulants as contaminants in solid nutritional supplements by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Nutritional supplements are frequently used by athletes and can contain substances banned by the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA). The aim of this study was to develop a screening method for the detection of selected stimulants in solid nutritional supplements. Analysis of the samples was performed on an LCQ-Deca((R)) instrument after an acidic wash with n-pentane and an alkaline liquid/liquid extraction with diethylether. The mass spectrometer was operated in full scan MS2 using positive ionisation. Detection limits (LODs) were equal or below 50 ng/g for all compounds except strychnine (100 ng/g). The suitability of the method for routine application was illustrated by the analysis of two suspicious samples. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.