This assay quantifies D-ribose content in dietary supplements, energy powders, and functional beverages using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). D-ribose is a naturally occurring pentose sugar that forms the backbone of RNA and is a building block of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and it is widely used in supplements aimed at energy metabolism, exercise recovery, and heart and muscle health; because it shares an identical molecular mass with other pentoses such as arabinose, xylose, and lyxose, accurate quantification depends on chromatographic resolution rather than mass alone. Results are reported as mg/serving or % w/w.

Samples are weighed, dissolved in water, and diluted into the calibration range, with filtration to remove insoluble matrix components. D-ribose is separated from isomeric pentose sugars using a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column and detected by tandem mass spectrometry monitoring characteristic precursor-to-product ion transitions in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Quantification is performed against a calibration curve built from a certified D-ribose reference standard, with an isotopically labeled internal standard, blanks, and duplicate injections used to correct for matrix effects and confirm method precision.

D-ribose cannot be distinguished by mass from its pentose isomers, which can co-occur in sugar-based matrices, and its lack of a UV chromophore makes simple optical methods unreliable. HILIC separation coupled with MS/MS detection resolves D-ribose from these isomers with the specificity and sensitivity needed to support label claims under 21 CFR 111 dietary supplement cGMP requirements.

This assay measures ecdysterone (20-hydroxyecdysone) in raw materials and finished products using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecdysterone is a phytoecdysteroid, a plant steroid that is not a hormone. It is mainly sourced from Cyanotis arachnoidea, Rhaponticum carthamoides (maral root), spinach and quinoa, and it is sold for its claimed support of muscle protein synthesis and athletic performance. Results are reported in mg/g or % w/w, or as mg/serving for finished products.

Samples are weighed, extracted in aqueous methanol with sonication, then diluted and filtered (0.45 µm) before injection. Separation runs on a reversed-phase C18 column with a water/acetonitrile gradient, and ecdysterone is detected by UV/DAD at about 245 nm, its maximum absorbance. Ecdysterone is identified by matching retention time and UV spectrum to a certified 20-hydroxyecdysone reference standard and quantified against a multi-point calibration curve. Duplicate preparations, system-suitability checks and method blanks confirm each run.

Ecdysterone-rich extracts also contain closely related compounds (turkesterone, ponasterone A, polypodine B), and products in this category often contain less ecdysterone than they claim. Reversed-phase HPLC separates ecdysterone from these related compounds and quantifies it specifically, which supports identity and strength testing under 21 CFR 111 and ISO 17025 accreditation scope.

This test screens for Escherichia coli, a bacteria that indicates fecal contamination and can pose serious health risks.

Samples are cultured on selective media and confirmed using biochemical or molecular methods. Reported as presence/absence or CFU/g.

E. coli should be absent in final products. Any detection raises safety concerns.

This assay detects egg proteins, such as ovalbumin and ovomucoid, in food samples to verify allergen-free claims and prevent cross-contact. It is essential for ensuring that even trace amounts of egg are identified in complex matrices, protecting sensitive consumers.

Samples are extracted using a protein solubilization buffer and applied to ELISA plates pre-coated with egg-specific antibodies. After incubation, a secondary enzyme-linked antibody is added, and a colorimetric reaction is developed. The intensity is measured spectrophotometrically and compared to a calibration curve constructed with known standards, with duplicate wells and controls confirming accuracy.

Results are reported in parts per million (ppm). Non-detectable or very low levels indicate that the product is effectively free from egg contamination, while any measurable level suggests potential cross-contact requiring further action.

This test quantifies ellagic acid — a naturally occurring polyphenolic dilactone formed from the hydrolysis of ellagitannins and found in a wide range of botanicals including pomegranate (Punica granatum), red raspberries (Rubus idaeus), strawberries (Fragaria spp.), walnuts (Juglans regia), and oak-aged materials — in raw materials, fruit extracts, and dietary supplements using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Ellagic acid is used as a key potency marker for pomegranate and berry extracts standardized to ellagic acid content, and is increasingly recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and gut microbiome-modulating properties. Accurate quantification is essential for label claim substantiation and for confirming that the declared ellagic acid content is present in standardized botanical extracts. 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 solvent system (e.g., aqueous methanol or dimethyl sulfoxide/methanol) to ensure complete dissolution of ellagic acid, which has limited solubility in purely aqueous solvents. Where the sample contains ellagitannins that may contribute to total ellagic acid upon hydrolysis, an optional acid hydrolysis step (e.g., using dilute hydrochloric acid under reflux) may be applied to convert ellagitannins to free ellagic acid prior to HPLC analysis, with results reported as free ellagic acid or total ellagic acid equivalents as appropriate. 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 ellagic acid's extended aromatic chromophore. Quantification is performed against a multi-point external calibration curve prepared from a certified ellagic acid reference standard. Quality control samples are run concurrently to confirm method accuracy, precision, and linearity throughout the analytical run.

