Testing for Nutritional Elements in Food and Dietary Supplements?

Testing for essential elements like calcium, copper, iron, zinc, sodium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in food and dietary supplements ensures accurate labeling and compliance with nutritional standards. Determining their presence and levels is crucial for promoting balanced diets, supporting bodily functions, preventing deficiencies, and helping consumers make informed choices to maintain overall health and well-being. As a general guidance, nutritional elements should be within +/- 10% of the label claim on foods and dietary supplements.

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FDA Regulatory Information

The FDA regulates certain aspects of the use of these analytes in food, supplements, and other products. The regulations cover their safety, labeling, and permissible levels in various applications.

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Calcium

Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in foods and dietary supplements. The FDA sets Daily Reference Values (DRVs) for calcium intake on food labels.

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Copper

Regulated for safety in food contact materials and supplements. Copper supplements require compliance with FDA rules for dietary supplements.

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Iron

Regulated in dietary supplements and fortification. Excessive iron levels in supplements are controlled to prevent toxicity.

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Potassium

Regulated for safe levels in dietary supplements and as a food additive. Potassium chloride used as a salt substitute has specific guidelines.

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Magnesium

Regulated in dietary supplements and fortified foods. Specific guidelines ensure safe use in supplements.

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Manganese

Regulated for safety in drinking water and dietary supplements.

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Sodium

Regulated in processed foods, with labeling requirements for sodium content.

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Phosphorus

Regulated in dietary supplements, infant formulas, and food additives.

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Zinc

Regulated for safe use in dietary supplements and fortification.

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Instrumentation / Analysis

CP-OES

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Accreditations

AOAC OMA 984.27

Approved to test Nutritional Analysis on Food, Dietary Supplements, Botanicals & Hemp / CBD products