Simultaneous LC–MS/MS determination of 40 legal and illegal psychoactive drugs in breast and bovine milk

Recent Advanced Methods for Extracting and Analyzing Cannabinoids from Cannabis-Infused Edibles and Detecting Hemp-Derived Contaminants in Food (2013-2023): A Comprehensive Review

Cannabis-infused edibles are food products infused with a cannabis extract. These edibles include baked goods, candies, and beverages, offering an alternative way to consume cannabis instead of smoking or vaporizing it. Ensuring the accurate detection of cannabis-infused edibles and identification of any contaminants is crucial for public health and safety. This is particularly important for compliance with legal regulations as these substances can have significant psychoactive effects, especially on unsuspecting consumers such as children or individuals with certain medical conditions. Using efficient extraction methods can greatly improve detection accuracy, ensuring that the concentration of cannabinoids in edibles is measured correctly and adheres to dosage guidelines and legal limits. This review comprehensively examines the preparation and extraction techniques for cannabinoid edibles. It covers methods such as solid-phase extraction, enhanced matrix removal-lipid, QuEChERS, dissolution and dispersion techniques, liquid-phase extraction, and other emerging methodologies along with analytical techniques for cannabinoid analysis. The main analytical techniques employed for the determination of cannabinoids include liquid chromatography (LC), gas chromatography (GC), direct analysis in real time (DART), and mass spectrometry (MS). The application of these extraction and analytical techniques is further demonstrated through their use in analyzing specific edible samples, including oils, candies, beverages, solid coffee and tea, snacks, pet food, and contaminated products.

Simultaneous Quantification of Psychotropic Drugs in Human Plasma and Breast Milk and Its Application in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Peripartum Treatment Optimization

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended for several psychotropic drugs, particularly in sensitive situations such as the peripartum period. This study aimed to develop an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of 14 psychotropic drugs in human plasma and 4 in breast milk.

METHODS

The samples were precipitated with methanol containing the stable isotope-labeled analogs. Chromatographic separation was performed using a Phenomenex Luna Omega Polar C18 column. Detection was performed using a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with an electrospray ionization interface. The method was fully validated in plasma according to the European Guidelines on Bioanalytical Method Validation and partially validated in breast milk by determining the intraday precision and accuracy, linearity, lower limit of quantification, and matrix effect.

RESULTS

The correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were greater than 0.99. Coefficients of variation ranged from 3.05% to 14.66% and 0.62%-14.90% for internal standard-normalized matrix effect, 1.4%-14.1% and 2.1%-10.4% for intraday precision, and 3.2%-13.9% and 4.1%-9.6% for interday precision, in plasma and milk, respectively. The relative error in accuracy did not exceed ±15% for any analyte. The method was successfully applied clinically to measure the concentrations of psychotropic drugs in 952 plasma samples, among which 43% of the concentrations were out of the therapeutic range, and 13 breast milk samples, with calculated relative infant doses ranging from 0.32% to 8.18%.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first routine technique validated for the quantification of psychotropic drugs in both plasma and breast milk, allowing for treatment optimization and prevention of adherence issues, including those in breastfeeding patients.

Non-targeted metabolomics identifies biomarkers in milk with high and low milk fat percentage

Milk is widely recognized as an important food source with health benefits. Different consumer groups have different requirements for the content and proportion of milk fat; therefore, it is necessary to investigate the differential metabolites and their regulatory mechanisms in milk with high and low milk fat percentages (MFP). In this study, untargeted metabolomics was performed on milk samples from 13 cows with high milk fat percentage (HF) and 13 cows with low milk fat percentage (LF) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Forty-eight potential differentially labeled compounds were screened using the orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) combined with the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method. Amino acid metabolism was the key metabolic pathway with significant enrichment of L-histidine, 5-oxoproline, L-aspartic acid, and L-glutamic acid. The negative correlation with MFP differentiated the HF and LF groups. To further determine the potential regulatory role of these amino acids on milk fat metabolism, the expression levels of marker genes in the milk fat synthesis pathway were explored. It was noticed that L-histidine reduced milk fat concentration primarily by inhibiting the triglycerides (TAG) synthesis pathway. L-aspartic acid and L-glutamic acid inhibited milk fat synthesis through the fatty acid de novo and TAG synthesis pathways. This study provides new insights into the mechanism underlying milk fat synthesis and milk quality improvement.

