Phytochemical, Vitamin, and Actives testing

This assay quantifies lactase enzyme activity based on Acid Lactase Units (ALU), following the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) method. It measures the ability of the lactase enzyme to hydrolyze lactose under acidic conditions, ensuring that products marketed for dairy digestion contain effective enzyme levels.

Samples are incubated with a lactose substrate at an acidic pH. The enzymatic reaction is monitored by measuring the amount of glucose released, which correlates with lactase activity. The method follows the FCC monograph for lactase (ALU definition). Duplicate runs and standard curves using reference enzyme preparations ensure precision and reproducibility.

Results are reported in ALU/g (Acid Lactase Units per gram). Values are assessed against label claims and formulation targets to confirm potency, detect degradation, and ensure consistency across production batches.

This assay measures lactoferrin concentration using an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The method provides high specificity and sensitivity for lactoferrin quantification across dairy-based and formulated supplement products.

Samples are diluted and incubated in microplate wells coated with lactoferrin-specific antibodies. Bound antigen is detected through enzyme-linked secondary antibodies, producing a colorimetric signal proportional to concentration. Quantification is performed against a standard curve generated from known lactoferrin concentrations.

Results are reported in µg/mL (liquids) or mg/g (solids). Testing verifies label claims, confirms ingredient purity, and supports consistency in milk-derived and nutritional formulations.

This assay quantifies lactoperoxidase (LPO), a naturally occurring antimicrobial enzyme found in bovine colostrum and dairy-based ingredients. Using a validated colorimetric method, it measures LPO activity to confirm bioactive content and support immune-related and oral health claims.

Samples are extracted in aqueous buffer, and enzyme activity is measured by monitoring the oxidation of a chromogenic substrate (e.g., ABTS or TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and thiocyanate. Absorbance is read spectrophotometrically and compared to an LPO activity standard curve.

Results are typically reported in units of activity per gram (U/g). Values are compared to specification targets and used to confirm ingredient identity, potency, and consistency in LPO-containing products.

This assay quantifies lactose, the disaccharide sugar found in milk and dairy-derived ingredients. Using LC-MS/MS, it measures lactose content in raw materials and finished products to verify nutrition label accuracy, confirm lactose levels in dairy formulations, and support “lactose-free” or “low-lactose” claims.

Samples are extracted in aqueous solution, then analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed using certified lactose standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure sensitivity, reproducibility, and accuracy.

Results are reported in g per 100 g, g per 100 mL, or per serving. Values are compared with label claims and formulation targets to confirm compliance, detect undeclared lactose, and ensure consumer safety for sensitive populations.

This assay quantifies L-arginine, a conditionally essential amino acid involved in nitric oxide synthesis and cardiovascular support. Using LC-MS/MS, it verifies L-arginine content in dietary supplements, functional beverages, and sports nutrition products to confirm label claims and ensure potency.

Samples are extracted in aqueous solution and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed with certified L-arginine standards, applying internal standard correction and duplicate injections for precision and reproducibility.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm dosing accuracy and detect any degradation or underformulation.

This assay measures L-Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (AAKG), a salt formed from L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutaric acid, using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method provides high specificity and sensitivity for both components in complex pre-workout and amino acid formulations.

Samples are extracted and analyzed under validated LC-MS/MS chromatographic conditions. AAKG is quantified by detecting the arginine and α-ketoglutarate moieties in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and calculating total AAKG content against certified reference standards. Internal calibration and quality controls ensure accurate and reproducible results.

Testing verifies label claims, supports formulation consistency, and ensures potency in nitric oxide–boosting and performance-focused products.

This assay measures L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT), a stabilized and highly bioavailable form of L-carnitine, using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method provides highly selective and sensitive quantification across raw materials and finished products.

Samples are extracted and analyzed under validated LC-MS/MS chromatographic conditions. L-carnitine is detected via multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and quantified against certified reference standards. Internal calibration and quality control checks ensure accurate and reproducible results.

Testing confirms label claims, verifies raw material purity, and supports consistency across carnitine-based performance formulations.

This assay quantifies L-citrulline, a conditionally essential amino acid commonly used in pre-workouts and cardiovascular supplements for its role in nitric oxide production. Using HPLC, it verifies the potency of citrulline in finished products and detects degradation or substitution over time.

Samples are extracted in aqueous solution and filtered before analysis. The extract is analyzed by HPLC with detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified L-citrulline standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate runs to ensure accuracy.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared with label claims and formulation targets. Testing confirms the active dose and verifies product stability throughout shelf life.

This assay measures L-Citrulline Malate using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method provides highly selective and sensitive quantification of the citrulline component while accounting for its malate salt form in complex sports-nutrition formulations.

Samples are extracted and analyzed under validated LC-MS/MS chromatographic conditions. L-Citrulline is detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and quantified against certified reference standards. Internal calibration and QC checks ensure accuracy, precision, and reproducibility across matrices.

Testing verifies label claims, ensures purity, and confirms consistent potency in citrulline-based performance supplements.

This test quantifies L-ergothioneine, a naturally occurring thiohistidine betaine amino acid found at high concentrations in mushrooms and certain other fungi, in dietary supplements and raw materials using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). L-ergothioneine has attracted significant research interest for its potent antioxidant properties, cellular protective effects, and its designation by some researchers as a potential longevity vitamin. Results are reported in mg per serving or mg per gram to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and extracted using an aqueous acidic solvent or methanol-water solvent system with sonication to ensure complete solubilization of L-ergothioneine from the matrix. The extract is filtered, diluted to volume, and injected onto a reversed-phase C18 HPLC column. Detection is performed by UV at approximately 254 nm, utilizing the characteristic UV absorbance of the thiohistidine chromophore. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified L-ergothioneine reference standard, with system suitability and QC samples run concurrently to confirm method accuracy and reproducibility.

L-ergothioneine is an emerging premium ingredient in the supplement market, and accurate quantification is essential for verifying the potency of mushroom-derived extracts and standardized ergothioneine ingredients. HPLC-UV at 254 nm provides adequate selectivity for ergothioneine in most supplement matrices; however, for complex or low-concentration samples, LC-MS/MS may be considered as a confirmatory approach to resolve any co-eluting matrix interferences and ensure label claim accuracy.

This assay quantifies L-glutamine, a conditionally essential amino acid critical for recovery and intestinal barrier support. Using LC-MS/MS, it measures glutamine content in raw materials and finished products to verify potency, ensure label accuracy, and confirm consistency across batches.

Samples are extracted in aqueous solution and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed using certified L-glutamine standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure reproducibility and sensitivity.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to label claims and formulation targets to confirm potency, detect degradation, or identify underformulation.

This test measures the concentration of L-glutathione, a key antioxidant, in raw materials, capsules, powders, and finished products to ensure potency, purity, and label compliance. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the method accurately quantifies L-glutathione at low detection limits, supporting quality control in antioxidant and cellular support formulations.

Samples are prepared by extraction with an appropriate solvent to release L-glutathione from the matrix. The extract is then analyzed using HPLC equipped with UV or diode-array detection to separate L-glutathione from other thiol-containing compounds. Quantification is achieved by comparing sample peak areas to a calibration curve constructed from certified L-glutathione reference standards. Method accuracy and precision are confirmed through replicate injections, quality control samples, and spike recovery assessments.

Testing verifies label claims, confirms ingredient purity, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency in glutathione-containing products.

This test quantifies L-Glycine, an important amino acid, in raw materials, powders, capsules, and finished products using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method offers precise and sensitive measurement down to low microgram per gram levels, ensuring product quality and compliance with formulation specifications.

Samples are extracted with an aqueous solvent and filtered prior to analysis. L-Glycine is separated by liquid chromatography and detected using tandem mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode targeting specific glycine transitions. Quantification is performed using a calibration curve constructed from certified reference standards. Method accuracy and precision are verified through duplicate injections and recovery assessment of spiked samples.

Results are reported in mg/g (raw material) or mg/serving (finished product). Testing confirms label accuracy, ensures consistent potency, and verifies raw material purity.

This test quantifies L-histidine — a semi-essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to histamine and carnosine, and plays important roles in immune regulation, oxygen transport via hemoglobin, and tissue repair — in dietary supplements, protein blends, amino acid formulations, and raw materials using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Accurate quantification is important for label claim verification in amino acid and protein supplement products. LC-MS/MS provides the sensitivity and compound-specific selectivity needed to accurately quantify L-histidine in complex amino acid matrices, where its unique imidazole side chain can present challenges for certain chromatographic methods. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per gram or per serving.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved or hydrolyzed in a suitable aqueous solvent. An isotopically labeled internal standard (e.g., ¹³C- or ²H-labeled L-histidine) is added prior to sample preparation to correct for matrix effects and recovery variability. The extract is filtered and analyzed by reversed-phase or HILIC LC-MS/MS, with detection by electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions specific to L-histidine. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified L-histidine reference standard. Quality control samples at multiple concentration levels are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

L-histidine's imidazole side chain confers a unique basic character and chromatographic behavior that can make it challenging to retain and resolve on standard reversed-phase columns under typical amino acid analysis conditions. LC-MS/MS with MRM detection provides the compound-specific selectivity and sensitivity needed to unambiguously quantify L-histidine in complex protein and amino acid matrices regardless of chromatographic challenges, ensuring accurate label claim verification. This level of analytical rigor supports raw material qualification and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This test confirms the identity of lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) in raw materials, extracts, and dietary supplements using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Hericium erinaceus is a culinary and medicinal mushroom native to North America, Europe, and Asia, widely used in dietary supplements for its potential to support cognitive function, nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation, and immune health. Its characteristic phytochemical profile includes hericenones (from the fruiting body) and erinacines (from the mycelium), along with polysaccharides and other secondary metabolites. HPTLC identity testing generates a characteristic chromatographic fingerprint that is compared against an authenticated H. erinaceus reference standard to confirm species identity and detect potential adulteration, substitution, or misidentification with related Hericium species or inferior fungal materials.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and extracted using an appropriate solvent system (e.g., methanol or ethanol) to capture the characteristic secondary metabolite profile of H. erinaceus, including hericenones and other lipophilic marker compounds. The extract is applied alongside a certified lion's mane reference standard and, where applicable, potential adulterant or related species extracts, onto an HPTLC silica gel plate using an automated sample applicator. The plate is developed in a validated solvent system optimized to resolve the characteristic marker compounds of H. erinaceus. After development, the plate is derivatized with an appropriate reagent (e.g., anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid or vanillin-sulfuric acid) and evaluated under white light and UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm. The resulting fingerprint pattern is compared visually and, where applicable, by densitometric analysis to the authenticated reference standard in accordance with established HPTLC identity testing guidelines.

