Free Access
Issue
Apidologie
Volume 26, Number 5, 1995
Page(s) 407 - 414
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:19950506
Apidologie 26 (1995) 407-414
DOI: 10.1051/apido:19950506

Undetectability of vitamin A in bee brood

M. Skinnera, K.E. Jonesb and B.P. Dunnc

a  Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
b  School of Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada
c  BC Cancer Agency, 600 W 10th, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E6, Canada

Abstract - High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of larval and pupal stages of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) failed to detect any trace of retinol (vitamin A) or retinyl palmitate contrary to previous reports based on Carr-Price colorimetry. Bee brood is not a source of retinol for dietary or cosmetic purposes.


Key words: bee brood / Apis mellifera / HPLC / retinol