Equol dosage

Equol is a secondary metabolite resulting from the transformation of isoflavones, primarily daidzein, by bacterial fermentation. It is a bioactive compound whose interest is steadily growing in the nutraceutical, plant-based, and functional ingredients sectors. Thanks to its selective hormonal activity, equol is being studied for its interactions with estrogen receptors and for its potential role in metabolic balance and women's well-being.

Equol measurement is not only useful for characterizing a plant extract; it also serves as an indicator of quality, efficacy, and sometimes even standardization, particularly for fermented soy-based products. It also assists manufacturers in evaluating the bioavailability of ingredients derived from isoflavones or fermented matrices.

Industrial applications

Several sectors use equol analysis to control the quality of their raw materials or finished products.

• Nutraceuticals: monitoring of equol content in food supplements formulated with soy, isoflavones or fermented ingredients
• Fermented foods: characterization of fermentation products (tempeh, probiotic extracts, specific strains)
• Plant-based ingredients: standardization of extracts enriched with isoflavones or fermented derivatives
• R&D: studies on daidzein transformation and monitoring of fermentation kinetics
• Animal nutrition: characterization of extracts intended for fermented plant-based formulations

Dosage is essential to validate the quality of a batch, optimize fermentation, ensure regulatory compliance, or document a claimed functional effect.

Analytical methods

The quantification of equol relies essentially on liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, an essential technique for measuring plant compounds present in trace amounts or in complex matrices.

LC-MS/MS
is the reference method for equol quantification. It offers high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and allows for the differentiation of equol from other isoflavone metabolites. It is suitable for fermented matrices, dietary supplements, and multi-active plant extracts.

HPLC
is used for simpler matrices, particularly standardized extracts or titrated products. UV detection may be sufficient when a high equol content is expected.

Depending on the matrix, liquid-liquid extraction, SPE purification, or deproteinization may be necessary. YesWeLab systematically selects the optimized method based on the nature of the product and the specifications.

Supported matrices

• dry or liquid food supplements
• fermented soy extracts
• plant powders rich in isoflavones
• technical solutions resulting from controlled fermentation
• non-human biological fluids in an experimental setting
• plant matrices intended for transformation studies

The diversity of matrices requires precise methodological adjustment, ensured by YesWeLab's partner laboratories.

Further analyses recommended

Equol measurement is often associated with other analyses to characterize an extract rich in plant or fermented compounds.

Isoflavone assay (daidzein, genistein, glycitein)
Essential to evaluate the precursor of equol and characterize the efficiency of fermentation.

HPLC analysis
is recommended for complex extracts or to complete a profile of bioactive compounds.

Total polyphenol assay
Often requested for plant extracts rich in isoflavones and associated metabolites.

Free amino acid dosage:
Relevant in fermented products or ingredients intended for nutrition.

Heavy metal analysis
Essential for products intended for human consumption or export.

Why go through YesWeLab?

YesWeLab supports manufacturers who develop or control fermented plant extracts, functional ingredients, or isoflavone-based food supplements. Through a network of laboratories specializing in LC-MS/MS and plant analysis, we select the most suitable method and laboratory for each project, taking into account the specific matrix, required sensitivity, and applicable regulations. Since 2020, our platform has simplified the management of your analyses and guarantees accurate, reliable results that meet your technical requirements.