Ellagic acid's extended aromatic 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 ellagic acid from co-occurring polyphenols — including ellagitannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids — present in pomegranate and berry extracts, ensuring that potency results reflect ellagic acid content specifically. The option to include an acid hydrolysis step enables reporting of total ellagic acid equivalents (free ellagic acid plus ellagitannin-derived ellagic acid), which is the most commonly used potency specification for pomegranate extracts standardized to ellagic acid. This method supports label claim substantiation, raw material qualification, and cGMP compliance under 21 CFR 111.

Tests for a broad family of bacteria including pathogens and spoilage organisms, often used as a general hygiene indicator.

Samples are plated on violet red bile glucose agar or similar selective media. Results reported as CFU/g or CFU/mL.

Elevated levels suggest contamination or poor sanitation practices during production.

This assay quantifies eriocitrin (eriodictyol-7-O-rutinoside) in botanical extracts, raw materials, and finished supplements using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Eriocitrin is a flavanone glycoside found most abundantly in lemons and limes and in lemon-derived extracts, where it is valued for its antioxidant activity and for emerging research on metabolic and vascular health. Because citrus extracts also contain closely related flavanone glycosides, including hesperidin, narirutin, and the isomer neoeriocitrin, chromatographic separation is needed to measure eriocitrin specifically rather than total flavonoids. Results are reported as % w/w or mg/g.

The sample is accurately weighed and extracted with a methanol/water mixture using sonication, then centrifuged and filtered prior to injection. The extract is separated on a reversed-phase C18 column using a water/acetonitrile gradient with an acidic modifier such as formic or phosphoric acid, with detection by UV absorbance at approximately 280-285 nm. Eriocitrin is identified by retention-time match and quantified against a calibration curve prepared from a certified reference standard, with system suitability checks and duplicate injections confirming accuracy.

Eriocitrin is difficult to measure accurately by non-specific methods because citrus matrices contain structurally similar flavanone glycosides, including the isomer neoeriocitrin, that share its core structure and absorb at the same wavelengths. Reversed-phase HPLC resolves eriocitrin from these interferents and quantifies it against a reference standard, supporting 21 CFR 111 specifications and the applicable USP chromatography chapter.

This assay quantifies erythritol, a non-caloric sugar alcohol used in keto, diabetic-friendly, and reduced-sugar products. Using HPLC, it determines erythritol content to verify label accuracy, assess total sweetener load, and ensure compliance with “sugar-free” or “no added sugar” claims—especially in light of growing regulatory and health scrutiny.

Samples are extracted in water or dilute acid and filtered before analysis. The extract is analyzed by HPLC with refractive index detection (or UV, depending on matrix). Quantification is performed using high-purity erythritol standards, with internal standard correction and duplicate runs to ensure accuracy.

Results are reported in g/100 g, g/100 mL, or per serving. The values are compared against formulation targets and declared nutrition label values. Testing confirms appropriate use of natural sweeteners and provides transparency in formulations marketed for metabolic health.

This test quantifies eurycomanone — the primary bioactive quassinoid found in Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) root — in raw materials and dietary supplements using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Eurycomanone is widely recognized as the key marker compound responsible for the herb's traditional use in supporting male vitality, energy, and hormonal balance. Accurate quantification ensures that the botanical extract meets its standardized potency and delivers the expected physiological benefits. Results are reported as a percentage or in milligrams per serving to verify label claims and support cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is accurately weighed and extracted using an appropriate solvent, such as aqueous methanol or water, often aided by sonication or reflux to ensure complete dissolution of the quassinoids. The extract is filtered and analyzed via reversed-phase HPLC equipped with a UV or Photodiode Array (PDA) detector, typically monitored at approximately 238 nm. Quantification is performed by comparing the eurycomanone peak area in the sample against a multi-point calibration curve generated from a certified eurycomanone reference standard. Quality control measures, including blank injections and check standards, are run concurrently to ensure method accuracy and precision.

