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Fat-Soluble Vitamin Analysis

Quantitative determination of vitamins A (retinol, β-carotene), D₃, E (α-tocopherol incl. enantiomer separation) and K (K₁, K₂ MK-4/MK-7) by HPLC-FLD, HPLC-DAD and LC-MS/MS under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

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Vitamins A, D, E & K – Chromatographic Quantification in Complex Lipid Matrices

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Fat-soluble vitamins are transported in lipids and stored in adipose tissue, which makes their extraction and quantification analytically challenging.

We quantify all fat-soluble vitamins by HPLC with fluorescence, diode array and mass spectrometric detection. The workflow is matrix-guided and compliant with regulatory requirements – from fortified foods to trace levels in native lipid matrices.

Parameter Portfolio

Complete coverage of fat-soluble vitamins with analytical methods and key matrices. LOQs are matrix-dependent.

Vitamin A & Provitamin A

Fat-soluble vitamins relevant for vision, immune function and nutritional fortification. Light-sensitive and lipid-bound, requiring controlled extraction and precise chromatographic detection.

Methods: HPLC-FLD, HPLC-DAD.

Common analytes: All-trans retinol, all-trans β-carotene.

Vitamin D

Occurs at very low native concentrations and is sensitive to oxidation and light. Critical for fortified foods and infant formulas where accurate quantification is required.

Methods: HPLC-DAD, LC-MS/MS.

Common analytes: Cholecalciferol (D₃).

Vitamin E (Tocopherols)

Major lipid-phase antioxidants found in oils and cereals. Differentiation of natural vs. synthetic forms is often required for supplement labelling.

Methods: HPLC-FLD.

Common analytes: α-Tocopherol¹

¹ Enantiomer separation (RRR vs. all-rac tocopherol) available for supplement compliance.

Vitamin K (Phylloquinone & Menaquinones)

Highly matrix-dependent vitamin group occurring in vegetables and fermented foods.

Methods: HPLC-FLD, LC-MS/MS.

Common analytes: Phylloquinone (K₁), MK-4, MK-7².

² MK-4/MK-7 differentiation by LC-MS/MS for K-specific declarations.

Analytical Methods

Multi-analyte screening is available where substance classes overlap.
Routine

HPLC-FLD

Fluorescence detection with high sensitivity for retinol, tocopherols and phylloquinone.

Preferred for fortified foods, oils and supplements where these vitamins occur at higher or supplemented levels.

Carotenoids

HPLC-DAD

Diode array detection with spectral confirmation.

Used for β-carotene and related carotenoids with characteristic UV/Vis absorption, enabling both quantification and identity confirmation.

Trace Level

LC-MS/MS

Tandem mass spectrometry for unambiguous identification and low-level quantification.

Analytical Interpretation

Key analytical considerations that influence how fat-soluble vitamin results are evaluated and interpreted across different matrices.
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Vitamin A & β-Carotene

Retinol and β-carotene are key nutrients in fortified foods, dairy and infant formula. Testing verifies label claims, fortification levels and distinguishes preformed retinol from plant-derived provitamin A.

Typical applications: Fortified foods, fruit & vegetable products, infant formula, premixes/feed.

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Vitamin D₃ (Cholecalciferol)

Vitamin D₃ requires sensitive detection due to very low natural levels. Testing ensures accurate fortification control and compliance in dairy, plant-based drinks and infant formula.

Typical applications: Fortified dairy & plant alternatives, infant formula, native trace-level matrices.

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Vitamin E (α-Tocopherol)

α-tocopherol is the main lipid-phase antioxidant in oils, cereals and supplements. Testing verifies label claims and, when needed, differentiates natural from synthetic forms.

Typical applications: Oils & cereals, supplements (natural vs. synthetic), feed premixes.

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Vitamin K (K₁, MK-4, MK-7)

Vitamin K occurs as K₁ in plant matrices and as MK forms in fermented foods and supplements. Testing verifies declared levels and differentiates MK-4/MK-7 for labelling accuracy.

Typical applications: Vegetables & oils, supplements, fortified foods, fermented foods/feed.

Related Analytics

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Water-Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin C and all eight B-vitamins by VitaFast® microbiological assay and HPLC/LC-MS/MS. Combine with fat-soluble testing for complete vitamin profiling.

Explore Water-Soluble Vitamins
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Elements & Ions

ICP-MS determination of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and trace elements – relevant in combination with vitamin D analysis for bone-health product claims.

Explore Elements & Ions