Simple, Sensitive and Simultaneous Determination of Free D3 and K2 Vitamins in Fortified Chicken Meat Products by LC-MS/MS with Electrospray Ionisation

A rapid and simplified LC-MS method was developed for quantifying vitamins D3 (cholecalciferol) and K2 (menaquinone-4 and menaquinone-7) in high-fat chicken meat products. Sample preparation involves a two-step solvent extraction followed by centrifugation. Efficient separation was achieved on a Gemini C18 column, and electrospray in positive mode was used for detection. Method validation confirmed good performance and reproducibility. The method was successfully applied to both fortified and unfortified chicken pâté samples. Owing to its simplicity, robustness, and sensitivity, this approach provides a practical and reliable means for quantifying fat-soluble vitamins in complex animal-derived matrices and can serve as a foundation for broader applications in high-fat food products.