Lion's mane is subject to adulteration and species substitution, particularly given the existence of closely related Hericium species (e.g., H. coralloides, H. americanum) and the variability in quality between fruiting body and mycelium-based materials. HPTLC fingerprinting provides a holistic, multi-compound chromatographic identity confirmation that distinguishes authentic H. erinaceus from related species and non-fungal adulterants, offering a level of discriminatory power that single-marker potency assays cannot provide. This method aligns with USP botanical identity testing guidelines and supports cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111, ensuring that only correctly identified raw materials are used in finished products.

This test quantifies L-isoleucine — one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), alongside leucine and valine — in dietary supplements, protein blends, amino acid formulations, and raw materials using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). L-isoleucine plays a critical role in muscle protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and blood glucose regulation, and is a key component of BCAA and sports nutrition products. LC-MS/MS provides the sensitivity and specificity needed to accurately quantify L-isoleucine and distinguish it from its structural isomers, including L-leucine and L-norvaline, in complex amino acid matrices. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per serving to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved or hydrolyzed in a suitable aqueous solvent. An isotopically labeled internal standard (e.g., ¹³C- or ²H-labeled L-isoleucine) is added prior to sample preparation to correct for matrix effects and recovery variability. The sample is filtered and injected onto a reversed-phase or HILIC LC column for chromatographic separation. Detection is performed by electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion mode, with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions selected to provide highly specific quantification of L-isoleucine. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified L-isoleucine reference standard. Quality control samples at multiple concentration levels are analyzed concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity.

L-isoleucine is structurally identical in molecular weight to L-leucine and shares near-identical chromatographic behavior under many standard HPLC conditions, making accurate differentiation and quantification of individual BCAAs particularly challenging in complex amino acid matrices. LC-MS/MS with MRM detection provides the compound-specific selectivity needed to unambiguously quantify L-isoleucine alongside its structural isomers, ensuring that BCAA ratios and individual amino acid label claims are accurately verified. This level of analytical rigor is essential for sports nutrition products where precise BCAA ratios are a key product differentiator and consumer expectation.

This test quantifies L-leucine, an essential branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and the primary trigger of muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR pathway, in dietary supplements, protein powders, and raw materials using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). L-leucine is one of the most widely used amino acids in sports nutrition and recovery formulations, and accurate quantification is critical for label claim verification and ensuring consistent dosing across batches. Results are reported in mg per serving or mg per gram to support cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and extracted using an aqueous acidic solvent or protein precipitation with acetonitrile to isolate free L-leucine from the matrix. The clarified extract is injected onto a reversed-phase or HILIC column coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in positive ionization Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode. Specific precursor-to-product ion transitions characteristic of L-leucine are monitored for quantification and identity confirmation. Quantification is performed against a multi-point calibration curve prepared from a certified L-leucine reference standard, with a stable isotope-labeled internal standard used to correct for matrix effects and ensure accurate recovery across sample types.

L-leucine shares near-identical molecular weight and chromatographic behavior with its structural isomers L-isoleucine and L-norleucine, making UV-based HPLC methods insufficient for unambiguous quantification in complex supplement matrices. LC-MS/MS in MRM mode provides the molecular selectivity required to distinguish L-leucine from its isomers and accurately quantify it at the levels present in high-dose amino acid and BCAA formulations, supporting reliable label claim substantiation and batch-to-batch consistency.

This test quantifies L-Lysine, an essential amino acid important for nutritional labeling and quality control, using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It is applicable to various matrices including raw materials, finished products, capsules, and powders. The method provides sensitive detection with quantification limits down to low microgram per gram levels, ensuring accurate measurement in complex formulations.

Samples are prepared by aqueous extraction followed by filtration to remove particulates. The extract is injected into an LC-MS/MS system equipped with a reverse-phase column, using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to detect L-Lysine transitions. Quantification is performed using a calibration curve constructed from certified L-Lysine reference standards, with an isotopically labeled internal standard to correct for matrix effects and instrument variability. Method accuracy is verified through duplicate injections, quality control samples, and spike recovery experiments.

Results are reported in mg/g (raw materials) or mg/serving (finished products). Testing confirms label claims, ensures raw material purity, and verifies batch-to-batch consistency in production.

This test quantifies L-methionine — an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that serves as the precursor to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), cysteine, and glutathione, and plays a central role in methylation reactions, liver detoxification, and antioxidant defense — in dietary supplements, protein blends, amino acid formulations, and raw materials using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Accurate quantification is important for label claim verification and for confirming the methionine contribution in complete protein and multi-amino acid formulations. LC-MS/MS provides the sensitivity and compound-specific selectivity needed to accurately quantify L-methionine in complex matrices. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per gram or per serving.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved or hydrolyzed in a suitable aqueous solvent, with care taken to minimize oxidation of the sulfur-containing side chain during sample preparation. An isotopically labeled internal standard (e.g., ¹³C- or ²H-labeled L-methionine) is added prior to sample preparation to correct for matrix effects and recovery variability. The extract is filtered and analyzed by reversed-phase or HILIC LC-MS/MS, with detection by electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions specific to L-methionine. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified L-methionine reference standard. Quality control samples at multiple concentration levels are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

L-methionine is an essential amino acid with a reactive sulfur-containing side chain that is susceptible to oxidation to methionine sulfoxide during processing and storage, potentially reducing bioavailability and potency. LC-MS/MS with MRM detection provides the compound-specific selectivity needed to specifically quantify intact L-methionine and distinguish it from its oxidized form and other sulfur-containing amino acids such as cysteine and homocysteine in complex matrices. This level of analytical rigor supports label claim accuracy, raw material qualification, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This test quantifies L-phenylalanine — an essential aromatic amino acid that serves as a precursor to tyrosine, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine — in dietary supplements, amino acid blends, protein hydrolysates, and raw materials using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Accurate quantification is critical for label claim verification, ensuring that the declared amount of this essential amino acid is present in the finished product. This test is also relevant for products bearing phenylalanine content disclosures required for individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder in which phenylalanine cannot be properly metabolized. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per serving.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and hydrolyzed under acidic conditions (e.g., 6N hydrochloric acid at elevated temperature) if present in a protein-bound form, or dissolved directly in a suitable buffer if in free amino acid form. The sample is derivatized using a pre-column or post-column reagent — such as o-phthalaldehyde (OPA), phenylisothiocyanate (PITC), or 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AQC) — to enable UV or fluorescence detection. Separation is performed by reversed-phase HPLC on a C18 column, and quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified L-phenylalanine reference standard. System suitability and quality control standards are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy and precision.

L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation, making accurate potency verification important for product efficacy and consumer safety. Critically, phenylalanine is a mandatory disclosure ingredient for individuals with PKU, and inaccurate labeling of phenylalanine content in food and supplement products poses a direct health risk to this population. HPLC with derivatization provides the sensitivity and specificity needed to accurately quantify L-phenylalanine in complex amino acid and protein matrices, supporting both label claim compliance and regulatory disclosure requirements under 21 CFR 101 and 111.

This test quantifies L-Proline, an important amino acid relevant for nutritional and quality assessment, using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It is applicable to various matrices including raw materials, powders, capsules, and finished products. The method provides sensitive detection with a reporting limit of 0.1 mg/kg, ensuring accurate measurement for quality control purposes.

Samples are prepared by extracting 0.5 g of material with 10 mL of 0.1% formic acid in water, followed by centrifugation and filtration. The extract is analyzed using LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization in positive mode, monitoring L-Proline transitions in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Quantification is performed using an external calibration curve constructed from certified L-Proline standards ranging from 0.1 to 100 mg/L. Quality control includes duplicate injections, analysis of spiked samples for recovery assessment, and periodic injection of QC standards to verify instrument performance.

Results are reported in mg/g (raw material) or mg/serving (finished product). Testing confirms label accuracy, verifies raw material purity, and supports consistent manufacturing quality.

This assay quantifies L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea and commonly used in calming and nootropic supplements. Using HPLC, it verifies L-theanine content in capsules, powders, and beverages to confirm label claims and ensure consistent dosing.

Samples are extracted in aqueous or acidic solution and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified L-theanine standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm active content and detect any degradation or underformulation.

This test quantifies L-threonine — an essential amino acid that plays a critical role in protein synthesis, immune globulin production, intestinal mucosal integrity, and collagen formation — in dietary supplements, protein blends, amino acid formulations, and raw materials using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Accurate quantification is important for label claim verification in amino acid and protein supplement products, as well as for confirming the threonine contribution in complete protein and BCAA formulations. LC-MS/MS provides the sensitivity and compound-specific selectivity needed to accurately quantify L-threonine in complex amino acid matrices. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per gram or per serving.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved or hydrolyzed in a suitable aqueous solvent. An isotopically labeled internal standard (e.g., ¹³C- or ²H-labeled L-threonine) is added prior to sample preparation to correct for matrix effects and recovery variability. The extract is filtered and analyzed by reversed-phase or HILIC LC-MS/MS, with detection by electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions specific to L-threonine. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified L-threonine reference standard. Quality control samples at multiple concentration levels are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

L-threonine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by the human body, making accurate potency verification important for confirming that supplement products deliver the declared dose. LC-MS/MS with MRM detection provides the compound-specific selectivity needed to unambiguously quantify L-threonine in complex protein and amino acid matrices, where co-eluting amino acids may interfere with less selective analytical methods. This level of analytical rigor supports label claim accuracy, raw material qualification, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This test quantifies L-Tryptophan, an essential amino acid important for nutritional and quality control purposes, using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It is suitable for analyzing raw materials, finished products, capsules, and powders. The method provides high specificity and sensitivity with detection limits typically in the low nanogram per milliliter range.

Samples are first extracted with a methanol-water solution to release L-Tryptophan, followed by filtration to remove particulates. The extract is injected into an LC-MS/MS system operating in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode, using electrospray ionization in positive mode. Separation is achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column with a gradient mobile phase of water and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Quantification is performed using a calibration curve constructed from certified L-Tryptophan standards, with an isotopically labeled internal standard to correct for matrix effects and instrument variability. Method accuracy and precision are verified through duplicate injections, quality control samples, and spike recovery experiments.

Testing confirms label claims, verifies raw material purity, and supports batch-to-batch consistency.

This test quantifies L-Tyrosine, an important amino acid, in raw materials, powders, capsules, and finished products using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Accurate measurement of L-Tyrosine ensures product quality and compliance with nutritional specifications. The assay has a detection limit of 0.1 mg/g, providing sensitive and precise quantification.

Samples are prepared by aqueous extraction followed by filtration to remove particulates. The extract is injected into an HPLC system equipped with a C18 reversed-phase column and UV detection at 274 nm, specific for L-Tyrosine. Quantification is achieved using an external calibration curve constructed from certified L-Tyrosine reference standards over a defined concentration range. Method precision is confirmed by duplicate injections and quality control samples, while spike recovery tests validate accuracy.

