Vitamins Testing
Your Industry, Our Focus
Introduction
Vitamins are essential micronutrients that the human body needs in small quantities to perform vital biological functions. They support metabolism, immunity, growth, and cellular repair. As they are not always synthesized by the body, vitamins must be obtained from food or supplements. With rising consumption of fortified foods, dietary supplements, and health beverages, accurate vitamin testing is essential to ensure nutritional claims, product efficacy, and consumer safety. It also helps detect deficiencies, over-fortification, or degradation due to storage or processing.
Types of Vitamins & Nutritional Deficiencies
Vitamins are broadly classified into:
- Fat-Soluble Vitamins: A, D, E, and K (stored in the body's fat tissues)
- Water-Soluble Vitamins: B-complex group and C (not stored; require daily intake)
Detailed Vitamin Chart
|
Vitamin |
Also Known As |
Functions |
Deficiency Effects |
|
Vitamin A |
Retinol |
Vision, immune support, cell growth |
Night blindness, dry skin, infections |
|
Vitamin B1 |
Thiamine |
Energy metabolism, nerve function |
Beriberi, fatigue, nerve damage |
|
Vitamin B2 |
Riboflavin |
Energy production, antioxidant support |
Cracked lips, sore throat, eye issues |
|
Vitamin B3 |
Niacin |
DNA repair, skin health, cholesterol control |
Pellagra: dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia |
|
Vitamin B5 |
Pantothenic Acid |
Hormone & coenzyme synthesis |
Fatigue, irritability, numbness |
|
Vitamin B6 |
Pyridoxine |
Red blood cell production, brain health |
Anemia, depression, confusion |
|
Vitamin B7 |
Biotin |
Metabolism of fats, proteins, carbs |
Hair thinning, rashes, neurological symptoms |
|
Vitamin B9 |
Folic Acid |
DNA synthesis, pregnancy health |
Neural tube defects, anemia |
|
Vitamin B12 |
Cobalamin |
Nerve function, red blood cell production |
Pernicious anemia, nerve damage |
|
Vitamin C |
Ascorbic Acid |
Immune support, collagen synthesis |
Scurvy: bleeding gums, fatigue |
|
Vitamin D |
Cholecalciferol |
Calcium absorption, bone health |
Rickets, osteomalacia |
|
Vitamin E |
Tocopherol |
Antioxidant, skin and cell protection |
Nerve damage, muscle weakness |
|
Vitamin K |
Phylloquinone |
Blood clotting, bone metabolism |
Bleeding disorders, bone fractures |
Why Foods May Have Low Vitamin Levels
Several factors can reduce vitamin content in food and supplements:
- Poor Agricultural Practices – Soil depletion, overuse of chemicals
- Processing & Refining – Milling, boiling, UV exposure, or heating can destroy vitamins.
- Improper Storage – Light, oxygen, and moisture degrade sensitive vitamins.
- Adulteration or Mislabeling – Mislabeled supplements may lack actual potency.
- Long Shelf-Life & Transport – Degradation over time due to oxidation and moisture
Health Implications in Vitamin Products
|
Concern |
Explanation |
|
Overdosage Toxicity |
Excessive intake of vitamins can lead to liver damage, nausea, and birth defects. |
|
Underdosage |
Inadequate potency can result in nutrient deficiencies, leading to fatigue, immune dysfunction, or developmental delays. |
|
Heavy Metal Toxicity |
Contamination with heavy metals like lead, mercury, or arsenic may cause kidney damage or neurological disorders. |
|
Microbial Contamination |
Improper manufacturing or handling may introduce pathogens like Salmonella or E. coli, causing serious illness. |
|
Allergen Cross-Contamination |
Undeclared allergens (e.g., soy, gluten, dairy) may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. |
Industry Concerns
|
Concern |
Description |
|
Labelling Inaccuracy |
Discrepancies between declared and actual vitamin content can lead to regulatory non-compliance and loss of consumer trust. |
|
Product Adulteration |
Some manufacturers may add synthetic vitamins, undeclared substances, or pharmaceutical agents to boost potency deceptively. |
|
Raw Material Quality |
Sourcing inconsistencies, poor storage, or unverified suppliers can compromise purity and efficacy. |
|
Contaminant Risks |
Presence of heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents, or microbes due to poor quality control or raw material origin. |
|
Stability & Shelf-life |
Vitamins degrade over time; without proper formulation and testing, products may lose potency before expiry. |
|
Global Regulatory Compliance |
Diverse standards across countries (FSSAI, FDA, EFSA, etc.) make it challenging for exporters and MNCs to maintain uniform compliance. |
|
Allergen Management |
Lack of proper segregation or testing can lead to undeclared allergens in final products. |
|
Consumer Misinformation |
Misleading health claims, lack of scientific validation, or poor education on usage can harm brand image. |
Importance of Vitamin Testing
|
Objective |
Purpose / Benefit |
|
Verify Nutritional Labelling |
Ensures products contain claimed vitamin levels |
|
Regulatory Compliance |
Meets FSSAI, FDA, EU, Codex standards for nutrition and health supplements |
|
Prevent Overdose / Deficiency |
Prevents health risks due to excess or insufficient vitamin intake |
|
Quality & Shelf-life Control |
Monitors vitamin stability and degradation during storage or transport |
|
Consumer Protection |
Ensures transparency, trust, and product safety |
Vitamin Testing Parameters
Eurofins and other certified labs test for:
- Water-soluble Vitamins: B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, C
- Fat-soluble Vitamins: A, D2/D3, E, K
- Stability Studies: Degradation during shelf-life
- Fortification Accuracy: In premixes, cereals, baby foods, etc.
