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Rationale: To increase the consumption of egg powder and its fractions a suitable quality control method is required to obtain more information on its nutritional composition. The proposed method enables the quantification of important elements for the functioning of the human organism, such as halogens and sulfur, in egg powder and its fractions. Methods: Up to 350 mg of egg powder or its fractions (egg white powder and egg yolk powder) were digested by microwave‐induced combustion using 20 bar pressure of oxygen. The analytes were absorbed in 100 mmol L−1 of NH4OH solution. The determination of halogens (chlorine, bromine, fluorine, and iodine) and sulfur was performed in a single analysis using ion chromatography with conductivity detection coupled to mass spectrometry. Results: Using the proposed method, spike recoveries between 99% and 104% for all analytes were obtained, and results agreed with certified values of reference materials (agreements were between 100% and 109%). The relative standard deviations were below 8%. The variation in elemental concentration over a wide range in different fractions (whole egg powder, egg white powder, and egg yolk powder) and different brands was also observed. Conclusions: The proposed method provides reliable information about minerals in whole egg powder and its fractions, contributing to better quality control of these products. Because these food products are widely consumed, these results suggest the safe ingestion levels of these elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Bromine and iodine have important physiological functions; however, in inadequate concentration, they can also cause several physiological problems. Their mobility assessment in human organisms through biological sampling may help clarify some doubts related to metabolic routes, which are still not well elucidated. In this context, a suitable analytical method for this purpose should be developed. Methods: An analytical method for determining ultratrace levels of bromine and iodine in human nail samples was developed. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) using a conventional nebulization system was immediately chosen as the determination tool because of its powerful sensitivity and selectivity. Sample preparation methods including microwave‐induced combustion (MIC), microwave‐assisted extraction, and microwave‐assisted digestion were evaluated. The compatibility of the final solutions with ICP‐MS analysis was considered while the method was developed. Results: MIC was chosen as the most suitable method for the sample preparation for determining the levels of bromine and iodine in human nail samples using ICP‐MS. Unlike other sample preparation methods, this one fully eliminated interferences related to the carbon content and memory effects. Sample masses up to 100 mg were efficiently digested, and the analytes were quantitatively absorbed using only 50 mmol L−1 NH4OH solution. Recoveries ranged from 93% to 102%, and the relative standard deviation was < 8%. Conclusions: The proposed analytical method presents important characteristics for routine analysis. It allows ultratrace determination even when low sample masses are used because of the low blank values, reduced volume of reagents, and powerful detectability using ICP‐MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]