A vitamin is an organic compound that the body requires in small amounts to sustain essential functions and maintain overall health. These compounds are vital because the body either cannot produce them at all or cannot produce enough of them, so they need to be obtained through diet.
Vitamins play a variety of roles, such as supporting the immune system, promoting cell and tissue health, aiding in energy production, and ensuring proper growth and development. They are typically classified into two categories:
Water-soluble vitamins - These are a group of essential nutrients that dissolve in water and are not stored in the body to any significant extent. Since the body doesn't stockpile these vitamins, it's important to consume them regularly through diet or supplements. The water-soluble vitamins are – Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin and Niacinamide), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin).
Fat-soluble vitamins - These are essential nutrients that dissolve in fats and are stored in the body's fat tissues and liver. Because of their storage capacity, they do not need to be consumed daily, but it's important not to overconsume them, as excessive amounts can lead to toxicity. The fat-soluble Vitamins are – Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K.
Other micronutrients – Other essential micronutrients are organic compounds that are ordinarily required by the body in amounts sufficient to meet its physiological requirements; Examples include choline, carnitine, carotenoids (Beta Carotene, Lycopene, Lutein), inositol, nucleotides and taurine.
Vitamin testing
AsureQuality has verified / validated numerous LC and LC-MS/MS analytical methods based on Global Standard AOAC methods for the quantification of all water-soluble, fat-soluble vitamins and other micronutrients such as choline, carnitine, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, inositol, mononucleotides and taurine. The scope of analysis includes:
- dairy products, such as infant formula, adult and paediatric nutritional supplements, nutritional products, whey products, milk, UHT milks, cream, cheese, and butter
- premixes and low level raw materials
- other foods including products of plant and animal origin, pet foods and dietary supplements.
More information
Testing is carried out in the chemistry department at our Auckland Laboratory.
Samples should be transported in a light-proof container or bags. Liquid milk and other perishable items must be chilled. If the samples are to be analysed for all the vitamins and listed micronutrients, 500 – 600 grams of sample is required for analysis.
Please pre-register your samples in LabConnect or read more about manual sample submission.