This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of cereal bars containing various concentrations (0, 10, 20, or 30%) of apple pomace (AP). Highest vitamin B1 and C contents were observed in 30% AP-containing bars, but vitamin B2 and B3 contents were highest in the control (0.347 and 3.566 mg/100 g, respectively). Cutting strength decreased significantly in an AP concentration-dependent manner. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in 10% AP bars were 2.949±0.157 mg of GAE/g and 1.001±0.009 mg of CE/g, respectively. Antioxidant activities were assessed by measuring free radical scavenging activities, and 10% AP bars had the highest activities, as determined by ABTS (2,2'azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (α-α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) assays (0.412±0.008 and 0.492±0.021 mg GAE/g, respectively). These results suggested that apple pomace should be regarded a potential nutritional and antioxidant source.

There has been increased interest in lignans due to their potential effect in reducing the risk of developing several diseases. To evaluate lignan contents, sensitive and accurate methods should be developed for their quantification in food. The present study aimed to validate a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the quantification of 5 lignans: lariciresinol (Lar), matairesinol (Mat), pinoresinol (Pin), secoisolariciresinol (Seco), and syringaresinol (Syr). The validation included selectivity, linearity, recovery, accuracy, and precision. The method was proved to be specific, with a linear response (R2≥0.99). The limits of detection were 0.040~0.765 μg/100 g and the limits of quantification were 0.114~1.532 μg/100 g. Recoveries were 90.588~109.053% for black sesame powder. Relative standard deviations of repeatability and reproducibility were below 5%. Total lignan contents of roasted coffee bean, oat, and blacksoy bean were 105.702 μg/100 g, 78.965 μg/100 g, and 165.521 μg/100 g, respectively. These results showed that LC-MS/MS analysis would be effective in producing acceptable sensitivity, accuracy, and precision in five lignan analyses.