A systematic review of analytical methodologies capable of analysing phytocannabinoids in cosmetics

As cannabidiol (CBD) is not considered to be a drug and because of its potential health claims, it is an interesting compound that is often found in cosmetics. However, the safety of CBD, as well as the presence of trace amounts of other phytocannabinoids, including the psychoactive substance ∆9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is still being debated. A robust analytical technique capable of analysing cosmetic products and determining their phytocannabinoid content will be crucial in assessing the safety of these products. This systematic review aims to highlight the current analytical tools that could be used to analyse phytocannabinoids in cosmetics. The ideal method would be able to analyse high levels of CBD in combination with trace levels of THC and their acids. The method should provide good recoveries and accuracies in a variety of matrices while providing information on up-coming phytocannabinoids such as cannabichromene (CBC), cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). The systematic review approach was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses method. The research focused on studies published from January 2010 to December 2022 in PubMed and Scopus. A total of 15 datasets met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were tabulated to allow easy comparison. Although some of the reviewed methods can handle multiple matrices and provide satisfactory recoveries, this review process did not identify an ideal method. The most suitable methods either could not quantify phytocannabinoid acids or were not sensitive enough to quantify trace levels of psychoactive phytocannabinoids.

The Effect of Route of Administration and Vehicle on the Pharmacokinetics of THC and CBD in Adult, Neonate, and Breastfed Sprague-Dawley Rats

Introduction: Basic pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic models of the phytocannabinoids Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are critical for developing translational models of exposure and toxicity. The neonatal period is a particularly important time to study the effects of cannabinoids, yet there are few studies of cannabinoid PKs by different routes such as direct injection or breast milk ingestion. To study this question, we have developed a translationally relevant rodent model of perinatal cannabinoid administration by measuring plasma levels of THC and CBD after different routes and preparations of these drugs. Materials and Methods: Adult animals and pups were injected with THC or CBD either intraperitoneally or subcutaneously, and plasma was analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to measure cannabinoid levels collected at specified intervals. We also tested the effect of preparation of the drug using an oil-based vehicle (sesame oil) and an aqueous vehicle (Tween). Finally, we measured the plasma levels of cannabinoids in neonatal pups that were transmitted through breast milk after intraperitoneal injection to nursing dams. Results: We observed differences in the PK profiles of cannabinoids in adults and neonatal pups that were dependent on the route of administration and type of vehicle. Cannabinoids prepared in aqueous vehicle, injected intraperitoneally, resulted in a high peak in plasma concentration, which rapidly decreased. In contrast, subcutaneous injections using sesame oil as a vehicle resulted in a slow rise and low plateau in plasma concentration. Intraperitoneal injections with sesame oil as a vehicle resulted in a slower rise compared with aqueous vehicle, but an earlier and higher peak compared with subcutaneous injection. Finally, the levels of THC and CBD that were similar to direct subcutaneous injections were measured in the plasma of pups nursing from intraperitoneally injected dams. Conclusions: The route of administration and the preparation of the drug have important and significant effects on the PK profiles of THC and CBD in rats. These results can be used to create different clinically relevant exposure paradigms in pups and adults, such as short high-dose exposure or a low-chronic exposure, each of which might have significant and varying effects on development.