Tongkat Ali is a highly sought-after botanical ingredient that is frequently subject to economically motivated adulteration, including substitution with inferior species or spiking with synthetic compounds. Quantifying eurycomanone via HPLC provides a highly specific and accurate measure of the extract's true potency and authenticity, distinguishing genuine Eurycoma longifolia from adulterated or low-quality materials. This rigorous testing is essential for brand protection, consumer safety, and meeting strict regulatory requirements for dietary supplement identity and strength under 21 CFR 111.

This test quantifies eurypeptides — the bioactive peptide fraction characteristic of Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) root extract — using either the o-phthalaldehyde (OPA) fluorometric assay or the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) colorimetric assay, both of which measure total peptide and protein content as a proxy for eurypeptide concentration. Eurypeptides are the primary standardization marker used to define the potency of Tongkat Ali extracts, and their concentration is directly associated with the extract's adaptogenic and testosterone-supporting bioactivity. Results are reported as a percentage of eurypeptide content relative to extract weight to support label claim verification and cGMP compliance.

A representative sample is weighed and dissolved in a dilute aqueous buffer to prepare a homogeneous solution. For the OPA assay, the sample solution is reacted with the o-phthalaldehyde reagent in the presence of a reducing agent, and fluorescence is measured at an excitation/emission of approximately 340/455 nm. For the BCA assay, the sample is reacted with bicinchoninic acid and copper sulfate at elevated temperature, and absorbance is measured at 562 nm. In both cases, quantification is performed against a multi-point calibration curve prepared from a certified peptide or protein reference standard (typically bovine serum albumin or a defined peptide standard). Results are expressed as percentage eurypeptides relative to the initial sample weight.

Eurypeptide content is the defining potency marker for Tongkat Ali extract and is the standard by which premium extracts are graded and marketed (e.g., 22% eurypeptides). Both the OPA and BCA assays are well-established, validated methods for total peptide quantification and are appropriate for this application given the peptidic nature of the target analytes. The choice between OPA (fluorometric, higher sensitivity) and BCA (colorimetric, broader dynamic range) depends on the expected concentration range and matrix characteristics of the sample.

Determines the concentration of fat in a given sample.

Fat is determined by solvent extraction (e.g., Soxhlet) and gravimetric analysis.

Results are reported as grams per 100 g (or per serving) for fats

Nutritional profile assay that characterizes the fatty acid composition by converting lipids into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and analyzing them via gas chromatography. It provides a detailed breakdown of saturates, monounsaturates, polyunsaturates, and trans fats for accurate nutritional labeling and quality control.

Lipids are extracted from the sample and converted into FAMEs via acid or base-catalyzed esterification. The resulting FAMEs are analyzed using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Retention times and peak areas are compared to known standards, with duplicate runs and internal standards ensuring accuracy.

Results are reported as percentage composition of individual fatty acids relative to total fat. These percentages help assess nutritional quality, verify authenticity, and support compliance with labeling claims.

Nutritional profile assay that characterizes the fatty acid composition by converting lipids into fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and analyzing them via gas chromatography. It provides a detailed breakdown of saturates, monounsaturates, polyunsaturates, and trans fats for accurate nutritional labeling and quality control.

Lipids are extracted from the sample and converted into FAMEs via acid or base-catalyzed esterification. The resulting FAMEs are analyzed using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. Retention times and peak areas are compared to known standards, with duplicate runs and internal standards ensuring accuracy.

Results are reported as percentage composition of individual fatty acids relative to total fat. These percentages help assess nutritional quality, verify authenticity, and support compliance with labeling claims.

This assay quantifies bioactive compounds in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) using LC-MS/MS, typically focusing on key steroidal saponins such as protodioscin and diosgenin. It verifies extract potency and standardization in supplements targeting testosterone support, blood sugar balance, and overall metabolic function.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based solvents and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed using certified standards for fenugreek bioactives, 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 compared to standardization targets and label claims to confirm bioactive content and detect adulteration or low-quality material.

This assay quantifies fisetin content in dietary supplements, botanical extracts, and finished products using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection. Fisetin (3,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a flavonol found in strawberries, apples, persimmons, and onions, and is also obtained from botanical sources such as smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria), and it is widely marketed for its antioxidant and cellular-aging support properties. Because fisetin content varies with source and extraction, and higher-dose products are costly to formulate, quantitative verification supports label claims. Results are reported as mg/serving or mg/g.

