Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry as a tool for the rapid determination of the five major minerals (Na, Mg, K, P and Ca) in skim milk powder

Milk and dairy products are comprised of a complex matrix of components that can interfere with analysis and, as a result, are often not suitable for direct introduction into analytical instruments. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) can bypass time-consuming preparation steps, with potential for rapid, onsite analysis of minerals. In this study, five major milk minerals, sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, were quantified in dairy powders, using EDXRF, and the systemic bias of the method was evaluated by Bland–Altman analysis. No significant systemic bias was observed for the quantification of sodium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, meaning that EDXRF has potential to be used as a rapid offline analytical technology suitable for the analysis of these minerals in skim milk powders.