Simultaneous quantitation of ketamine, norketamine and dehydronorketamine in human milk using a novel ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) assay

There is a paucity of data on the transfer of ketamine from maternal blood into human milk. Quantification of ketamine in human milk provides information about the potential exposure of the infant to ketamine and its metabolites from the mother during lactation. A highly specific, reproducible, and sensitive UPLC-MS/MS based analytical method was developed and validated for the quantitation of ketamine and its metabolites (norketamine and dehydronorketamine) in human milk. Samples were subjected to a simple protein precipitation and ketamine-d4 and norketamine-d4 were used as internal standards. Separation of the analytes was achieved using an Acquity UPLC equipped with BEH RP18 1.7 µm, 2.1 × 100 mm column. Mass spectrometric analysis of the analyte ions was carried out using electrospray with positive ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode. The assay was linear over a concentration range of 1-100 ng/mL for ketamine and norketamine, and 0.1-10 ng/mL for dehydronorketamine. Acceptable intra-day and inter-day accuracy and precision were observed for all the analytes. High recovery of the analytes and minimal matrix effect were observed. Stability of analytes was confirmed at the tested conditions. This assay was successfully used to measure analytes in human milk samples collected from lactating women enrolled in a clinical research study. This is the first validated method that simultaneously quantified ketamine and its metabolites in human milk.

Analytical Approaches for the Determination of Buprenorphine, Methadone and Their Metabolites in Biological Matrices

The abuse of buprenorphine and methadone has grown into a rising worldwide issue. After their consumption, buprenorphine, methadone and their metabolites can be found in the human organism. Due to the difficulty in the assessment of these compounds by routine drug screening, the importance of developing highly sensitive analytical approaches is undeniable. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry is the preferable technique for the determination of buprenorphine, methadone and their metabolites in biological matrices including urine, plasma, nails or oral fluids. This research aims to review a critical discussion of the latest trends for the monitoring of buprenorphine, methadone and their metabolites in various biological specimens.

Advanced microextraction techniques for the analysis of amphetamines in human breast milk and their comparison with conventional methods

Breast milk analysis provides useful information about acute newborn exposure to harmful substances, such as psychoactive drugs abused by a nursing mother. Since breast milk represents a complex matrix with large amounts of interfering compounds, a comprehensive sample pre-treatment is necessary. This work focuses on determination of amphetamines and synthetic cathinones in human breast milk by microextraction techniques (liquid-phase microextraction and electromembrane extraction), and their comparison to more conventional treatment methods (protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, and salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction). The aim of this work was to optimize and validate all the extraction procedures and thoroughly assess their advantages and disadvantages with special regard to their routine clinical use. The applicability of the extractions was further verified by the analysis of six real samples collected from breastfeeding mothers suspected of amphetamine abuse. The membrane microextraction techniques turned out to be the most advantageous as they required low amounts of organic solvents but still provided efficient sample clean-up, excellent quantification limit (0.5 ng mL^-1), and good recovery (81-91% and 40-89% for electromembrane extraction and liquid-phase microextraction, respectively). The traditional liquid-liquid extraction as well as the salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction showed comparable recoveries (41-85% and 63-88%, respectively), but higher quantification limits (2.5 ng mL^-1 and 5 ng mL^-1, respectively). Moreover, these methods required multiple operating steps and were time consuming. Protein precipitation was fast and simple, but it demonstrated poor sample clean-up, low recovery (56-58%) and high quantification limit (5 ng mL^-1). Based on the overall results, microextraction methods can be considered promising candidates, even for routine laboratory use.

Detection of Cannabinoids by LC-MS-MS and ELISA in Breast Milk

Cannabis is the most commonly used drug of abuse in pregnancy and after delivery. However, little is known regarding the disposition of cannabinoids in breast milk, although delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component, is highly lipophilic. Quantification of cannabinoids in breastmilk is essential for clinical monitoring and research studies and breastmilk banks mainly rely on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in terms of screening for cannabinoids. To support clinical studies on disposition of cannabinoids in breastmilk, we validated a high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) assay for the simultaneous quantification of 12 cannabinoids and their metabolites in human breast milk. Said assay was based upon a simple one-step protein precipitation, online column extraction and detection in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. After successful validation, the assay was used to analyze 30 samples from a clinical research study that had tested negative using an ELISA kit that is commonly used by breastmilk banks. In human breast milk, depending on the analyte, the lower limits of quantification of the LC-MS-MS assay ranged from 0.39 to 7.81 ng/mL. Acceptance criteria for intra- and inter-batch accuracy (85-115%) and imprecision (<15%) were met for all compounds. Mean extraction efficiencies were above 60% for all analytes. Mean matrix effect ranged from -12.5% to 44.5% except of THC-glucuronide for which significant matrix effects were noted. No carry-over was detected. Although cannabinoid-negative based on the ELISA, all 30 samples tested positive for THC using LC-MS-MS (0.8-130 ng/mL) and several also for 11-hydroxy-THC (11-OH-THC), 11-nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). We validated a sensitive and specific assay for the quantification of 12 cannabinoids in human breastmilk that outperformed an ELISA commonly used by breastmilk banks.

