Vitamin D testing determines cholecalciferol (D3) and ergocalciferol (D2) content in food, supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. Ovalab provides accredited vitamin D analysis as part of its fat-soluble vitamin testing portfolio.
Key Facts About Vitamin D Testing
- EU NRV: Vitamin D NRV is 5 µg (200 IU) per day (Annex XIII, Regulation 1169/2011).
- Forms: Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol, plant-derived) and D3 (cholecalciferol, animal-derived/UV-synthesized).
- ISO standard: ISO 14892|IDF 177 specifies HPLC for vitamin D in dried skimmed milk. LC-MS/MS is increasingly used for superior sensitivity.
- Fortification: Regulated at EU Member State level; many countries permit/require fortification of dairy, margarines, and infant formulas.
- Significant amount: ≥ 15% NRV (0.75 µg) per 100 g required to declare vitamin D on labels.
Testing Methods at Ovalab
Ovalab determines vitamin D using HPLC-UV/DAD and LC-MS/MS. Sample preparation includes saponification, liquid-liquid extraction, and purification. Both D2 and D3 forms are quantified. Testing under ISO/IEC 17025:2018 (ČIA, Certificate 537/2025) and GMP (SÚKL 74726/2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between vitamin D2 and D3?
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is from plant/fungi sources; D3 (cholecalciferol) from animal skin UV exposure. Both are biologically active and quantifiable by HPLC and LC-MS/MS.
What is the EU NRV for vitamin D?
The NRV is 5 µg (200 IU) per day (Annex XIII, Regulation 1169/2011). A food must contain ≥ 0.75 µg per 100 g (15% NRV) to declare vitamin D on the label.
Which foods commonly require vitamin D testing?
Fortified dairy, margarines, infant formulas, dietary supplements, fish oils, mushrooms, and egg products.
How sensitive is Ovalab's vitamin D analysis?
Using LC-MS/MS, Ovalab achieves limits of quantification in the low µg/100 g range — essential for accurately quantifying vitamin D in both fortified and non-fortified foods.
Can Ovalab test vitamin D in supplements?
Yes. Ovalab holds ISO/IEC 17025:2018 accreditation and GMP certification (SÚKL 74726/2023) for testing dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products.