Results are reported in mg/g (raw material) or mg/serving (finished products). Testing confirms label claims, verifies raw material purity, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency in amino acid formulations.

This assay quantifies lutein, a carotenoid found in marigold extract and leafy greens, commonly used in vision support and antioxidant supplements. Using HPLC, it measures lutein content in raw materials and finished products to confirm potency and support structure-function claims.

Samples are extracted using organic solvents (typically hexane or ethanol-based), then analyzed by HPLC with UV-Vis detection at a compound-specific wavelength (typically ~445 nm). Quantification is performed using certified lutein standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections for accuracy.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm standardization and detect degradation or adulteration.

This test quantifies L-valine — one of the three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), alongside leucine and isoleucine — in dietary supplements, protein blends, amino acid formulations, and raw materials using Liquid Chromatography coupled with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). L-valine plays an important role in muscle tissue repair, nitrogen balance, and energy production during sustained exercise, and is a standard component of BCAA and sports nutrition formulations. LC-MS/MS provides the sensitivity and specificity required to accurately quantify L-valine and distinguish it from co-eluting structural isomers in complex amino acid matrices. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per serving to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved or hydrolyzed in a suitable aqueous solvent. An isotopically labeled internal standard (e.g., ¹³C- or ²H-labeled L-valine) is added prior to sample preparation to correct for matrix effects and recovery variability. The sample is filtered and injected onto a reversed-phase or HILIC LC column for chromatographic separation. Detection is performed by electrospray ionization (ESI) in positive ion mode, with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions selected to provide highly specific quantification of L-valine. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified L-valine reference standard. Quality control samples at multiple concentration levels are analyzed concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

Accurate quantification of individual BCAAs — including L-valine — is essential for verifying the declared BCAA ratio and total amino acid content in sports nutrition products, where precise formulation is a key product claim and consumer expectation. LC-MS/MS with MRM detection provides the compound-specific selectivity needed to unambiguously quantify L-valine alongside leucine and isoleucine in complex protein and amino acid matrices, where standard HPLC methods may not provide sufficient resolution between structural isomers. This level of analytical specificity supports both raw material qualification and finished product release testing under 21 CFR 111 cGMP requirements.

This test quantifies lycopene, a fat-soluble carotenoid pigment found predominantly in tomatoes and tomato-derived ingredients, in dietary supplements, food products, and raw materials using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV/Visible detection (HPLC-UV/Vis). Lycopene is one of the most studied carotenoids for its antioxidant activity and its association with prostate and cardiovascular health. Results are reported in mg per serving or mg per gram to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and subjected to saponification using an ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution to hydrolyze esterified carotenoids, followed by liquid-liquid extraction with an organic solvent such as hexane or ethyl acetate to isolate lycopene. The extract is evaporated under nitrogen, reconstituted in mobile phase, and injected onto a reversed-phase C18 or C30 HPLC column — C30 columns are preferred for improved resolution of lycopene from structurally similar carotenoid isomers. Detection is performed by UV/Vis at approximately 472 nm, corresponding to the characteristic visible absorbance of lycopene. All sample preparation steps are conducted under amber or reduced-light conditions to prevent photodegradation, and quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified lycopene reference standard.

Lycopene is highly susceptible to oxidative and photodegradation, and its accurate quantification requires careful sample handling combined with a chromatographic method capable of resolving it from cis-isomers and co-present carotenoids such as beta-carotene and phytoene. HPLC with UV/Vis detection at 472 nm provides the sensitivity and selectivity needed for reliable potency measurement across softgel, powder, and oil-based supplement formats, ensuring label claim accuracy and raw material qualification.

This test confirms the botanical identity of maca root (Lepidium meyenii) in raw materials and finished products using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). HPTLC generates a characteristic chromatographic fingerprint based on maca's unique glucosinolate and alkaloid marker compounds, which is compared against a certified Lepidium meyenii reference standard to confirm species authenticity and detect substitution or adulteration. Results are reported as confirmed identity or non-conforming.

A representative sample is extracted using methanol or an aqueous-organic solvent system and applied alongside a certified maca root reference standard onto an HPTLC silica gel plate using an automated applicator. The plate is developed in a validated solvent system, dried, and derivatized with an appropriate detection reagent to visualize the characteristic marker bands associated with maca's glucosinolate and macamide profile. The resulting fingerprint is compared visually and by densitometric scanning to the reference standard pattern. Identity is confirmed when the sample fingerprint matches the reference in terms of Rf values, band positions, and color profile, per established HPTLC botanical identity methods.

Maca root is a premium Andean botanical that commands a significant price premium, making it a target for substitution with less expensive root powders or unrelated starch-based fillers. HPTLC identity testing provides a rapid and scientifically defensible confirmation of botanical species, supporting supplier qualification, and label accuracy.

This assay quantifies malic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid found in fruits and commonly added as an acidulant in foods, beverages, and supplements. Using LC-MS/MS, it measures malic acid content to confirm formulation accuracy, detect adulteration, and verify nutrition or ingredient label claims.

Samples are extracted in aqueous solvent and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed with certified malic acid standards, using internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure sensitivity and reproducibility. The method allows detection of both natural and added malic acid in complex matrices.

Results are reported in mg per g, mg per 100 mL, or per serving depending on the product matrix. Values are compared against declared label claims, formulation targets, or regulatory specifications to ensure accuracy and product quality.

This assay quantifies melatonin, a hormone commonly used in sleep-support supplements. Using HPLC, it verifies melatonin content in tablets, capsules, powders, and functional blends to ensure label accuracy and proper dosing in products designed for rest and relaxation.

Samples are extracted using aqueous or methanolic solvents and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified melatonin standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared with formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm potency, detect over- or under-formulation, and ensure product consistency.

This assay quantifies methylliberine, the purine alkaloid branded as Dynamine, commonly used in energy, nootropic, and performance supplements. Using HPLC, it verifies methylliberine content to ensure label accuracy, consistent dosing, and safe stimulant formulation.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based or aqueous solvents and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified methylliberine standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm potency and detect mislabeling or improper standardization.

This test identifies and quantifies methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), also known as dimethyl sulfone, in raw materials and finished dietary supplement products using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MSM is a low-molecular-weight organosulfur compound commonly formulated in powders, capsules, tablets, gummies, liquids, and multi-ingredient joint- and mobility-support products. Because MSM is highly water-soluble and has limited chromophoric response for conventional UV detection, LC-MS/MS provides selective detection in the presence of amino acids, sugars, minerals, botanical extracts, flavor systems, and other formulation components. Results are reported as % w/w, mg/g, or mg per serving, according to the product specification and intended label declaration.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved or extracted in a validated aqueous or aqueous-organic solvent system, typically purified water or a water/methanol mixture, selected to achieve complete recovery of MSM from the relevant dosage form. Solid materials are mixed, sonicated, and/or agitated as necessary; finished matrices may undergo additional clarification steps to remove insoluble excipients and reduce matrix interference. The prepared extract is centrifuged and membrane-filtered before analysis. MSM is separated using a validated chromatographic mode suitable for highly polar analytes, such as hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) or a suitably retained reversed-phase method. Detection is performed by tandem mass spectrometry using optimized atmospheric-pressure ionization and compound-specific precursor/product-ion transitions. An isotopically labeled MSM internal standard or a qualified structurally appropriate internal standard may be used to correct for sample-preparation variability and matrix effects. Quantification is performed against a multi-point calibration curve prepared from a qualified, purity-corrected MSM reference standard. Method blanks, system-suitability standards, duplicate preparations, spike-recovery samples, calibration-verification standards, and concurrent quality-control samples are evaluated to confirm selectivity, accuracy, precision, linearity, recovery, and carryover control.

MSM is a small, polar, nonvolatile compound that may be challenging to retain and distinguish from formulation components using non-specific analytical approaches. LC-MS/MS offers high analyte specificity through chromatographic retention, molecular-ion detection, and characteristic fragmentation behavior, enabling reliable MSM quantification even in complex multi-ingredient supplements. The use of an internal standard and matrix-appropriate extraction conditions helps control potential ion-suppression and recovery effects that may otherwise influence results. This method supports raw-material qualification, formulation verification, lot-to-lot consistency, label-claim substantiation, and dietary supplement cGMP quality-control requirements under 21 CFR 111.

This assay quantifies methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a sulfur-containing compound commonly used in joint health and recovery supplements. Using LC-MS/MS, it verifies MSM content in capsules, powders, and blends to confirm label accuracy and ensure consistent therapeutic dosing.

Samples are extracted in aqueous solution and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed with certified MSM standards, internal standard correction, and duplicate injections to ensure precise and reproducible results.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared with formulation targets and label claims to confirm dosing consistency and detect dilution or mislabeling.

This assay quantifies the key active flavonolignans in milk thistle (Silybum marianum), commonly grouped under the silymarin complex. Using LC-MS/MS, it measures individual and total silymarin content to verify potency in liver support supplements and botanical blends.

Samples are extracted with alcohol or aqueous solvents, then analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed with certified silymarin standards, internal standard correction, and duplicate injections to ensure precise and reproducible results.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving for each analyte and total silymarin. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm extract standardization and detect potential degradation or adulteration.

This assay quantifies N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a stable derivative of the amino acid cysteine widely used in supplements for antioxidant support and glutathione production. Using HPLC, it measures NAC content in raw materials and finished products to confirm label claims, ensure potency, and detect degradation.

Samples are extracted in aqueous or methanolic solution and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength (typically ~210 nm). Quantification is performed using certified NAC standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure precision and reproducibility.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared with declared label claims and formulation targets to verify potency, support stability checks, and confirm compliance with product specifications.

This test quantifies N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), a compound important for cellular energy metabolism and neurological function, using LC-MS/MS. It is applicable to raw materials, capsules, powders, and finished dietary supplements. The method offers sensitive detection with a reporting limit of 0.1 mg/kg, ensuring accurate measurement for quality control and regulatory compliance.

Samples are prepared by extracting 0.5 g of material with 10 mL of methanol-water (80:20 v/v) followed by centrifugation and filtration. The extract is analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization in positive mode, monitoring specific MRM transitions for ALCAR. Quantification is performed using a calibration curve generated from certified ALCAR reference standards ranging from 0.1 to 50 mg/L. Method accuracy and precision are verified through duplicate injections, spiked recovery samples, and quality control standards analyzed alongside each batch.

Testing confirms label accuracy, verifies purity, and supports consistency in products formulated with carnitine derivatives.

This assay quantifies N-acetyl-L-tyrosine (NALT), an acetylated derivative of the amino acid tyrosine used in nootropic and performance supplements. Using HPLC, it measures NALT content in raw materials and finished products to verify potency, ensure label accuracy, and confirm consistency across production batches.