Samples are weighed and extracted in an organic solvent such as methanol or ethanol, aided by sonication, then centrifuged or filtered and diluted into the calibration range. Extracts are separated on a reversed-phase C18 column using an acidified water/organic gradient, with fisetin detected by UV or photodiode-array absorbance at approximately 360 nm. Fisetin is quantified against a calibration curve prepared from a certified reference standard, with retention-time and spectral matching to confirm peak identity, and duplicate injections, blanks, and system-suitability checks confirming method performance.

Fisetin co-occurs with structurally similar flavonols such as quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin that differ by only a hydroxyl group and absorb at nearly the same wavelength, so non-selective methods like total flavonoid colorimetry can overstate content or mask substitution with cheaper flavonoids. HPLC resolves fisetin from these analogs by retention time and UV spectrum, supporting label-claim verification under 21 CFR 111 dietary supplement cGMP requirements.

This assay uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect trace amounts of fish DNA in food samples. It targets specific genetic markers unique to fish, ensuring that even processed products can be screened for the presence of fish allergens. This is vital for verifying allergen-free claims and for identifying fish species in products where authenticity is questioned.

DNA is extracted from the food sample using protocols that minimize inhibitors. The extracted DNA is amplified using fish-specific primers in a PCR reaction. Amplification is confirmed by gel electrophoresis or real-time PCR analysis (yielding a Ct value), with positive and negative controls ensuring the reliability of the result.

Results are qualitative, typically reported as 'Detected' or 'Not Detected'. A positive result confirms the presence of fish DNA, indicating potential allergen contamination, while a negative result supports a fish-free claim. Even trace detection is significant for allergen management.

This assay quantifies fluoride (F⁻), a naturally occurring mineral that may be added for dental health benefits or present as an environmental contaminant. Monitoring fluoride ensures products remain within safe and regulated limits.

Samples are analyzed for fluoride content using validated instrumentation and calibration standards. Quality controls confirm accuracy and reproducibility across matrices.

Results are reported in mg/L (water, beverages) or mg/kg (solids), with the option to convert to mg/serving for finished products. Testing verifies compliance with drinking water standards, confirms product labeling, and ensures consumer safety.

This analysis detects and quantifies foreign matter—such as stems, soil, stones, plastics, or other non-declared materials—in botanical, powdered, or granular ingredients. It ensures that plant-derived or food-grade materials meet pharmacopeial purity standards and are free from contamination or adulteration.

A representative sample is visually examined on a clean, flat surface under adequate lighting. Foreign matter is manually separated, weighed, and reported as a percentage of the total sample weight. The method typically follows USP <561>, EP 2.8.2, or equivalent quality standards for botanicals and herbal products.

Results are reported as % w/w (percent by weight). Acceptable limits vary by material but are often ≤2%. This test confirms material integrity and detects contamination that could compromise product safety or quality.

This assay quantifies formaldehyde (HCHO) using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The method provides high sensitivity and specificity for detecting formaldehyde in complex matrices and trace concentrations.

Samples are derivatized to stabilize formaldehyde before injection into the GC-MS system. The derivatized compound is separated chromatographically and detected by mass spectrometry. Calibration with certified reference materials and internal standards ensures accuracy and precision.

Results are reported in mg/kg (solids) or mg/L (liquids). Testing verifies that formaldehyde levels meet global safety standards, identifies contamination or preservative residues, and supports product integrity and regulatory compliance.

This test determines the concentration of free fatty acids (FFA) in oils, fats, lipid-containing raw materials, and finished products. FFA are released when triglycerides break down through hydrolysis, making elevated levels a useful indicator of ingredient degradation, poor storage conditions, moisture exposure, or inadequate processing control. Results are typically reported as % FFA, commonly expressed as an equivalent of a specified reference fatty acid such as oleic acid.

FFA testing provides a practical measure of hydrolytic rancidity and overall lipid quality. Monitoring FFA supports supplier qualification, incoming-material acceptance, shelf-life evaluation, and investigation of off-odor, off-flavor, or product-stability concerns. The result should be interpreted alongside complementary oxidation tests, such as peroxide value, anisidine value, and TOTOX, where applicable.

This assay measures fructans, including inulin-type oligosaccharides, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Refractive Index detection (HPLC-RI). The method provides accurate quantification of fructan polymers across raw materials and finished products.

