Vitamin and Mineral Analysis in Food Supplements
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Their levels are therefore one of the most important indicators of the quality of food products and the suitability of the technological processes used. Vitamins may be of natural origin or synthetically produced, and their analysis is particularly demanding due to the diversity of their structures and properties. Minerals are chemical elements or exogenous compounds, meaning that the human body cannot synthesize them on its own and they must be supplied through food in appropriate amounts and proportions. Both macroelements (e.g., magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, phosphorus, sodium, and chlorine), which are required in larger quantities, and microelements (e.g., iodine, chromium, iron, copper, selenium, zinc, and fluorine), which are required in smaller amounts, are important for the body.
At the J.S. Hamilton laboratory, we perform comprehensive and reliable analyses of vitamins and minerals in food supplements using accredited methods. By applying modern analytical equipment and advanced instrumental techniques, we ensure accurate, reproducible, and regulatory-compliant results that are essential for product quality, safety, and proper labelling.
When analysing vitamins, the choice of analytical method primarily depends on the classification and structure of the specific vitamin. The most commonly used techniques are chromatographic methods (liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection – HPLC-FLD, spectrophotometric detection – HPLC-UV/VIS, HPLC-DAD) and microbiological methods. Enzymatic or titration methods are used less frequently. For the determination of mineral content, J.S. Hamilton laboratories use inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Determination of Vitamins
Using validated methods, we determine the content of the following vitamins:
- B-group vitamins, including folic acid
- Vitamins A, E, D₃, and K
- Vitamin C
Determination of Minerals
We analyse the content of mineral substances and trace elements, including:
chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), phosphorus (P), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), potassium (K), selenium (Se), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and silicon.
Compliance with Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011
Vitamin and mineral analyses are essential for meeting the requirements of Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, which specifies:
- which vitamins and minerals may be declared in nutritional information,
- the mandatory expression of vitamin and mineral content as a percentage of Nutrient Reference Values (NRV),
- requirements regarding the accuracy, truthfulness, and verifiability of label information.
Through laboratory analyses, J.S. Hamilton enables manufacturers to:
- ensure correct and legally compliant labelling of food supplements,
- verify the compliance of declared values with the actual composition,
- support internal quality control and official inspections.
Why Choose J.S. Hamilton?
- modern analytical equipment and highly sensitive methods
- experienced experts in food supplement analysis
- reliable results supporting regulatory compliance and consumer confidence