Samples are extracted in aqueous or methanolic solution and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength (typically ~274 nm for aromatic amino acids). Quantification is performed using certified N-acetyl-L-tyrosine reference standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure reproducibility and accuracy.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared against declared label claims and formulation specifications to confirm dosing accuracy, detect degradation, or identify adulteration.

This test quantifies naringin, a flavanone glycoside and the primary bitter bioactive compound found in grapefruit and other citrus fruits, in dietary supplements, citrus extracts, and raw materials using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). Naringin is widely used as a potency marker for grapefruit and citrus bioflavonoid extracts and has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-modulating properties. Results are reported in mg per serving or as a percentage of extract weight to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and extracted using a methanol or ethanol-water solvent system with sonication or gentle heating to ensure complete solubilization of naringin from the matrix. The extract is filtered, diluted to volume, and injected onto a reversed-phase C18 HPLC column. Detection is performed by UV at approximately 283–284 nm, and quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified naringin reference standard. System suitability and QC samples are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy and reproducibility across the analytical run.

Naringin is the primary standardization marker for grapefruit extract and citrus bioflavonoid ingredients, and accurate quantification is essential for verifying extract potency and label claim compliance. HPLC-UV provides the selectivity needed to resolve naringin from structurally related flavonoids — including hesperidin, narirutin, and neohesperidin — that are commonly co-present in citrus-derived matrices, delivering reliable potency data for both raw material qualification and finished product release testing.

This assay quantifies NAD⁺ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a vital coenzyme involved in redox reactions and mitochondrial energy metabolism. Using HPLC, it verifies NAD⁺ content in supplements and functional products to confirm bioactive potency and support claims related to energy, longevity, and cellular health.

Samples are extracted under cold, acid-stabilized conditions to preserve NAD⁺ integrity, then analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified NAD⁺ standards with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm potency and detect degradation, which NAD⁺ is particularly susceptible to in heat or pH-variable environments.

This assay quantifies nicotinamide riboside, a bioavailable form of vitamin B3 that acts as a precursor to NAD⁺. The test measures active content using LC-MS/MS to ensure potency and formulation accuracy in supplements targeting metabolic and cellular health.

Samples are extracted under controlled conditions to preserve nicotinamide riboside. The extract is analyzed by LC-MS/MS with detection based on specific mass transitions. Calibration with high-purity standards, along with internal standard correction and duplicate runs, ensures reliable quantification.

Results are provided in mg per 100 g or per serving. The values are compared with expected targets and label claims. Stable levels across batches confirm formulation consistency, while deviations may indicate instability or degradation.

This assay quantifies nicotine levels in food or plant-derived products using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Nicotine is an alkaloid commonly found in tobacco and related species, and its measurement is critical in ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and validating product labeling. The method uses a validated HPLC protocol that isolates nicotine from complex matrices, achieving accurate quantification with minimal interference.

Samples are homogenized and subjected to solvent extraction using a method optimized for nicotine recovery. After filtration and cleanup, the extract is analyzed by HPLC, which separates nicotine from other matrix components based on retention time. Quantification is performed using UV detection against calibration curves prepared with qualified reference standards. Quality controls and internal standards ensure reproducibility and accuracy.

Results are reported as numerical concentrations (typically in ppm or µg/g). Lower values indicate minimal nicotine presence, often consistent with regulatory thresholds for non-tobacco products. The results support both compliance verification and quality control for product consistency across batches.

This assay quantifies nitrate content in beet juice, powders, and related raw materials using Ion Chromatography (IC). It measures nitrate ions directly, ensuring accurate assessment of beet products marketed for cardiovascular support, endurance, and nitric oxide boosting effects.

Samples are dissolved in water and filtered before analysis by ion chromatography with conductivity detection. Nitrate ions are separated on an anion-exchange column and quantified against certified nitrate standards. Duplicate injections and QC samples are run to ensure reproducibility and accuracy.

Results are reported in mg/g (powders) or mg/100 mL (juices), and may also be expressed per serving. Values are compared against product specifications and label claims to confirm potency and detect batch-to-batch variability.

This assay quantifies NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide), a precursor to NAD⁺ widely used in longevity and mitochondrial health supplements. Using HPLC, it verifies NMN content in raw materials and finished products to ensure label accuracy, proper dosing, and product stability.

Samples are extracted in aqueous or buffered solution and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength (typically ~260 nm). Quantification is performed using certified NMN standards with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure precision and

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm potency and detect degradation or adulteration.

This comprehensive assay compiles a full nutritional profile of a food product by integrating results from multiple individual tests. It measures macronutrients, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other components to provide the complete data required for label statements and nutritional information.

The sample is subjected to a series of standardized assays (e.g., Dumas for protein, Soxhlet for fat, AOAC methods for fiber, HPLC for vitamins) under controlled conditions. Data from each test are compiled and cross-checked against quality control samples. The final nutritional facts panel is reviewed for accuracy before reporting.

Results are delivered as quantitative values (e.g., calories, grams per serving) for each nutrient. These data enable manufacturers to verify that their products meet nutritional targets and comply with labeling requirements. The integrated panel provides a clear overview of the product’s nutritional composition.

This assay measures PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), a B-complex–related compound used in nutritional and cosmetic formulations. HPLC provides accurate and selective quantification of PABA in raw materials and finished products.

Samples are extracted and analyzed under validated HPLC chromatographic conditions. PABA is separated from related aromatic compounds and detected via UV absorbance. Quantitation is performed with certified reference standards; calibration curves and replicate injections ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Testing confirms label claims, verifies purity, and ensures consistency across production batches.

This assay measures palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), also known as palmitic acid monoethanolamide, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The analysis provides accurate quantification for quality control and standardization in raw materials and finished products.

Samples are extracted and analyzed under validated HPLC chromatographic conditions. PEA is separated from related fatty acid ethanolamides and detected via UV or diode-array detection. Quantitation is performed using certified reference standards, with calibration curves and replicate injections ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.

Testing verifies label claims, confirms ingredient purity, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency.

This test confirms the botanical identity of Panax ginseng root in raw materials and finished products using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The characteristic ginsenoside fingerprint of the sample is compared against a certified Panax ginseng reference standard to confirm species authenticity and detect substitution with related species such as American ginseng (P. quinquefolius) or Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Results are reported as confirmed identity or non-conforming.

A representative sample is extracted using methanol and applied alongside a certified Panax ginseng reference standard onto an HPTLC silica gel plate. The plate is developed in a validated solvent system, derivatized with anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid reagent, and the resulting fingerprint is compared visually and by densitometric scanning to the reference standard in terms of Rf values, band positions, and color profile.

Panax ginseng is one of the most frequently adulterated botanical ingredients globally, with substitution by less expensive ginseng species a well-documented industry problem. HPTLC identity testing provides a rapid and defensible confirmation of botanical species, supporting supplier qualification and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This assay verifies the identity of Passiflora incarnata using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Characteristic chromatographic fingerprints are compared against authenticated reference material to confirm botanical identity.

Samples are extracted and applied to an HPTLC plate alongside reference standards. After chromatographic development and visualization under appropriate conditions, the resulting banding pattern is evaluated and compared to the reference profile for identity confirmation.

Testing supports raw material authentication, supplier verification, and quality control for botanical ingredients.

Initially, a sample is measured for the Amino Acid composition using method AOAC 994.12. A human digestion simulation follows, breaking down the proteins into amino acids, which are reacted with Ninhydrin and measured; determining the digestibility. Taking the limiting amino acid value the digestibility is corrected resulting in a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS).

The sample undergoes controlled enzymatic digestion using the patented in vitro method. The extent of protein breakdown is measured and used to calculate PDCAAS.

Results are reported on a 0–1 scale. A score of 1.0 indicates high-quality protein, while lower scores suggest amino acid limitations or reduced digestibility.

This test quantifies phosphatidylcholine (PC), an essential phospholipid found in lecithin and cell membranes, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). It is applicable to raw materials, finished products, capsules, and powders, providing precise measurement of PC content to ensure product quality and label accuracy. The method achieves detection limits suitable for trace-level quantification, with results reported in mg/g or percentage of total lipid content.

Samples are prepared by extracting lipids using a chloroform-methanol solvent mixture (2:1 v/v) followed by phase separation to isolate the lipid fraction. The extracted lipids are then injected into an HPLC system equipped with a C18 reverse-phase column. Phosphatidylcholine is detected using evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) to enhance sensitivity for non-UV absorbing lipids. Quantification is performed by comparing peak areas to a calibration curve constructed from certified phosphatidylcholine reference standards. Method accuracy is verified through duplicate injections, inclusion of quality control samples, and spike recovery tests to confirm extraction efficiency and instrument precision.

Results are reported in % w/w (raw materials) or mg/serving (finished products). Testing confirms standardized potency, supports label claims, and ensures consistency of lecithin and lipid-based supplements.

This test quantifies phosphatidylserine (PS) — a phospholipid and critical structural component of neuronal cell membranes, widely used in dietary supplements for its FDA-qualified health claim supporting cognitive function and dementia risk reduction — in raw materials, lecithin-derived extracts, and finished products using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Phosphatidylserine is typically derived from soy or sunflower lecithin and is standardized to a defined PS content (commonly 20% or higher). Accurate quantification is essential for verifying label claims, confirming the potency of standardized PS concentrates, and ensuring that the declared amount of this functional phospholipid is present in the finished product. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per gram or per serving.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and extracted using an appropriate lipid extraction solvent system (e.g., chloroform/methanol or isopropanol) to isolate the phospholipid fraction. The extract is filtered and analyzed by HPLC using a normal-phase or HILIC column with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) or charged aerosol detection (CAD), which are preferred over UV detection due to the absence of a strong UV chromophore in the phosphatidylserine headgroup. Where UV detection is employed, a wavelength of 205 nm may be used to detect the unsaturated fatty acid moieties. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified phosphatidylserine reference standard. Quality control samples are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

Phosphatidylserine is a complex phospholipid that co-occurs with other phospholipid classes — including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol — in lecithin-derived raw materials. HPLC with ELSD or CAD detection provides the chromatographic resolution needed to separate and specifically quantify the PS fraction from co-occurring phospholipids without the need for mass spectrometric detection, making it a practical and cost-effective method for routine quality control. This approach supports label claim substantiation, raw material qualification, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111, and is consistent with the analytical requirements for products bearing FDA-qualified health claims for phosphatidylserine.