Samples are extracted and analyzed under validated HPLC-RI chromatographic conditions. Fructan fractions are separated based on molecular size and quantified against certified reference standards. Calibration curves and replicate injections ensure accuracy and reproducibility.

Testing verifies fiber content claims, supports prebiotic labeling, and ensures batch-to-batch consistency.

This assay quantifies galactose content in dietary supplements, dairy-derived ingredients, and functional foods and beverages using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Galactose is a naturally occurring monosaccharide and the C-4 epimer of D-glucose, found in dairy as a component of lactose and in plant-derived gums, pectins, and arabinogalactan fibers, and its content is relevant to both formulation claims and sugar-profile labeling; because it shares an identical molecular mass with glucose, mannose, and other hexoses, accurate quantification depends on chromatographic resolution rather than mass alone. Results are reported as mg/serving or % w/w.

Samples are weighed, dissolved in water, and diluted into the calibration range, with filtration or protein and fat removal as needed to clear insoluble matrix components. Galactose is separated from co-eluting hexose sugars using a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) column and detected by tandem mass spectrometry monitoring characteristic precursor-to-product ion transitions in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Quantification is performed against a calibration curve built from a certified galactose reference standard, with an isotopically labeled internal standard, blanks, and duplicate injections used to correct for matrix effects and confirm method precision.

Galactose is indistinguishable by mass from glucose, mannose, and other hexose isomers that commonly co-occur in the same sugar-rich matrices, and it lacks a UV chromophore, so optical and total-sugar methods cannot isolate it. HILIC separation coupled with MS/MS detection resolves galactose from these isomers with the specificity and sensitivity needed to support label claims under 21 CFR 111 dietary supplement cGMP requirements.

This assay quantifies gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring inhibitory neurotransmitter used in calming, sleep, and mood-support supplements. Using LC-MS/MS, it verifies GABA content in capsules, powders, and functional beverages to confirm label claims and ensure consistent therapeutic dosing.

Samples are extracted using aqueous or acidified solvents and analyzed by LC-MS/MS with compound-specific mass transitions. Quantification is performed using certified GABA 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 to formulation targets and declared label claims to confirm active content and detect degradation or underformulation.

This assay quantifies gamma-cyclodextrin content in raw materials, dietary supplements, and functional beverages using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with evaporative light scattering detection. Gamma-cyclodextrin is a cyclic oligosaccharide of eight glucose units, produced enzymatically from starch, whose hydrophobic cavity forms inclusion complexes with lipophilic compounds, improving their water solubility and bioavailability in supplement and food formulations. Because it is produced alongside the six- and seven-unit alpha- and beta-cyclodextrins and linear dextrins, quantification must distinguish gamma-cyclodextrin from these related carbohydrates. Results are reported as % w/w or mg/serving.

Samples are weighed, dissolved in water or a water/organic mixture, sonicated to release cyclodextrin from any complexed active, and filtered prior to injection. Gamma-cyclodextrin is separated from alpha- and beta-cyclodextrin, glucose, and linear dextrins on a hydrophilic interaction or amino-bonded column using an acetonitrile/water mobile phase, and detected by evaporative light scattering. Quantification is performed against a calibration curve from a certified gamma-cyclodextrin reference standard, with retention-time matching for peak identity and duplicate injections, blanks, and system-suitability checks confirming method performance.

Gamma-cyclodextrin lacks a UV chromophore and co-occurs with structurally near-identical cyclodextrins and linear glucose polymers that differ only in ring size or chain form, so direct optical and total-carbohydrate methods cannot isolate it. HPLC with universal detection resolves gamma-cyclodextrin from these related species by retention time, supporting label-claim verification under 21 CFR 111 dietary supplement cGMP requirements.

This panel quantifies major bioactive compounds in ginger, including gingerols and shogaols. Using HPLC, it measures six key analytes—6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol, 6-shogaol, 8-shogaol, and 10-shogaol—to verify potency, support standardization, and ensure label accuracy in functional foods, extracts, and digestive supplements.

Samples are extracted using alcohol-based solvents under light- and heat-controlled conditions. The extract is analyzed by HPLC with UV detection at compound-specific wavelengths. Quantification is performed using certified standards for each gingerol and shogaol, with internal standard correction and duplicate injections to ensure accuracy.

Results are reported in mg per g or per serving for each compound. Values are compared to formulation targets and label claims to confirm active content, assess extract quality, and detect degradation due to heat or improper storage.