Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My science fair project is investigating the effects of different heating methods (open fire, microwave, open, hot water etc...) on the nutrients and vitamins in food. I haven't been able to find a lot of research that suggests that microwaving or in fact heating food or liquids (I am particularly focussing on milk for the liquids) destroys the vitamins and nutrients, so that is what I would like to test. The problem is that I have found an OK way to test for vitamin C, but I really need to find a way to test for the vitamin B group, specifically vitamin B12 and possibly an easier way to test for vitamin C and the other nutrients in milk and other foods (I think I will be testing milk, pasta, cake, meat and bread).

First of all, I would like to test how much is in it before I heat it and then afterwards. I am doing this for the PICSE science fair in Tasmania, which is in August, although we are commencing experimentation very soon and would obviously like to repeat my experiment to get maximum results.

Thanks

One of the challenges that ALL science projects face is figuring out how to measure things within your budget and skill level.

Have you researched "chemical assay for vitamin B12"?
The following is a paper on different assay methods for B12: http://www.iioab.org/Vol2(2)2011/Karmi% ... 23-32p.pdf
I don't see any inexpensive or easy to perform ones that aren't subject to interference by other substances or don't require expensive equipment.

Thanks heaps for your help!