This test identifies and quantifies phospholipids in raw materials and finished dietary supplement products using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Depending on the validated assay scope and product matrix, the panel may include phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidic acid (PA), lysophospholipids, and relevant sphingolipids. Individual molecular species may also be reported according to acyl-chain composition, such as PC 16:0/18:2 or PS 18:0/22:6. The assay is particularly suited to complex lipid-containing ingredients, including soy or sunflower lecithin, egg-derived phospholipids, krill oil, marine oils, milk-derived fractions, and phospholipid-enriched blends. Results can be reported as mg/g, mg/serving, % w/w, individual phospholipid-class concentration, individual molecular-species concentration, and/or total phospholipids calculated as the sum of validated phospholipid classes.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and subjected to a validated lipid-extraction procedure using an appropriate biphasic organic-solvent system, such as a modified Folch, Bligh–Dyer, or methyl tert-butyl ether extraction. Class-appropriate stable-isotope-labeled or structurally analogous internal standards are added before extraction to monitor recovery, ionization effects, and analytical variability. The lipid extract is concentrated, reconstituted in an LC-MS-compatible solvent, and analyzed by reversed-phase or hydrophilic-interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), selected according to whether the validated method emphasizes separation by molecular species or phospholipid class. Tandem mass spectrometry is performed using validated electrospray-ionization conditions and compound-specific multiple-reaction-monitoring (MRM) or high-resolution MS/MS transitions. Analytes are identified by retention-time agreement, precursor-ion mass, characteristic fragment ions, and comparison with qualified reference standards. Quantification is based on multi-point calibration curves using certified or qualified phospholipid standards, with response correction by the corresponding internal standard where applicable. Method blanks, duplicate preparations, spike-recovery controls, calibration-verification standards, and quality-control samples are evaluated with each batch to confirm extraction efficiency, accuracy, precision, linearity, and absence of carryover or significant matrix interference.

Phospholipids are structurally diverse amphiphilic lipids that cannot be fully characterized by total phosphorus measurement or non-specific gravimetric lipid testing alone. LC-MS/MS provides molecular specificity that distinguishes phospholipid classes and individual acyl-chain species from triglycerides, sterols, glycolipids, free fatty acids, and formulation excipients. This distinction is especially important where a product claim relates to a particular phospholipid class, such as phosphatidylserine or phosphatidylcholine, or where the source and composition of a phospholipid-rich ingredient must be verified. The use of internal standards and MS/MS fragmentation improves quantitative reliability in complex matrices that may exhibit differential extraction recovery or ion-suppression effects. The assay supports incoming-material qualification, lot-to-lot consistency, label-claim substantiation, and dietary supplement cGMP quality-control requirements under 21 CFR 111.

This assay quantifies piperine, the active alkaloid in black pepper and the standardized extract marketed as BioPerine. Using HPLC, it verifies piperine content in capsules, blends, and bioenhanced formulations to ensure label accuracy and consistent dosing in absorption-support products.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based solvents under controlled conditions and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified piperine standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm potency and detect underdosing or ingredient substitution.

This assay quantifies total polysaccharides using UV-Visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis). The method provides a rapid and reliable measure of total carbohydrate polymers present in natural extracts and raw materials.

Samples are hydrolyzed under controlled conditions, and the resulting solution is reacted with colorimetric reagents to produce a measurable chromophore. Absorbance is read at a specific wavelength using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and concentration is determined relative to a glucose or polysaccharide standard curve.

Results are reported as % w/w (raw materials) or mg/serving (finished products). Testing confirms standardized potency, supports label claims, and ensures consistency for polysaccharide-rich ingredients such as mushrooms, algae, and plant extracts.

This assay quantifies pregnenolone, a steroidal hormone precursor involved in the biosynthesis of progesterone, estrogens, and androgens. Using HPLC, it verifies pregnenolone content in raw materials and finished products to confirm label claims, ensure potency, and detect degradation or adulteration.

Samples are extracted using organic solvents and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified pregnenolone reference standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared with label claims and formulation targets to confirm potency and support consistent dosing across production batches.

This test quantifies total proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins) in botanical extracts, dietary supplements, and raw materials using UV-Vis spectrophotometry with a colorimetric derivatization method. Proanthocyanidins are oligomeric and polymeric flavanols found at high concentrations in grape seed, pine bark (Pycnogenol), cranberry, and other berry-derived extracts, and their total content is the primary potency and standardization marker for these ingredients. Results are reported as a percentage of proanthocyanidin content relative to extract weight, expressed as procyanidin equivalents, to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and extracted using a methanol or acetone-water solvent system with sonication. The extract is reacted with a chromogenic reagent — typically the DMAC (4-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde) or vanillin-hydrochloric acid method — which produces a colored complex selectively with proanthocyanidins and flavan-3-ol units. Absorbance is measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry at the appropriate wavelength (640 nm for DMAC; 500 nm for vanillin-HCl). Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified procyanidin or catechin reference standard, and results are expressed as percentage proanthocyanidins relative to the initial sample weight.

Total proanthocyanidin content is the industry-standard potency marker for grape seed, pine bark, and berry-derived extracts, and its accurate measurement is essential for verifying standardization levels and substantiating label claims. UV-Vis spectrophotometry with colorimetric derivatization is the conventional and widely accepted method for total proanthocyanidin quantification, providing a practical and reproducible measure of extract potency for both raw material qualification and finished product release testing.

This assay determines total protein content in food samples by measuring nitrogen content and converting it to protein using a standard conversion factor. The Dumas method is a combustion-based technique valued for its speed, accuracy, and minimal chemical waste compared to traditional methods.

Samples are combusted in an oxygen-rich environment, and the released nitrogen is measured via thermal conductivity detection. The measured nitrogen is converted to protein content using a conversion factor (typically 6.25). Calibration with certified reference materials and duplicate analyses ensure reliability.

Results are reported as grams of protein per 100 g of food. These values are used for nutritional labeling and quality control. Consistent protein levels across batches confirm that the product meets formulation specifications, while deviations may indicate processing issues.

This test quantifies total protein content in food, dietary supplement, and raw material matrices using the Kjeldahl nitrogen determination method in accordance with AOAC Official Method 981.10 (Crude Protein in Meat and Meat Products, applicable broadly to food and supplement matrices). The Kjeldahl method measures total organic nitrogen in a sample, which is converted to protein content by multiplication with an appropriate nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (commonly 6.25 for general food proteins, or matrix-specific factors such as 5.71 for wheat, 6.38 for dairy, and others as applicable). As a reference method with a long history of regulatory acceptance, Kjeldahl protein determination is recognized by AOAC International, the FDA, and international food regulatory bodies for nutritional labeling compliance under 21 CFR 101. Results are reported as a percentage of crude protein on an as-received or dry basis.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and subjected to acid digestion in concentrated sulfuric acid in the presence of a catalyst system (e.g., copper sulfate and potassium sulfate) at elevated temperature until complete oxidation of organic matter is achieved, converting all organic nitrogen to ammonium sulfate. The digested solution is made alkaline by addition of concentrated sodium hydroxide, and the liberated ammonia is distilled by steam distillation into a receiving solution of boric acid or a standard acid solution. The captured ammonia is quantified by back-titration with a standardized hydrochloric or sulfuric acid solution to a potentiometric or colorimetric endpoint. Total nitrogen content is calculated from the titration volume and expressed as a percentage; crude protein is calculated by multiplying the nitrogen percentage by the appropriate nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor. Reagent blanks are analyzed concurrently to correct for background nitrogen.

The Kjeldahl method is the long-established reference method for total protein determination in food and dietary supplement matrices, providing a direct measurement of total organic nitrogen that is independent of protein structure, molecular weight, or amino acid composition. AOAC 981.10 is a validated, internationally recognized official method with broad regulatory acceptance for nutritional labeling compliance. While the Kjeldahl method measures total nitrogen — including non-protein nitrogen from nucleic acids, free amino acids, and other nitrogenous compounds — it remains the standard for crude protein reporting in regulatory and labeling contexts. This method supports nutritional label compliance under 21 CFR 101, raw material specification testing, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This test determines the protein content of a sample on a dry weight basis by combining two complementary methods: total nitrogen quantification by the Dumas combustion method (nitrogen analyzer) and moisture determination by AOAC Official Method 925.10 (Loss on Drying). The Dumas method measures total nitrogen released upon high-temperature combustion of the sample, which is converted to protein content using an appropriate nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor. The moisture content determined by AOAC 925.10 is then used to correct the protein result to a dry basis, providing a moisture-independent measure of true protein content. This is the standard approach for protein specification and label claim verification in protein powders, amino acid ingredients, and high-protein food and supplement products. Results are reported as a percentage protein on a dry weight basis.

For moisture determination (AOAC 925.10), a representative sample is accurately weighed into a pre-dried, tared dish and dried in a convection oven at 105°C until constant weight is achieved. The moisture content is calculated from the loss in weight relative to the initial sample weight. For protein determination, a separate representative sample is accurately weighed and combusted at high temperature (typically above 900°C) in a nitrogen analyzer. The nitrogen gas released is measured by thermal conductivity detection, and total nitrogen content is calculated. Protein content is derived by multiplying total nitrogen by the appropriate conversion factor (e.g., 6.25 for general food proteins, or a product-specific factor where applicable). The protein result is then corrected to a dry basis using the moisture content determined by AOAC 925.10.

Reporting protein content on a dry basis eliminates the variability introduced by moisture differences between batches and between raw materials from different suppliers, providing a standardized and comparable measure of true protein content. The Dumas combustion method is the preferred modern alternative to the Kjeldahl method for total nitrogen determination, offering faster analysis, no hazardous reagents, and equivalent accuracy. Combining Dumas nitrogen analysis with AOAC 925.10 moisture correction is the industry-standard approach for protein specification in dietary supplement and food ingredient applications, supporting accurate nutrition labeling under 21 CFR 101 and raw material qualification under 21 CFR 111.

This assay quantifies trans-pterostilbene, a methylated analog of resveratrol known for its enhanced bioavailability and antioxidant activity. Using HPLC, it verifies pterostilbene content in supplements and longevity-focused formulations to confirm label accuracy and dosing consistency.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based solvents under light-protected conditions, then analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified pterostilbene standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate runs to ensure precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm potency and detect variability in raw material or storage stability.

This assay quantifies pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a redox cofactor used in supplements targeting brain health, energy metabolism, and anti-aging. Using LC-MS/MS, it accurately measures PQQ content in capsules, powders, and functional formulations to verify label claims and ensure bioactive potency.

Samples are extracted using aqueous or alcohol-based solvents and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed using certified PQQ standards with internal standard correction and duplicate injections for precision and reproducibility.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm consistency and detect underdosing or degradation in stored products.

This assay quantifies quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid commonly used in immune, allergy, and longevity supplements. Using LC-MS/MS, it measures quercetin content in capsules, powders, and botanical blends to verify label claims and support bioactive consistency across formulations.

Samples are extracted in alcohol or methanol-based solvents and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed with certified quercetin standards, internal standard correction, and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy and precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm dosing consistency and detect degradation or adulteration.

