The B-vitamin complex comprises eight water-soluble vitamins — thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12) — essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function. Accurate quantification is required for EU nutritional labeling and supplement quality control. Ovalab offers comprehensive B-vitamin testing.
Key Facts About B-Vitamin Complex
- EU NRVs (Annex XIII, Regulation 1169/2011): Thiamin 1.1 mg, Riboflavin 1.4 mg, Niacin 16 mg, B6 1.4 mg, Folic acid 200 µg, B12 2.5 µg, Biotin 50 µg, Pantothenic acid 6 mg.
- Methods: HPLC with fluorescence and UV detection for simultaneous multi-B-vitamin determination.
- Fortification: B-vitamins are among the most commonly added vitamins in fortified cereals, flour, beverages, and supplements.
- Stability: Riboflavin is light-sensitive, thiamin heat-sensitive, folic acid degrades under acid/UV conditions.
- Claims: “Source of” requires ≥ 15% NRV per 100 g; “high in” requires ≥ 30% NRV per 100 g (Regulation 1924/2006).
Testing Methods at Ovalab
Ovalab determines individual B-vitamins using HPLC with UV, fluorescence, and LC-MS/MS detection. Microbiological assays may also be applied for B12 and folic acid. Testing under ISO/IEC 17025:2018 (ČIA, Certificate 537/2025) and GMP (SÚKL 74726/2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which B-vitamins can Ovalab test?
All eight: thiamin (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), and cobalamin (B12) — individually or as a complete panel.
What are the EU NRVs for B-vitamins?
Per Annex XIII, Regulation 1169/2011: Thiamin 1.1 mg, Riboflavin 1.4 mg, Niacin 16 mg, B6 1.4 mg, Folic acid 200 µg, B12 2.5 µg, Biotin 50 µg, Pantothenic acid 6 mg.
Why are different methods used for different B-vitamins?
B-vitamins have diverse chemical properties. HPLC-UV works for niacin and pyridoxine; fluorescence detection for thiamin and riboflavin; LC-MS/MS or microbiological assays for B12 and folic acid at very low concentrations.
Can B-vitamin testing be done on supplements?
Yes. Ovalab holds ISO/IEC 17025:2018 and GMP (SÚKL 74726/2023) certifications for supplement and pharmaceutical B-vitamin analysis.
How should samples be stored before B-vitamin analysis?
Store in sealed, light-protected containers at 2–8 °C. Deliver promptly — riboflavin and folic acid are particularly sensitive to light and heat.