A chemometric strategy for accurately identifying illegal additive compounds in health foods by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry

The accurate identification of unknown illegal additive compounds in complex health foods continues to be a challenging task in routine analysis, because massive false positive results can be screened with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry-based untargeted techniques and must be manually filtered out. To address this problem, we developed a chemometric-based strategy, in which data analysis was first performed by using XCMS, MS-DIAL, Mzmine2, and AntDAS2, to select those that provided acceptable results to extract common features (CFs), which can be detected by all of the selected methods. Then, CFs whose contents were significantly higher in the suspected illegal additive group were screened. Isotopic, adduct, and neutral loss ions were marked based on the CFs by using a new adaptive ion annotation algorithm. Fragment ions originating from the same compound were identified by using a novel fragment ion identification algorithm. Finally, a respective mass spectrum was constructed for each screened compound to benefit compound identification. The developed strategy was confirmed by using a complex Chinese health food, Goujiya tea. The features of all illegal additive compounds were precisely screened by the developed strategy, and massive false positive features from the current data analysis method were greatly reduced. The constructed respective mass spectra can benefit compound identification and avoid the risk of identifying ions from the same illegal compound as different compounds. Moreover, unknown compounds that are contained in an illegal compound library can be screened.

Multi-Target Analysis and Suspect Screening of Xenobiotics in Milk by UHPLC-HRMS/MS

The development of suspect or non-target screening methods to detect xenobiotics in biological fluids is essential to properly understand the exposome and assess its adverse health effects on humans. In order to fulfil that aim, the biomonitorization of human fluids is compulsory. However, these methods are not yet extensively developed, especially for polar organic xenobiotics in biofluids such as milk, as most works are only focused on certain analytes of interest. In this work, a multi-target analysis method to determine 245 diverse xenobiotics in milk by means of Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC)-qOrbitrap was developed. Under optimal conditions, liquid milk samples were extracted with acetonitrile in the presence of anhydrous Na2SO4 and NaCl, and the extracts were cleaned-up by protein precipitation at low temperature and Captiva Non-Drip (ND)—Lipids filters. The optimized method was validated at two concentration-levels (10 ng/g and 40 ng/g) obtaining satisfactory figures of merit for more than 200 compounds. The validated multi-target method was applied to several milk samples, including commercial and breast milk, provided by 4 healthy volunteers. Moreover, the method was extended to perform suspect analysis of more than 17,000 xenobiotics. All in all, several diverse xenobiotics were detected, highlighting food additives (benzothiazole) or phytoestrogens (genistein and genistin) in commercial milk samples, and stimulants (caffeine), plasticizers (phthalates), UV filters (benzophenone), or pharmaceuticals (orlistat) in breast milk samples.

Psychoactive substances in human breast milk: a review of analytical strategies for their investigation

WHO recommends breastfeeding for the first 6 months of newborn's life. Due to its physicochemical properties, breast milk may contain undesirable components originated from mother's feeding, medication and illicit drugs consumption. Some of these substances transferred from bloodstream to milk and delivered to the infant can cause harmful effects. For the last decades, analytical advances enabled the analysis of several substances in milk using different techniques. Thereby, it is possible to evaluate infant's level of exposure to these substances. This review presents the information published in the main scientific dissemination media about psychoactive drugs investigation in human breast milk, involving the sample preparation techniques and chromatographic validated methods developed in the past 10 years.