- Label Claim Verification: Cross-checking actual content vs label.
Testing Methods Used
|
Method |
Purpose |
Example Techniques |
|
HPLC |
Quantification of most vitamins (B-group, C, A, E, K) |
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography |
|
UHPLC-MS/MS |
Ultra-sensitive detection for low levels |
Ultra-High-Performance LC-MS/MS |
|
Microbiological Assay |
Some B vitamins (e.g., B12, folate) via bioassays |
Growth-based assays using test organisms |
|
UV/Vis Spectrophotometry |
Quick screening of certain vitamins |
Vitamin A, C (limited scope) |
|
Stability Testing |
Determines degradation during shelf life |
Used in accelerated shelf-life studies |
Regulations & Standards
FSSAI Permissible Vitamins and Usage Levels
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates the addition of vitamins and minerals to health supplements, nutraceuticals, and fortified foods to ensure consumer safety and prevent overconsumption.
Permitted Vitamins and Minerals
- Only those vitamins and minerals listed in Schedule I and II of the relevant FSSAI regulations are allowed to be added to products.
Maximum Usage Levels
- The usage of vitamins and minerals must generally not exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
- For dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and syrups, individual or combined vitamins/minerals may be used up to a maximum of one RDA per serving.
In Absence of Specific Limits
- If FSSAI does not provide a specific usage limit for a particular vitamin, the total quantity used should still not exceed the ICMR-specified RDA.
FSSAI Schedule – I: List of Permitted Vitamins and Their Components
|
S.No. |
Vitamin |
Permitted Components |
|
1 |
Vitamin A |
- Retinol (all-trans retinol) |
|
2 |
Provitamin A |
- Beta-Carotene |
|
3 |
Vitamin B1 |
- Thiamine chloride hydrochloride |
|
4 |
Vitamin B2 |
- Riboflavin |
|
5 |
Vitamin B6 |
- Pyridoxine hydrochloride |
|
6 |
Vitamin B12 |
- Cyanocobalamin |
|
7 |
Vitamin C |
- L-ascorbic acid |
|
8 |
Vitamin D |
- Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) – Animal source |
|
9 |
Vitamin E |
- D-alpha-tocopherol |
|
10 |
Vitamin K1 |
- Phylloquinone |
|
11 |
Vitamin K2 (MK-7) |
- Menaquinone |
|
12 |
Vitamin K2 (MK-4) |
- Menatetrenone |
|
13 |
Biotin |
- D-biotin |
|
14 |
Folic Acid |
- n-pteroyl-l-glutamic acid |
|
15 |
Niacin |
- Nicotinic acid |
|
16 |
Pantothenic Acid |
- D-pantothenate, calcium |
FSSAI Schedule I – Table C: Permissible Overages for Micronutrients
|
S.No. |
Micronutrient |
Permissible Overage (%) |
|
1 |
Vitamin A |
30% |
|
2 |
Vitamin C |
20% |
|
3 |
Vitamin D |
30% |
|
4 |
Vitamin E |
10% |
|
5 |
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) |
25% |
|
6 |
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) |
25% |
|
7 |
Niacin (Vitamin B3) |
10% |
|
8 |
Vitamin B6 |
25% |
|
9 |
Vitamin B12 |
25% |
|
10 |
Folic Acid |
25% |
|
11 |
Pantothenic Acid |
10% |
|
12 |
Vitamin K1 |
30% |
|
13 |
Minerals |
10% |
|
14 |
Iodine |
20% |
FSSAI Amendment related to the permissible values for vitamins in Foods for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP)—excluding infant formula. This regulation is part of the 2021 amendment that came into force on 6th September 2021, with compliance mandated by 1st April 2022.
