Dosage of organic acids (lactic acid, butyric acid, hyaluronic acid (carbazole), citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid)

Organic acids constitute a large family of compounds naturally present in numerous biological and industrial matrices. They play a key role in metabolic processes, fermentation, preservation, microbiological stability, and the organoleptic properties of products. Acids such as lactic acid, butyric acid, citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid are essential markers of quality and biological activity in the human food, nutraceutical, animal nutrition, and plant sectors. The precise measurement of these organic acids is essential for characterizing formulations, controlling processes, and ensuring product conformity.

Analytical and industrial interest of the dosage

Organic acid analysis provides a comprehensive view of a product's acid profile. In fermented products, these compounds directly reflect microbial activity and the stage of fermentation. In nutraceuticals and plant extracts, they contribute to overall biological activity and can influence the bioavailability of certain nutrients. In animal nutrition, organic acids are used as indicators of raw material quality or as functional additives to improve digestibility and shelf life.
Multi-acid analysis within a single panel enables comprehensive analysis , optimizing costs and time while providing consistent and comparable data across batches, suppliers, or processes.

Principle of the analytical methods used

The quantification of organic acids relies on several complementary techniques, selected according to the target compounds, the matrix, and the required level of sensitivity.
High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is widely used for the separation and quantification of organic acids such as citric, malic, tartaric, lactic, propionic, and butyric acids. It offers excellent reproducibility and good chromatographic resolution.
Ion-exchange chromatography is particularly well-suited to ionic acids and complex matrices, especially for obtaining complete acid profiles in fermented products or plant extracts.
LC -MS allows for identification and quantification with very high sensitivity, useful when concentrations are low or when several structurally similar compounds need to be distinguished.
For hyaluronic acid , a carbazole is frequently used. This approach is based on the reaction of carbazole with uronic acids and allows for reliable quantification of hyaluronic acid in biological or cosmetic matrices.

Commonly measured organic acids

The panel may include, depending on the analytical needs:

• Lactic acid (fermentation, microbiological stability)
• Butyric acid, propionic acid (fermentation, animal nutrition)
• Citric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid (organoleptic quality, plant origin)
• Oxalic acid, formic acid, quinic acid
• Hyaluronic acid (nutraceutical and cosmetic applications)
• Other phenolic or organic acids depending on the matrix

The exact list is adjusted according to the client's specifications and objectives.

Sector applications

In human nutrition , organic acid analysis is used to characterize fermented beverages, dairy products, juices, processed fruits, and functional ingredients. It allows for the control of taste, shelf life, and food safety.
In nutraceuticals , these analyses contribute to the standardization of dietary supplements, the validation of active ingredient content, and the consistency of formulations.
In animal nutrition , organic acids are indicators of feed quality and technological levers for improving digestibility and preservation.
In the field of plants and plant extracts , the organic acid profile allows for the characterization of botanical origin, stage of maturity, and the impact of extraction processes.

Analyzed matrices

Analyses can be performed on fermented products, plant extracts, juices, powders, food supplements, cosmetic matrices, animal feed, agricultural raw materials, or complex formulations. Preparation protocols are tailored to each matrix to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of results.

Quality of results and exploitation

The results are expressed as individual concentrations or overall profiles of organic acids. They are directly applicable to quality control, R&D, process optimization, and the preparation of technical and regulatory documentation. The methods used ensure excellent analytical accuracy and batch-to-batch comparability.

Added value YesWeLab

YesWeLab relies on a network of laboratories specializing in physicochemical and chromatographic analyses, equipped with HPLC, LC-MS, and ion chromatography technologies. The majority of our partners are ISO 17025 and COFRAC certified or accredited. Our scientific team assists you in defining the panel of acids to be analyzed, selecting the most suitable methods, and interpreting the results in relation to your industrial objectives. Since 2020, manufacturers, formulators, and engineering firms have entrusted us with the management of their analyses via our digital platform for centralized, rigorous, and responsive monitoring.

Related analyses in the YesWeLab catalog

To complete the analysis of organic acids, the following analyses are frequently combined:

• Sugar and polyol profile
• Assay of polyphenols and phenolic acids
• Measurement of pH and total acidity