Determination of Cannabinoids in Breast Milk Using QuEChERS and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Use of marijuana and cannabinoids has been on the rise in recent years, including in childbearing women. This has resulted in cannabinoids being more frequently identified in breast milk as a result of its high lipid content and cannabinoids having a high lipophilicity, thereby exposing the breastfeeding infant to cannabinoids and other marijuana constituents. Presented is a method for the analysis of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) in breast milk. THC, CBN, CBD and their isotopically labeled standards were extracted from breast milk using a modified QuEChERS method and analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. As a result of the high lipid content of breast milk, saponification of the lipids was necessary to improve overall extraction efficiency. The process efficiency percentage for THC, CBD and CBN are 55%, 80% and 25%, respectively. The recovery percentage for THC, CBD and CBN are 95%, 118% and 85%, respectively. The matrix effect percentage for THC, CBD and CBN are 53%, 66% and 26%, respectively. Linearity was assessed from 1 to 100 ng/mL for THC, CBN and CBD and had r2 &gt; 0.996. Validation controls were prepared at 1, 3, 20, 80 and 300 ng/mL (dilution control), and the bias was determined to be less than ±20% with %CVs &lt;15% for all controls. Due to the limited access of genuine breast milk for routinely preparing matrix matched calibration and control materials, Enfamil® Premium™ Newborn Infant Formula (0–3 months) was evaluated as a breast milk substitute. No significant differences were observed for THC, CBN and CBD using either breast milk or formula as the matrix; thus, it was determined to be an acceptable breast milk matrix substitute. The modified QuEChERS method was determined to be a robust, reliable method for the determination of THC, CBN and CBD in breast milk.

Assessment of Concentrations of Four Phenothiazine Antipsychotics in Serum and Whole Blood Using Different Diatomaceous Earth-based Solid-phase Columns: A Comparative Analysis

This study attempted to determine the phenothiazine antipsychotics concentration in serum and whole blood samples using various diatomaceous earth-based solid-phase columns and elution solvents and subsequently evaluate their efficiency. Phenothiazine antipsychotics concentrations of 5 - 2000 ng/mL were extracted from serum and whole blood using each column. All compounds were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Phenothiazine antipsychotics extraction in serum and whole blood using diatomaceous earth-based solid-phase columns seemed to have an affinity with the elution solvent.

Development of a new method for the analysis of cannabinoids in honey by means of high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation-tandem mass spectrometry detection

Fibre-type Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) represents a valuable resource in many different fields, including both the pharmaceutical and food ones. This plant contains non-psychoactive cannabinoids, a class of bioactive compounds biosynthesized in both female and male inflorescences. Among them, cannabidiol (CBD) is the most interesting compound from a medicinal point of view. Indeed, several scientific studies have proved its therapeutic potential in a large number of pathologies, in addition to its biological effects attributable to its antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. The analysis of the amount of cannabinoids in food and food supplements represents a critical issue in the ambit of both the quality assurance and the dietary intake control of these biologically active compounds. In this ambit, a particular attention is necessary for apiary products, since they are widely consumed and they can be produced by bees starting from different floral sources. In the light of all the above, the aim of this study was to develop for the first time a new analytical method based on RP-HPLC with ESI-MS/MS detection for the determination of CBD and related cannabinoids in honey. A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction procedure with an un-buffered method was selected and optimised as the more suitable protocol. As regards detection, it was carried out by using a linear ion trap quadrupole (QTRAP) mass analyser, operated in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Hemp male inflorescences and pollen were analysed in parallel by means of HPLC-UV/DAD, since bees can transfer pollen into their hives and, consequently, into beehive products. The method developed and validated for the first time in this work was finally applied to the analysis of cannabinoids in honey samples, thus demonstrating to be a useful tool for both quality control and safety assurance.

