Abstract

Background:
Camel milk is an important nutritional resource in arid and semi-arid regions and has attracted increasing interest because of its nutritional and functional properties. However, data on fat-soluble vitamins in Algerian dromedary camel milk remain limited, particularly regarding vitamin E analogues such as α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols.

Aim:
This preliminary study aimed to determine retinol and tocopherol concentrations in milk from Algerian dromedary camels using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Methods:
Milk samples were collected from seven lactating dromedary she-camels aged 9-12 years and raised under similar semi-extensive conditions in Djelfa, Algeria. Vitamins A and E were extracted using a liquid-liquid extraction procedure followed by HPLC analysis. The analyzed compounds included retinol, α-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, and total tocopherols. Data were analyzed descriptively and expressed as mean ± standard deviation, with minimum and maximum values because of the preliminary nature of the study and the limited number of animals.

Results:
The mean concentrations were 0.734 ± 0.213 µg/mL for α-tocopherol, 0.012 ± 0.024 µg/mL for γ-tocopherol, 0.240 ± 0.103 µg/mL for δ-tocopherol, and 0.986 ± 0.34 µg/mL for total tocopherols. Retinol was detected at a mean concentration of 0.014 ± 0.008 µg/mL. α-Tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol fraction, followed by δ-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol.

Conclusion:
This preliminary study provides baseline data on retinol and tocopherol analogues in Algerian dromedary camel milk. The detection of α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherols highlights the relevance of further investigations on the vitamin E profile of camel milk. However, larger studies including different regions, seasons, lactation stages, feeding systems, and milk fat composition are required to better characterize the variability of fat-soluble vitamins in Algerian dromedary camel milk.

Key words: Camel milk; HPLC; Retinol; Tocopherols; Vitamin E.