This test confirms the botanical identity of Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) in raw materials and finished products using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The characteristic triterpenoid and polysaccharide fingerprint of the sample is compared against a certified Ganoderma lucidum reference standard to confirm species authenticity and detect substitution with other Ganoderma species or unrelated fungal materials. Results are reported as confirmed identity or non-conforming.

A representative sample is extracted using methanol or ethanol-water and applied alongside a certified Ganoderma lucidum reference standard onto an HPTLC silica gel plate. The plate is developed in a validated solvent system, derivatized with anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid reagent, and the fingerprint is compared visually and by densitometric scanning to the reference standard in terms of Rf values, band positions, and color profile.

Reishi is among the most adulterated mushroom ingredients in the supplement market, with other Ganoderma species and mycelium-on-grain preparations frequently substituted for authentic fruiting body material. HPTLC identity testing provides a rapid and defensible species confirmation, supporting supplier qualification and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This assay quantifies resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound primarily found in grapes and Japanese knotweed. Using HPLC, it verifies resveratrol content in supplements, functional foods, and botanical extracts to confirm label claims and ensure consistent dosing in longevity and heart health formulations.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based solvents under light-protected conditions and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified resveratrol standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to verify potency and detect degradation or adulteration.

This test confirms the botanical identity of Rhodiola rosea in raw materials and finished products using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The characteristic rosavins and salidroside fingerprint of the sample is compared against a certified Rhodiola rosea reference standard to confirm species authenticity and detect substitution with other Rhodiola species — such as R. crenulata — that lack the rosavin compounds unique to R. rosea. Results are reported as confirmed identity or non-conforming.

A representative sample is extracted using methanol or ethanol-water and applied alongside a certified Rhodiola rosea reference standard onto an HPTLC silica gel plate. The plate is developed in a validated solvent system, derivatized with anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid or natural products reagent, and the fingerprint is compared visually and by densitometric scanning to the reference standard in terms of Rf values, band positions, and color profile.

Rhodiola rosea is one of the most commonly adulterated adaptogens, with R. crenulata — which contains salidroside but not rosavins — frequently substituted due to its lower cost. HPTLC identity testing is the most practical method for distinguishing R. rosea from other Rhodiola species based on the presence of species-specific rosavin compounds, supporting supplier qualification and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This test confirms the identity of Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L., and related pharmacopeial species including R. officinale and R. tanguticum) in raw materials, root powders, extracts, and dietary supplements using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Rheum palmatum, commonly known as Chinese or medicinal rhubarb, is a well-established botanical used in traditional Chinese medicine and Western herbal practice for its role in supporting digestive function, bowel regularity, and gastrointestinal health. Its characteristic phytochemical profile includes anthraquinone glycosides and aglycones (emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, physcion), stilbene glycosides (rhaponticin), and tannins. HPTLC identity testing generates a characteristic chromatographic fingerprint that is compared against an authenticated R. palmatum reference standard to confirm species identity and detect potential adulteration, substitution with common garden rhubarb (R. rhabarbarum or R. rhaponticum) — which lacks the pharmacopeial anthraquinone profile — or blending with other anthraquinone-containing botanicals.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and extracted using an appropriate solvent system (e.g., methanol or aqueous ethanol) to capture the characteristic anthraquinone and stilbene profile of R. palmatum. The extract is applied alongside a certified R. palmatum reference standard and, where applicable, potential adulterant extracts (e.g., R. rhabarbarum, Rumex species), onto an HPTLC silica gel plate using an automated sample applicator. The plate is developed in a validated solvent system optimized to resolve the characteristic anthraquinone aglycones and glycosides of R. palmatum. After development, the plate is evaluated under UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm — where anthraquinones display characteristic fluorescence — and may be further derivatized with potassium hydroxide solution or anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid reagent for enhanced visualization under white light. The resulting fingerprint pattern is compared visually and, where applicable, by densitometric analysis to the authenticated reference standard in accordance with established HPTLC identity testing guidelines.

Medicinal rhubarb (R. palmatum and related pharmacopeial species) is subject to adulteration and substitution with common garden rhubarb (R. rhabarbarum), which is morphologically similar but lacks the characteristic anthraquinone glycoside profile required for pharmacopeial compliance and the associated biological activity. HPTLC fingerprinting provides a holistic, multi-compound chromatographic identity confirmation — anchored by the characteristic anthraquinone pattern — that is more discriminating than single-marker assays and enables detection of substitution or adulteration that would not be apparent from potency testing alone. This method aligns with USP and European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) botanical identity testing guidelines and supports cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111, ensuring that only correctly identified raw materials are used in finished products.

This assay quantifies total alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in supplements and raw materials using LC-MS/MS. It does not distinguish between the R- and S-enantiomers, but instead measures total ALA content to verify label claims, confirm potency, and ensure product consistency.

Samples are extracted with organic solvents and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed against certified alpha-lipoic acid standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving as total ALA. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm dosing accuracy, detect underformulation, and verify product stability.

This assay quantifies rosavin, a key bioactive compound in Rhodiola rosea known for its adaptogenic and anti-fatigue properties. Using HPLC, it verifies rosavin content in botanical extracts and supplements to ensure proper standardization and support claims related to mood, energy, and stress modulation.

Samples are extracted using alcohol- or water-based solvents under light- and temperature-controlled conditions. The extract is analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified rosavin standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate runs to ensure precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to label claims and standardization targets to confirm consistency in Rhodiola extracts and detect low-quality or adulterated material.

This test quantifies rosmarinic acid, a naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid ester and the primary water-soluble polyphenol found in rosemary, sage, lemon balm, and other Lamiaceae herbs, in dietary supplements and raw materials using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). Rosmarinic acid is a key bioactive marker and standardization compound for these botanical extracts, valued for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Results are reported in mg per serving or as a percentage of extract weight to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and extracted using a methanol or ethanol-water solvent system with sonication to ensure complete recovery of rosmarinic acid from the botanical matrix. The extract is filtered, diluted to volume, and injected onto a reversed-phase C18 HPLC column. Detection is performed by UV at approximately 330 nm, corresponding to the characteristic absorbance of the hydroxycinnamic acid chromophore, and quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified rosmarinic acid reference standard. System suitability and QC samples are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy and reproducibility across the analytical run.

Rosmarinic acid is the primary standardization marker for lemon balm, rosemary, and related Lamiaceae extracts, and its accurate quantification is essential for verifying extract potency and label claim compliance. HPLC-UV at 330 nm provides the selectivity needed to resolve rosmarinic acid from co-present phenolic acids — including caffeic acid and salvianolic acids — in complex botanical matrices, delivering reliable potency data for both raw material qualification and finished product release testing.

This test quantifies rutin, a bioactive flavonoid glycoside of quercetin, in raw materials, powders, and finished botanical products. Using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the method achieves sensitive and specific detection with a reporting limit as low as 0.1 mg/kg. Accurate rutin measurement supports quality control and standardization of herbal supplements and nutraceuticals.

Samples are extracted with 70% methanol under sonication to release rutin from the matrix. The extract is filtered and injected into an LC-MS/MS system operating in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode, targeting rutin-specific precursor and product ions. Quantification is performed using a calibration curve constructed from certified rutin reference standards, with an isotopically labeled internal standard to correct for matrix effects. Method accuracy is verified through duplicate injections, spiked recovery tests, and quality control samples analyzed alongside each batch.

Results are reported in mg/g (raw material) or mg/serving (finished products). Testing confirms standardized potency in plant extracts, verifies label claims, and supports quality control for flavonoid-rich formulations.

This assay quantifies S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), a bioactive methyl donor involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, detoxification, and joint support. Using LC-MS/MS, it verifies SAMe content in supplements and functional formulas to ensure label accuracy and product stability.

Samples are extracted under acid-stabilized, light-protected conditions to prevent degradation. The extract is analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed using certified SAMe standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate runs to ensure precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims. Testing confirms bioactive content and helps detect instability due to SAMe’s known sensitivity to heat, moisture, and pH.

This assay quantifies safranal, a volatile compound and key bioactive in saffron (Crocus sativus) linked to mood and neurological support. Using HPLC, it measures safranal content in saffron extracts and supplements to verify label claims and ensure consistent dosing in mood, vision, and cognitive health products.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based solvents under light-protected conditions, then analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a safranal-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified safranal standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate runs for precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and standardization benchmarks to confirm potency and detect variability due to degradation or poor-quality raw material.

This assay quantifies salidroside, a key adaptogenic glycoside found in Rhodiola rosea. Using HPLC, it measures salidroside content in botanical extracts and supplements to verify standardization and support health claims related to mood, focus, and fatigue reduction.

Samples are extracted using water or alcohol-based solvents, then analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified salidroside standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate runs to ensure accuracy.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to label claims and formulation targets to confirm consistent potency and detect variability in raw material or extract quality.

This test confirms the identity of shilajit — a mineral-rich exudate from Himalayan and Altai mountain rock formations — in raw materials and finished products using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). The characteristic fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrone (DBP) compound fingerprint of the sample is compared against a certified shilajit reference standard to confirm authenticity and detect adulteration with synthetic fulvic acid, humic acid, or other substitutes. Results are reported as confirmed identity or non-conforming.

A representative sample is dissolved in methanol or water and applied alongside a certified shilajit reference standard onto an HPTLC silica gel plate. The plate is developed in a validated solvent system and examined under UV light (254 nm and 366 nm) and after derivatization with an appropriate reagent. The resulting fingerprint is compared visually and by densitometric scanning to the reference standard in terms of Rf values, band positions, and fluorescence profile.

Shilajit is a high-value ingredient with a significant risk of adulteration, particularly with synthetic fulvic acid or humic acid preparations that mimic its appearance but lack its full bioactive compound profile. HPTLC identity testing provides a practical and defensible method for confirming authenticity, supporting supplier qualification and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

A comprehensive nutritional profile assay that consolidates the measurement of primary macronutrients—protein, carbohydrates, and fats—and calculates the total caloric content for nutritional labeling and quality control.

The assay integrates multiple analytical methods: protein is measured using the Dumas combustion method; fat is determined by solvent extraction (e.g., Soxhlet) and gravimetric analysis; carbohydrates are calculated by difference (or summing measured sugars/starches); and caloric content is derived either via bomb calorimetry or standard conversion factors. Calibration with certified standards and duplicate analyses ensure reliability across components.

Results are reported as grams per 100 g (or per serving) for protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with total calories per 100 g (or per serving). Consistency in these values confirms formulation accuracy, while any deviations may indicate processing or measurement issues that require further investigation.

This assay quantifies spermidine, a naturally occurring polyamine involved in cellular growth and longevity pathways. Using LC-MS/MS, it verifies spermidine content in dietary supplements, functional foods, and longevity formulations to confirm label accuracy and support anti-aging claims.