Multi-residue analysis using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for detection of 20 coccidiostats in poultry, livestock, and aquatic tissues

In this study, we developed a novel analysis method based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to allow the simultaneous identification of 20 coccidiostats in eight matrix categories, including the muscles of chicken, swine, cow, and fish as well as chicken eggs, bovine milk, and porcine viscera. In the pretreatment procedure, acetonitrile/methanol (95:5, v/v) containing 1% formic acid, 5 g of sodium acetate, and 6.0 g of anhydrous magnesium sulfate was used for extraction, followed by a clean-up procedure using n-hexane saturated with ACN to facilitate the elimination of analytes from high lipid samples. Chromatographic separations were achieved using a Poroshell 120SB C18 column and operated with a gradient mobile phase system consisting of methanol (with 0.1% formic acid) and 5 mM ammonium formate, and the MS detection was monitored simultaneously. The method was validated in accordance with the Guidelines for the Validation of Food Chemical Methods by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration. The limit of quantitation among 8 matrices were 0.5–2 ng g⁻¹. The proposed method proved highly effective in detecting the presence of targeted veterinary drugs, providing a high degree of precision and accuracy over a broad range of matrices.

Quantification of eight benzodiazepines in human breastmilk and plasma by liquid-liquid extraction and liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: Application to evaluation of alprazolam transfer into breastmilk

Breastfeeding is strongly encouraged for infant and maternal health. Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely prescribed drugs for symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia, which many women could experience during the postpartum period. However, limited information is currently available to evaluate the transfer of different BZDs into breastmilk. In order to assess the proprieties of this medication during breastfeeding, robust and sensitive analytical methods to quantify BZDs are required. For this purpose, we developed a method for quantification of BZDs, including alprazolam, bromazepam, clonazepam, clotiazepam, etizolam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, and CM7116 (a metabolite of ethyl loflazepate), in human breastmilk and plasma using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Sample preparation was performed by a simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with ethyl acetate. For sample preparation of CM7116, the pretreatment process to completely obtain the metabolite was added before the LLE step. The BZDs were separated by a C₁₈ column using a gradient elution of acetonitrile in aqueous ammonium acetate solution, and were detected in the positive ion electrospray mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Lower limits of quantification (LLOQs) in breastmilk ranged from 0.25 to 0.5 ng/mL, and those in plasma ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 ng/mL. The intra-day and inter-day precision, and accuracy of data were assessed and found to be acceptable. The developed method was successfully applied to measure the concentration of alprazolam in breastmilk and plasma, which were donated by a lactating woman who had been regularly treated with alprazolam. Milk to plasma (M/P) ratios were calculated as 0.52 (before oral administration) and 0.49 (2 h after administration) 3 days after delivery. The M/P ratio 1 month after delivery was calculated as 0.41 (2 h after administration). We estimated that the relative infant dose (RID) values of alprazolam ranged from 3.11 to 4.61%.

Fingerprinting of Phospholipid Molecular Species from Human Milk and Infant Formula Using HILIC-ESI-IT-TOF-MS and Discriminatory Analysis by Principal Component Analysis

Phospholipid composition in the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) fluctuates during the entire lactation period in order to suit the growing needs of newborn infants. The present study elucidated and relatively quantified phospholipid molecular species extracted from human milk (HM), mature human milk (MHM), and infant formulas (with or without MFGM supplementation) using hydrophilic liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-ion trap-time of flight-mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI-IT-TOF-MS) system. Principal component analysis was used to clarify the differences between phospholipid composition in HM, MHM, and infant formulas. HM and MHM contained high concentrations of sphingomyeline (HM: 107.61 μg/mL, MHM: 227.18 μg/mL), phosphatidylcholine (HM: 59.96 μg/mL, MHM: 50.77 μg/mL), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (HM: 25.24 μg/mL, MHM: 31.76 μg/mL). Significant concentrations (<300 ng/mL) of arachidonic, eicosapentanoic, and docosahexanoic acids were found to esterify to PE in HM and MHM. Meanwhile, all infant formulas were found to contain high concentrations of phosphatidic acids indicating the possibility of degradation of the fortified MFGM either during processing or storage of the infant formulas.