Phosphorus dosage

Phosphorus analysis measures the concentration of this essential element in food products, plant samples, animal feed, and environmental matrices. Present in mineral or organic form, phosphorus plays a key role in energy metabolism, plant growth, and the nutritional quality of food.

This analysis is performed by ICP-OES , ICP-MS , AAS , or colorimetric spectrophotometry , depending on the matrix and the required sensitivity. It is a fundamental parameter for quality control, agronomic research, and nutritional labeling.

Phosphorus: a vital element for living organisms

Phosphorus is a macro-mineral element essential to life. It plays a role in numerous biological functions:

• formation of bones and teeth (in the form of calcium phosphates),
• synthesis of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA),
• energy transfer via phosphorus compounds (ATP, ADP),
• regulation of cellular pH and enzymatic processes.

In agriculture, phosphorus is an essential plant nutrient, influencing root growth and flowering. In animal nutrition, it contributes to bone mineralization and metabolic health.

However, an excess of phosphorus can cause environmental problems, particularly eutrophication of aquatic environments. Therefore, its precise measurement is essential, both in nutritional formulations and in effluents and soils.

Objectives and benefits of phosphorus measurement

Phosphorus measurement allows us to:

• to determine the total or assimilable content in foods, supplements, fertilizers or plant samples,
• to ensure product compliance with nutritional labeling requirements,
• to evaluate the fertilizing or nutritional value of raw materials,
• to control phosphate discharges into water or soil,
• monitor the bioavailability of phosphorus in nutraceutical and animal formulations.

This analysis is used in many contexts:

• Food industry : measurement of phosphorus levels in dairy products, cereals, flours, protein powders or fortified drinks,
• Animal nutrition : determination of total and available phosphorus in forages, oilseed cakes, premixes or minerals,
• Agronomy and environment : measurement of phosphorus in fertilizers, composts, sewage sludge and surface waters,
• Nutraceuticals and medicinal plants : evaluation of the mineral profile of plant extracts and functional powders.

Analytical methods used

Phosphorus can be measured by several complementary analytical approaches:

• ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry) : reference method for multi-element measurement, enabling the detection of phosphorus with excellent accuracy and over wide concentration ranges.
• ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) : used for low concentrations or complex matrices. It offers very high sensitivity, suitable for detailed environmental or nutritional analyses.
• Colorimetric spectrophotometry : based on the formation of a colored (phosphomolybdic) complex measured at a specific wavelength, often used for aqueous samples.
• AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy) : a reliable alternative for quantifying total phosphorus in certain mineral matrices.

YesWeLab selects the most suitable method according to the matrix and the expected level of precision, in accordance with ISO, AFNOR standards and FAO recommendations.

For a complete characterization of the mineral profile, this analysis can be combined with the measurement of magnesium , calcium , iron or zinc .

Industrial and regulatory applications

Phosphorus measurement is used in several regulated contexts:

• Human food : Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 requires the declaration of phosphorus on nutrition labels when mineral claims are highlighted.
• Nutraceuticals : the quantification of phosphorus guarantees the conformity of food supplements enriched with mineral salts or remineralizing plant extracts.
• Animal nutrition : control of total and assimilable phosphorus is essential for the calcium/phosphorus balance of rations and the bone health of livestock.
• Agriculture and environment : measuring phosphorus in soils and effluents helps to prevent pollution of waterways and to comply with the thresholds defined by European Directive 91/676/EEC (nitrates directive).

The results obtained allow manufacturers and operators to meet regulatory obligations and optimize their formulations.

Carrying out analyses at YesWeLab

YesWeLab entrusts the analysis of phosphorus levels to partner laboratories specializing in analytical chemistry, equipped with high-precision ICP-MS and ICP-OES instruments. These laboratories operate in compliance with the requirements of ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards, guaranteeing the reliability and traceability of the results.

The YesWeLab scientific team assists its clients in selecting the appropriate method for their matrix, whether the samples are solid, liquid, or semi-solid. Thanks to its digital platform, analysis management is simplified: online ordering, real-time tracking, and retrieval of analytical reports.

Since 2020, many players in the agri-food, animal nutrition and environmental sectors have trusted YesWeLab to measure mineral elements in their products, within a rigorous and certified normative framework.

Technical data

• Methods: ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS, colorimetric spectrophotometry
• Expertise: Physico-chemical and nutritional
• Business sectors: Human food, nutraceuticals, animal nutrition, plants, environment
• Measured parameters: Total phosphorus, available phosphorus
• Normative references: ISO, AFNOR, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011

For any specific request, contact our team to obtain a personalized quote and analytical recommendations tailored to your products or samples.