Phosphorus dosage

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

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

Phosphorus: a vital element for living organisms

Phosphorus is a mineral macroelement essential to life. It is involved in many 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, excess phosphorus can cause environmental problems, including eutrophication of aquatic environments. Therefore, its precise measurement is essential, both in nutritional formulations and in effluents and soils.

Objectives and interest of phosphorus dosage

Phosphorus dosage allows:

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

This analysis is used in many contexts:

• Food industry : phosphorus measurement in dairy products, cereals, flours, protein powders or fortified drinks,
• Animal nutrition : determination of total and assimilable phosphorus in fodder, oilcakes, premixes or minerals,
• Agronomy and environment : measurement of phosphorus in fertilizers, composts, sewage sludge and surface water,
• 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, allowing phosphorus to be detected with excellent precision and over wide concentration ranges.
• ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) : used for low levels or complex matrices. It offers very high sensitivity, suitable for fine environmental or nutritional analyses.
• Colorimetric spectrophotometry : based on the formation of a colored complex (phosphomolybdic) measured at a specific wavelength, often used for aqueous samples.
• AAS (atomic absorption spectroscopy) : reliable alternative for the quantification of total phosphorus in certain mineral matrices.

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

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

Industrial and regulatory applications

Phosphorus dosage occurs in several regulated contexts:

• Human food : Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 requires the declaration of phosphorus on nutrition labels when mineral claims are made.
• 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 available phosphorus is essential for the calcium/phosphorus balance of rations and bone health of livestock.
• Agriculture and environment : measuring phosphorus in soils and effluents helps prevent pollution of waterways and 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 phosphorus assay to partner laboratories specialized in analytical chemistry, equipped with high-precision ICP-MS and ICP-OES equipment. These laboratories work 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 choosing the best method for their matrix, whether solid, liquid, or semi-solid samples. 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 food, animal nutrition and environmental sectors have trusted YesWeLab to measure mineral elements in their products, within a rigorous and certified regulatory framework.

Technical data

• Methods: ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS, colorimetric spectrophotometry
• Expertise: Physicochemical and nutritional
• Sectors of activity: Human food, nutraceuticals, animal nutrition, plants, environment
• Measured parameters: Total phosphorus, available phosphorus
• Normative references: ISO, AFNOR, regulation (EU) n° 1169/2011

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