Vitamin Analysis: Creating Quality Supplements through Spectrophotometric Determination

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

Using absorption measurements to determine concentration values

Spectrophotometric determination data uses the absorption spectrum to generate values that can be represented through graphical analysis. This data can provide information to represent peak concentration levels of vitamin compounds, which can then be analyzed for multivitamin pharmaceutical preparation. Using this data, it is also possible to set parameters and establish quantification limits. This information can then be repeated accurately multiple times.

Setting various limits and calibration rates for absorption values can also be used to differentiate vitamins from one another. Differentiation through spectrophotometric determination responds more acutely than human eye analysis and can provide valuable information regarding formulation for quality and safety. Each vitamin compound responds differently to various wavelengths and can be determined using a set interval range in nanometers. These concentration ranges correspond respectively with each individual element in the formulation and can be used to assure proper dosing before capsulation.

Comparing methods of determination

Vitamins serve to facilitate certain functioning in the human body, so it is essential that independent complex vitamins and multivitamin pharmaceutical preparations adhere to a standard formulation mixture. Simultaneous determination is extremely useful in this industry for these purposes and can be achieved through a variety of methods. Many of these methods provide accurate data, but can be expensive and time consuming. Spectrophotometric determination of individual vitamins can provide both rapid and precise data for a fraction of the cost. This instrumentation is both portable and easy to use, making it a preferred choice in pharmaceutical analysis.

Spectrophotometric determination is the preferred method of evaluation for quantifying individual, complex, and multivitamin formulations. Image Source: Flickr user francois schnell

Spectrophotometers are highly versatile tools and come with various options designed to meet specific industry standards and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. This technology allows for the spectrophotometric determination of the many vitamins from different sources, including vitamin C analysis in both pharmaceuticals and food production, as well differentiation of the various B complex vitamin formulations. Multivitamin pharmaceuticals make up a large portion of this industry and top producers rely on spectrophotometric technology for accurate determination and quality analysis. To learn more about spectrophotometric determination for quality and safety in pharmaceuticals, please contact HunterLab today.