Calcium Isotope Ratio Analysis in Milk Samples

This application note presents a study on the determination of calcium isotope ratios in milk samples using the PlasmaQuant MS Elite inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The document outlines the challenges associated with accurate calcium isotope detection, particularly the interference from polyatomic ions and isobaric interferences. It details the methodology employed, including the use of cold plasma conditions to reduce these interferences, allowing for improved precision in isotope ratio measurements. The study highlights the significance of calcium isotopic analysis in understanding biological processes and its potential applications in nutritional and disease-related research. The document also includes a comprehensive description of the instrumentation, sample preparation, and analytical procedures followed to achieve reliable results. The final section presents the measured calcium isotope ratios for various milk samples, demonstrating the effectiveness of the described method in distinguishing between different types of milk based on their calcium isotopic composition.