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Spectrophotometric technology can be used for a variety of applications in pharmaceutical vitamins and multivitamin formulations. Image Source: Flickr user Colin Dunn

Multivitamins have become a regular supplement to the dietary needs of many Americans. Spectrophotometric determination of individual vitamins is needed to develop products that meet the specific requirements for supplementary use and quality. As many food sources fail to provide all the essential vitamins and minerals we need, more individuals are looking for alternatives that deliver precisely the right amount of nutritional supplement needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle in a safe and effective manner.

Simultaneous determination of multivitamin preparations

Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of various vitamins such as folic acid (vitamin B0), thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxal (vitamin B6), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), and vitamins A, D, and E all utilize absorption value measurements for rapid analysis and formulation purposes. Multivitamin pharmaceutical preparations rely on this spectral data for pre-capsulation measurements and to assure precise quantification. Choosing the proper spectral tool and wavelength range is an important part of developing accurate formulation results. UV/VIS spectrophotometers are primarily used for this type of evaluation and can provide results quickly and easily, making them a good choice in vitamin analysis.

Concentration measurements are an important aspect of spectrophotometric determination and help to ensure that proper formulation is achieved for both quality and safety. Spectral data can be used to set quantification limits to guarantee that multivitamin pharmaceuticals achieve the precise concentration levels needed for optimum performance. Spectrophotometric determination provides the most accurate representation of these measurements and can be used for a variety of applications in this industry.

Measuring concentrations in multivitamin formulations are essential for quality, effectiveness, and safety. Image Source: Flickr user Colin Dunn

The weaving pattern in denim can make it difficult to consistently spread the dye and achieve the desired color consistency. Image source: Flickr user Muffet

A key to achieving success in the fashion market is ensuring consistency throughout a line of clothing. A line of shirts has to have the same type of cut, quality, and color to maintain the integrity of a brand.

Because denim can be one of the toughest fabrics to work with, maintaining color consistency from factory to factory for a particular brand of jeans is extremely difficult. Heaven help the parent who comes home with a pair of jeans that may match the popular brand and style at school, but that includes a denim that isn’t quite the right color because of a dye process that was slightly incorrect. You might as well have picked up a pair of jeans out of the neighbor’s garbage can.

Ensuring consistent color measurement throughout a roll of denim requires a manufacturer to make use of precise measuring equipment, such as a spectrophotometer.

Color technology has become an important tool in scientific research and many industrial applications. Spectrophotometers quantify the data needed to identify specific properties in various compounds. Image Source: Flickr user Nelson Alexandre Rocha

Color technology has opened the door to many new possibilities in the world of science and discovery. Just like Newton’s laws of motion, there are certain laws that pertain to light absorption and color concentration of various compounds. This information can provide a wealth of data about specific chemical properties. Spectrophotometers are important tools used in color technology that can measure light wavelengths and calculate this data to pertain to a variety of science and industry applications.

Quality and consumer satisfaction are dependent on developing a system for color agreement. Instrumental analysis offers a simple and effective method for developing a color tolerance system. Image Source: Flickr user John Fischer

Tolerance by definition means to accept something that you may not necessarily agree with. Everyone seems to have their own perspectives and opinions of what is right or wrong, so finding common ground can often create challenges. This concept is no exception in the world of color measurement, where color agreement is highly dependent on instrumental analysis to give an objective viewpoint. By creating a color tolerance standard, an objective definition of color can be quantified and repeated for consistency throughout a variety of manufacturing and production fields.

The determination of fatty acids through spectrophotometric analysis has many applications in foods, dietary supplements, lubricating products, and detergents and soaps. Image Source: Flickr user Sam-Cat

Chemistry was never my best subject, but the truth is that chemical compounds and scientific formulations are just a part of everyday life. Take, for example, the importance of fatty acids. These little chemical compounds are bound together in groups of threes to form a variety of oils and products that we use regularly. These trios of derived chemicals make up many of the fatty acids we depend on for a healthy eating, lubricating needs, and many of the soaps and detergents we use daily.

Humans and animals alike require fatty acids, such as Omega -3s, as part of a healthy diet. Spectrophotometric determination of components such as these are needed for proper derivation, processing, and storage. Other fatty acids that are derived from both animal and plant-based sources also require the determination of acid value before meeting the quality standards needed for industrial use. Spectrophotometric technology offers a safe and easy alternative method of analysis for the determination of fatty acid in products, without the use of harsh chemicals and solvents. Using color technology the determination of fatty acids can be conducted safely, rapidly, and effectively.

White wine can also be measured for lot-to-lot color consistency. Of quality concern in white wines is “pinking”, a slight reddish tint to what is typically a yellow/green product.

Wine is a natural product where some color variation is expected and accepted. High color comes from high anthocyanin content and high tannins associated with red wines. Color varies with wine processing practices, particularly fermentation temperature. Co-pigmentation in wine and berry colors, related to presence of anthocyanins, enhances the wine color.

Chlorophyll pigments are measured according to the color saturation of the sample. A deeper green color indicates a higher level of these essential nutrients. Image Source: Flickr user Georgios Liakopoulos

Another New Year is underway and once again I have resolved to eat healthier. Green vegetables still take center stage when it comes to high levels of chlorophyll pigments, which boast many health benefits, and I continue to look for new ways to add these healthy nutrients to my diet. However, I can only eat so much raw spinach and kale before I feel my inner rabbit start to retreat. The good news is that chlorophyll pigments are now available in supplement form and can be easily quantified for potency and quality purposes using a simple spectrophotometric method of evaluation.

Chlorophyll pigments are found in a variety of green leafy vegetable and chlorophyll supplements are also beginning to take precedence as another way to increase the intake of these healthy antioxidants. Image Source: Flickr user Aaron Stidwell