Permissible Vitamin Levels in FSMP (Non-Infant Formula)
|
Vitamin |
Per 100 kJ (Min–Max) |
Per 100 kcal (Min–Max) |
|
Vitamin A (µg RE) |
8.4 – 43 |
35 – 180 |
|
Vitamin D (µg) |
0.12 – 0.65 *(0.75)*¹ |
0.5 – 2.5 *(3)*¹ |
|
Vitamin K (µg) |
0.85 – 5 |
3.5 – 20 |
|
Vitamin C (mg) |
0.54 – 5.25 |
2.25 – 22 |
|
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) (mg) |
0.015 – 0.12 |
0.06 – 0.5 |
|
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) (mg) |
0.02 – 0.12 |
0.08 – 0.5 |
|
Vitamin B6 (mg) |
0.02 – 0.12 |
0.08 – 0.5 |
|
Niacin (mg NE) |
0.22 – 0.75 |
0.9 – 3 |
|
Folic Acid (µg) |
2.5 – 12.5 |
10 – 50 |
|
Vitamin B12 (µg) |
0.017 – 0.17 |
0.07 – 0.7 |
|
Pantothenic Acid (mg) |
0.035 – 0.35 |
0.15 – 1.5 |
|
Biotin (µg) |
0.18 – 1.8 |
0.75 – 7.5 |
|
Vitamin E (mg α-TE) |
≥0.1 mg per 100 kJ; 0.5 mg/g of PUFA (linoleic acid) |
≥0.1 mg per 100 kcal; 0.5 mg/g of PUFA (linoleic acid); Max: 3 mg |
https://www.fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Compendium_Nutra_29_09_2021.pdf
European union
Only vitamins and minerals listed in Annex I of Directive 2002/46/EC are allowed in food supplements; only approved chemical forms (Annex II) may be used
Eurofins’ Role in Vitamin Testing
Empowering Nutritional Accuracy, Regulatory Compliance & Consumer Trust
Eurofins is a global leader in analytical testing with a strong focus on micronutrient and vitamin analysis. With decades of experience, Eurofins provides end-to-end vitamin testing solutions to help manufacturers, brand owners, and regulatory bodies ensure that their products meet safety, quality, and nutritional labeling standards.
1. Testing Across Product Categories
Eurofins supports clients across a wide spectrum of industries by offering customized vitamin testing for:
- Nutraceuticals – Capsules, tablets, softgels, powders
- Food & Beverages – Fortified foods, energy drinks, dairy, juices
- Infant Nutrition – Baby food, formula (per Codex, FSSAI, FDA)
- Pharmaceuticals – Vitamin-based drugs and health supplements
- Animal Feed & Pet Nutrition – Compliance for livestock and pet food
- Functional & Sports Foods – Meal replacements, bars, fortified snacks
2. Comprehensive Vitamin Panel
Eurofins evaluates all major fat- and water-soluble vitamins including:
Water-Soluble
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
- B2 (Riboflavin)
- B3 (Niacin)
- B5 (Pantothenic acid)
- B6 (Pyridoxine)
- B7 (Biotin)
- B9 (Folic Acid)
- B12 (Cobalamin)
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Fat-Soluble
- Vitamin A (Retinol, β-carotene)
- Vitamin D2 & D3
- Vitamin E (Tocopherols)
- Vitamin K1, K2
Eurofins verifies potency, stability, degradation, and label claim accuracy for each vitamin.
3. Advanced Testing Techniques
Eurofins uses state-of-the-art instrumentation to provide precise and validated results for trace-level vitamin detection:
|
Methodology |
Applications |
|
HPLC / UPLC |
Quantification of individual vitamins (A, B, C, E, K) |
|
LC-MS/MS |
Multivitamin detection with ultra-trace sensitivity |
|
Microbiological Assay |
For B12 and folic acid – especially in infant nutrition |
|
UV-Vis Spectroscopy |
Screening of vitamins like A & C in bulk products |
|
Shelf-Life Testing |
Ensures vitamins remain active till end of product life |
4. Regulatory Compliance Support
Eurofins ensures your products meet all global and regional regulations:
- FSSAI (India) – RDA limits, nutrition label validation
- US FDA – Dietary Supplement Health Education Act (DSHEA) standards
- EU Regulations – EFSA-approved health claims, labeling compliance
- Codex Alimentarius – International guidelines for vitamin levels in foods
Eurofins also assists with nutrition panel development, label verification, and health claim substantiation.
5. Customized Testing & Reporting
- Tailored testing packages for R&D, QC, market release, or shelf-life studies
- Reports include:
- Vitamin content per serving/unit
- Comparison with regulatory limits (RDA, % Daily Value)
- Stability trends over time
- Pass/fail criteria for product release.
6. Additional Eurofins Services for Vitamin Products
- Formulation Support – Optimize vitamin bioavailability and shelf-stability.
- Fortification Verification – Confirm added nutrients match label.
- Stability & Packaging Studies – Simulate light, heat, humidity effects.
- Contaminant Testing – Heavy metals, mycotoxins, solvents in vitamin formulations
- Microbial Testing – Ensures no contamination in nutraceuticals.
7. Global Network, Local Presence
- ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs across India, Europe, USA, and Asia
- Harmonized testing protocols for multinational compliance
- Fast turnaround, strong technical support, and digital report access
Why Choose Eurofins for Vitamin Testing?
|
Benefit |
What It Means for You |
|
End-to-End Testing |
From raw materials to final dosage form |
|
Regulatory Confidence |
Globally accepted reports with legal traceability |
|
Reliable Label Claims |
Protects brand image and ensures truthful marketing |
|
Fast Turnaround |
Ensures market readiness and reduced risk of non-compliance |
|
Scientific Expertise |
Trusted advisors for complex vitamin stability and interaction issues |
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