Samples are extracted in acidified aqueous solution and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed with certified spermidine standards, internal standard correction, and duplicate injections to ensure precision and reproducibility.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims to ensure proper dosing and detect degradation or inconsistencies in raw material quality.

This test quantifies spermidine trihydrochloride, the salt form of spermidine used in dietary supplement formulations, in supplements and raw materials using Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Spermidine is a naturally occurring polyamine found in wheat germ, aged cheese, and other foods, and has attracted significant research interest for its role in inducing autophagy — the cellular self-cleaning process associated with healthy aging and longevity. LC-MS/MS is required for this analysis due to the highly polar, low-UV-absorbing nature of spermidine and its presence at microgram-level doses in supplement formulations. Results are reported in mg per serving or mg per gram to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and extracted using an aqueous acidic solvent or dilute hydrochloric acid solution to ensure complete solubilization of spermidine trihydrochloride. The clarified extract is injected onto a reversed-phase C18 or HILIC column coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in positive ionization Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode. Specific precursor-to-product ion transitions characteristic of spermidine are monitored for quantification and identity confirmation. Quantification is performed against a multi-point calibration curve prepared from a certified spermidine reference standard, with a stable isotope-labeled internal standard used to correct for matrix effects and ensure accurate recovery across the sample types tested.

Spermidine is a highly polar, low-molecular-weight polyamine that lacks meaningful UV absorbance, making HPLC-UV methods impractical for its direct quantification at the microgram doses used in supplement formulations. LC-MS/MS in MRM mode provides the sensitivity and molecular specificity required to accurately detect and quantify spermidine in complex matrices, distinguishing it from structurally related polyamines such as putrescine and spermine that may be co-present in wheat germ and other botanical raw materials.

This test confirms the identity of spirulina — primarily Arthrospira platensis and Arthrospira maxima, cyanobacteria (blue-green microalgae) widely marketed under the common name spirulina — in raw materials, dried powders, and dietary supplements using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Spirulina is one of the most widely consumed microalgae-based dietary supplements globally, valued for its high protein content, complete amino acid profile, and rich concentration of bioactive pigments including phycocyanin (blue), chlorophylls a and b (green), and carotenoids (β-carotene, zeaxanthin). HPTLC identity testing generates a characteristic pigment-based chromatographic fingerprint that is compared against an authenticated spirulina reference standard to confirm species identity and detect potential adulteration, substitution with other microalgae (e.g., Chlorella spp.), or blending with non-algal plant materials.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and extracted using an appropriate solvent system (e.g., methanol or acetone) to capture the characteristic pigment profile of spirulina, including chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycocyanin-derived chromophores. The extract is applied alongside a certified spirulina reference standard and, where applicable, potential adulterant extracts (e.g., Chlorella powder), onto an HPTLC silica gel plate using an automated sample applicator. The plate is developed in a validated non-polar solvent system optimized to resolve the characteristic pigment bands of spirulina, including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, β-carotene, and zeaxanthin. After development, the plate is evaluated under white light and UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm, where the characteristic green, yellow, and orange pigment bands of spirulina are visualized without derivatization. The resulting fingerprint pattern is compared visually and, where applicable, by densitometric analysis to the authenticated reference standard in accordance with established HPTLC identity testing guidelines.

Spirulina is subject to adulteration and species substitution, including blending with Chlorella or other microalgae, synthetic colorants, or non-algal plant powders, particularly given its premium market positioning and the difficulty of visual inspection of dried powder materials. HPTLC pigment fingerprinting provides a holistic, multi-compound chromatographic identity confirmation that exploits the distinctive and characteristic pigment composition of Arthrospira species — notably the presence of phycocyanin-derived chromophores and the specific chlorophyll and carotenoid profile — to distinguish authentic spirulina from potential substitutes and adulterants. This method aligns with USP botanical identity testing guidelines and supports cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111, ensuring that only correctly identified raw materials are used in finished products.

This assay measures major stevia glycosides—including stevioside and rebaudiosides A, B, C, and M—using Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The method provides high specificity and sensitivity for accurate profiling of stevia sweetener composition.

Samples are extracted and analyzed under validated LC-MS/MS chromatographic conditions. Individual stevia glycosides are detected using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) and quantified against certified reference standards. Internal calibration and quality control checks ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Testing verifies sweetener composition, supports label claims, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency for stevia-based formulations.

This assay quantifies strontium, a naturally occurring trace element sometimes used in bone health supplements. Using ICP-MS, it measures strontium levels in raw materials and finished products to verify potency, confirm label claims, or monitor for excess levels as part of a heavy metal screen.

This assay quantifies strontium, a naturally occurring trace element sometimes used in bone health supplements. Using ICP-MS, it measures strontium levels in raw materials and finished products to verify potency, confirm label claims, or monitor for excess levels as part of a heavy metal screen.

Results are reported in ppm (mg/kg), µg/g, or per serving depending on the matrix. Values are compared with label claims (if strontium is an active ingredient) or safety thresholds to ensure product integrity and compliance.

This assay quantifies key dietary sugars—glucose, fructose, and sucrose—in food, beverage, and nutrition products. Using LC-MS/MS, it verifies total and individual sugar content to support nutrition label compliance and detect the presence of undeclared or added sugars in “no sugar” or “natural” claims.

Samples are extracted in water or dilute acid, filtered, and injected into the LC-MS/MS system. Detection is performed using mass-specific transitions for each sugar. Quantification is achieved using certified sugar standards, internal standard correction, and duplicate injections to ensure precise and defensible results.

Results are reported in g/100 g, g/100 mL, or per serving. Values are assessed against label claims and regulatory thresholds (e.g., FDA nutrition labeling). This panel helps validate “no added sugar” or “low sugar” claims and ensures brand transparency in functional beverages, juices, and powdered mixes.

This test quantifies sulforaphane, the bioactive isothiocyanate derived from enzymatic hydrolysis of glucoraphanin in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) sprout and seed extracts, in dietary supplements and raw materials using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). Sulforaphane is the primary bioactive compound responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and phase II enzyme-inducing properties of broccoli-derived ingredients, and its direct quantification confirms the amount of active compound present rather than its precursor. Results are reported in mg per serving or µmol per gram to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and extracted using an acetonitrile-water or methanol-water solvent system with sonication to ensure complete recovery of sulforaphane from the matrix. Where the sample contains intact myrosinase enzyme, a controlled enzymatic hydrolysis step may be performed prior to extraction to convert residual glucoraphanin to sulforaphane before analysis. The clarified extract is filtered, diluted to volume, and injected onto a reversed-phase C18 HPLC column. Detection is performed by UV at approximately 210–254 nm, and quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified sulforaphane reference standard. All sample preparation steps are conducted promptly to minimize sulforaphane degradation, and system suitability and QC samples are run concurrently to confirm method performance.

While glucoraphanin quantification measures the precursor pool, direct sulforaphane measurement confirms the actual bioactive content present in the finished product — a distinction that matters for products where myrosinase is co-formulated or where conversion has already occurred during processing. HPLC-UV provides adequate sensitivity and selectivity for sulforaphane quantification in most broccoli extract matrices, and its use alongside or in place of glucoraphanin testing gives brands a more complete picture of product potency for label claim substantiation and consumer transparency.

This test confirms the identity and source authenticity of sunflower lecithin — a complex mixture of phospholipids, glycolipids, and neutral lipids derived from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seeds — in raw materials and dietary supplements using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Sunflower lecithin is increasingly used as a soy-free and non-GMO alternative to soy lecithin in dietary supplements and functional foods, valued for its phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) content. HPTLC identity testing generates a characteristic phospholipid class fingerprint that is compared against an authenticated sunflower lecithin reference standard to confirm source identity and detect potential substitution with soy lecithin or other lecithin sources, which is of particular importance for allergen management and non-GMO labeling claims.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved in an appropriate lipid solvent system (e.g., chloroform/methanol or dichloromethane/methanol) to ensure complete dissolution of the phospholipid fraction. The extract is applied alongside a certified sunflower lecithin reference standard and, where applicable, soy lecithin and other potential substitute lecithin sources, onto an HPTLC silica gel plate using an automated sample applicator. The plate is developed in a validated non-polar to moderately polar solvent system optimized to resolve the major phospholipid classes characteristic of lecithin — including phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, and lysophosphatidylcholine. After development, the plate is derivatized with an appropriate reagent (e.g., molybdenum blue reagent for phospholipid-specific visualization, or primuline under UV 366 nm) and evaluated under white light and UV light at 254 nm and 366 nm. The resulting phospholipid class fingerprint is compared visually and, where applicable, by densitometric analysis to the authenticated sunflower lecithin reference standard.

Sunflower lecithin and soy lecithin share similar phospholipid class compositions, making source authentication by simple phospholipid class profiling alone insufficient for definitive identity confirmation. HPTLC fingerprinting of the full lipid class profile — including characteristic differences in the relative proportions and minor lipid constituents between sunflower and soy lecithin — provides a practical and discriminating identity confirmation method for routine quality control. This is particularly important for products marketed as soy-free, allergen-free, or non-GMO, where substitution of sunflower lecithin with soy lecithin would constitute both a labeling violation and a potential allergen risk. The method supports raw material qualification, allergen management, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This assay quantifies taurine, a sulfur-containing amino acid commonly used in energy drinks, hydration products, and performance supplements. Using LC-MS/MS, it verifies taurine content to confirm label accuracy and support consistency in functional formulations.

Samples are extracted in aqueous solution and analyzed by LC-MS/MS using compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed with certified taurine standards, internal standard correction, and duplicate injections to ensure precise and reproducible results.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm dosing, detect degradation, and ensure batch-to-batch consistency.

This assay quantifies total terpene lactones (including ginkgolides A, B, C, and bilobalide) in Ginkgo biloba extracts using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Terpene lactones are characteristic markers required for quality control and standardization of Ginkgo supplements.

Samples are extracted and analyzed by HPLC under validated chromatographic conditions. Individual terpene lactones are separated and quantified against certified reference standards. Results are summed to provide total terpene lactone content.

Results are reported as % w/w (raw materials) or mg/serving (finished products). Testing verifies standardized potency (often paired with flavonol glycosides for full Ginkgo profile), confirms raw material authenticity, and ensures label claim accuracy.

This assay quantifies theacrine, a purine alkaloid structurally similar to caffeine and marketed as TeaCrine. Using HPLC, it verifies theacrine content in energy, nootropic, and performance supplements to ensure consistent dosing and support claims related to mental clarity and stimulant-free endurance.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based or aqueous solvents and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified theacrine standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy and precision.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm potency and detect underformulation or substitution with similar alkaloids.

This test quantifies theobromine, a methylxanthine compound commonly found in cocoa, chocolate products, and botanical extracts, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Accurate measurement of theobromine is important for quality control and regulatory compliance in raw materials, finished products, capsules, and powders. The method provides detection limits suitable for trace-level quantification, reported in mg/kg or mg/L depending on the sample matrix.

Samples are prepared by solvent extraction using methanol-water (80:20 v/v) followed by filtration to remove particulates. The extract is injected into an HPLC system equipped with a C18 reversed-phase column and UV detection set at 272 nm, specific for theobromine absorption. Quantification is achieved by comparing peak areas to a calibration curve generated from certified theobromine reference standards across a defined concentration range. Quality control includes duplicate injections, analysis of spiked samples to assess recovery, and periodic injection of quality control standards to ensure method precision and accuracy.

Results are reported in mg/g (raw material) or mg/serving (finished products). Testing verifies product standardization, confirms label claims, and ensures quality consistency in cocoa- or caffeine-related formulations.

This test measures the concentration of threonic acid (threonate), a small organic acid relevant for quality control in raw materials, finished products, capsules, and powders. The LC-MS/MS method offers precise quantification with high sensitivity and selectivity, enabling differentiation from closely related metabolites. Results are reported in micrograms per gram (µg/g) or milligrams per liter (mg/L) depending on the sample matrix.

Samples are prepared by extracting 0.5 g of powdered material or 1 mL of liquid with 5 mL of 0.1% formic acid in water, followed by centrifugation and filtration. The clear extract is injected into an LC-MS/MS system equipped with a reversed-phase column, using a gradient of water and acetonitrile both containing 0.1% formic acid. Threonic acid is detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode with negative electrospray ionization. Quantification is performed using a calibration curve constructed from certified threonic acid standards, with an isotopically labeled internal standard added to each sample to correct for matrix effects. Method accuracy is verified through duplicate injections, quality control samples, and spike recovery experiments.

Results are reported in mg/g (raw material) or mg/serving (finished product). Testing confirms label accuracy, ensures standardized potency in mineral threonate salts (e.g., magnesium L-threonate), and supports product consistency.

This test quantifies thymoquinone (2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1,4-quinone) — the principal bioactive constituent of black seed oil and black seed (Nigella sativa L.) extracts — in raw materials, fixed oils, and dietary supplements using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Thymoquinone is responsible for a significant portion of the pharmacological activity attributed to N. sativa, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects. Accurate potency verification is essential for standardizing black seed oil and extract quality, verifying label claims, and ensuring that the declared amount of this key bioactive is present in the finished product. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per gram or per serving.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved in an appropriate organic solvent, typically methanol or acetonitrile, to ensure complete dissolution of thymoquinone. For black seed oil samples, a dilution step in an appropriate organic solvent is performed prior to injection. The extract is filtered and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC on a C18 column with UV detection at 254 nm, the characteristic absorption maximum of thymoquinone's quinone chromophore. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified thymoquinone reference standard. Where applicable, related volatile constituents such as thymohydroquinone and thymol may be monitored simultaneously to provide a broader phytochemical profile. Quality control samples are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

Thymoquinone's quinone chromophore provides strong UV absorption at 254 nm, making HPLC with UV detection a sensitive and specific method for its quantification without the need for derivatization. Chromatographic separation on a C18 column resolves thymoquinone from structurally related compounds — including thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, and thymol — that co-occur in N. sativa oil and extracts, ensuring that potency results reflect thymoquinone content specifically. This specificity is important for label claim accuracy and for confirming the quality of black seed raw materials, which can vary considerably in thymoquinone content depending on geographic origin, variety, and processing conditions. The method supports raw material qualification, finished product release testing, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This assay confirms the identity of Tongkat Ali using High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), a pharmacopeial method widely used for botanical authentication. It distinguishes genuine Tongkat Ali from common adulterants through unique compound fingerprinting.

Samples are extracted with appropriate solvents and applied to a silica gel plate alongside a reference standard. The plate is developed in a controlled mobile phase and visualized under UV light and post-derivatization. The sample chromatogram is compared to the reference fingerprint for botanical confirmation.

Results are reported as Pass/Fail or Match/No Match to the authenticated Tongkat Ali standard. This method helps confirm raw material authenticity and detect substitution or dilution with non-Eurycoma species.

This test quantifies total bacopa glycosides — the collective measure of bacosides and bacopasides responsible for the cognitive and neuroprotective activity of Bacopa monnieri — in botanical extracts, raw materials, and dietary supplements using UV-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometry. Bacopa extracts are commercially standardized to a declared total glycoside content, and this method provides a rapid, cost-effective means of verifying that the extract meets its standardization specification. Results are reported as a percentage of total bacopa glycosides to support label claim substantiation and incoming material qualification.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and extracted using a suitable solvent such as methanol or aqueous ethanol. The extract is reacted with a chromogenic reagent — typically vanillin-sulfuric acid or a similar colorimetric agent — under controlled conditions to produce a colored complex with the saponin glycosides present in the extract. The absorbance of the resulting solution is measured at the appropriate wavelength (typically 540–550 nm) against a reagent blank. Total glycoside content is calculated using the Beer-Lambert law with a specific extinction coefficient or by comparison to a calibration curve prepared from a bacoside reference standard. Measurements are performed in triplicate and averaged for final quantification.

Bacopa monnieri extracts are standardized on the basis of total bacoside content, and UV-Vis colorimetric quantification provides a practical and widely used method for verifying this specification in both raw materials and finished products. While it does not resolve individual glycoside species, the total glycoside measurement is the industry-standard potency parameter for Bacopa and is directly linked to the declared label claim. This method supports efficient quality control workflows and supplier qualification under 21 CFR 111.

This test quantifies total curcuminoids — the collective term for the three principal bioactive diarylheptanoid pigments of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.): curcumin (the most abundant, typically 60–70%), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin — in raw materials, turmeric extracts, and dietary supplements using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Curcuminoids are the primary quality markers and bioactive constituents responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other health-promoting properties attributed to turmeric. Total curcuminoid content is the standard potency specification for turmeric extracts, with commercial standardized extracts typically containing 95% total curcuminoids. Accurate HPLC quantification of all three individual curcuminoids — and their sum as total curcuminoids — is essential for label claim substantiation and for confirming that the full curcuminoid profile is present at the declared level. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per gram or per serving for each individual curcuminoid and as a total.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and dissolved in an appropriate organic solvent, typically methanol or acetonitrile, to ensure complete dissolution of the curcuminoid fraction. The extract is filtered and analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC on a C18 column with UV detection at 425 nm, the characteristic absorption maximum of the curcuminoid chromophore arising from the extended conjugated diene-ketone system. Quantification of each individual curcuminoid (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin) is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from certified reference standards for each compound. Total curcuminoids are reported as the sum of the three individually quantified curcuminoid concentrations. Quality control samples are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

HPLC with UV detection at 425 nm is the method of choice for total curcuminoid quantification, providing the chromatographic resolution necessary to separately identify and quantify all three curcuminoid species — curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin — which cannot be individually resolved by UV-Vis spectrophotometry alone. Individual quantification of each curcuminoid is important because their relative proportions vary between turmeric varieties, growing regions, and extraction processes, and because each curcuminoid contributes independently to the total bioactive profile. This approach provides more complete and accurate potency data than total curcuminoid UV-Vis methods and supports label claim substantiation, raw material qualification, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

This assay quantifies total polyphenols using the Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method with UV-Vis detection. The method reflects the combined reducing capacity of phenolic compounds present in the sample.

Samples are extracted and reacted with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent under alkaline conditions, producing a blue chromophore. Absorbance is measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and compared against a gallic acid calibration curve to calculate total polyphenol content.

Results are reported as mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g (solids) or per serving (finished products). Testing provides a standardized measure of antioxidant potential, verifies label claims, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency.

This assay quantifies the total viable probiotic count in a sample using a validated in-house method developed by Light Labs. Results are reported as CFU/g or CFU per serving, supporting potency verification against label claims.

Left for the lab team to fill in directly — since this is an in-house method whose steps aren't something I can reliably describe, guessing at plating/detection specifics here would just be fabricated detail dressed up as fact.

A dedicated in-house method lets Light Labs enumerate total probiotic counts using a protocol built specifically for our own product matrices.

This test measures total Vitamin A content by quantifying retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene in raw materials, finished products, capsules, and powders. Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), it provides precise levels of both preformed Vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids, essential for verifying product potency and meeting nutritional labeling standards. Results are reported in micrograms or International Units (IU) per serving or weight.

Samples are saponified with ethanolic potassium hydroxide to release Vitamin A compounds, followed by extraction into hexane. The hexane layer is evaporated and reconstituted in mobile phase before injection. Separation is performed using HPLC with a C18 column and detection at 325 nm for retinol derivatives and 450 nm for carotenoids. Quantification is achieved by comparing peak areas to calibration curves generated from certified reference standards for each analyte. Quality control includes duplicate injections, spike recovery tests, and analysis of standard reference materials to ensure accuracy and precision.

Results are reported in µg/g or mg/g (raw materials) or per-serving values for finished products. Testing verifies total Vitamin A potency, supports label claims, and ensures product consistency.

This test measures the concentrations of Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) and the key Vitamin K2 forms (menaquinones MK-4 and MK-7) in raw materials, finished products, capsules, and powders. Accurate quantification of these fat-soluble vitamins is essential for ensuring product quality and supporting nutritional labeling and regulatory compliance. The analysis is performed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with sensitivity suitable for detecting low microgram levels per gram of sample.

Samples are first extracted using an organic solvent mixture to isolate fat-soluble vitamers, followed by saponification to release bound forms. The extract is then injected into an HPLC system equipped with a reverse-phase column and detected using fluorescence detection at excitation and emission wavelengths optimized for Vitamin K compounds. Quantification is achieved by comparing peak areas to calibration curves prepared from certified reference standards for phylloquinone, MK-4, and MK-7. Method accuracy and precision are confirmed through duplicate sample analyses, inclusion of quality control samples, and spike recovery tests.

Results are reported in µg/g (raw materials) or µg/serving (finished products). Testing verifies Vitamin K potency, confirms label claims, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency.

This assay quantifies tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a bile acid conjugate used in liver support and cellular health supplements. Using HPLC, it verifies TUDCA content in capsules, powders, and functional formulations to confirm label accuracy and ensure consistent therapeutic dosing.

Samples are extracted in aqueous or methanolic solution and analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified TUDCA standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accurate and reproducible results.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are assessed against formulation targets and declared label claims to verify potency and detect degradation or underformulation.

This assay quantifies turkesterone, an ecdysteroid compound typically derived from Ajuga turkestanica. Using HPLC, it verifies turkesterone content in capsules, powders, and botanical extracts to confirm label claims and support product consistency in sports performance and adaptogenic formulations.

Samples are extracted using methanol or ethanol-based solvents under temperature-controlled conditions, then analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at a compound-specific wavelength. Quantification is performed using certified turkesterone standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving. Values are compared to formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm active content and detect adulteration or low-potency extracts.