Vitamin D (cholecalciferol, cholecalciferol) dosage

Vitamin D, also known as cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) or ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), is a fat-soluble vitamin essential to the body. It plays a fundamental role in the intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphorus, bone mineralization, and immune function.
In both humans and animals, vitamin D is involved in numerous metabolic processes, and its deficiency is associated with musculoskeletal disorders, decreased immunity, and certain metabolic diseases.

Vitamin D testing allows for the quantification of its main active forms, particularly cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), and for quality control of fortified products or nutraceutical formulations. This analysis has become a key indicator of compliance and nutritional performance in many industrial sectors.

Advantages of analytical measurement

Vitamin D testing is essential in several contexts:

• Control of vitamin D content in food supplements, fortified foods and pharmaceutical products.
• Verification of nutritional intake and compliance with European regulatory recommendations (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011).
• Evaluation of the stability of oily formulations, powders or capsules.
• Quality control of raw materials of plant or animal origin enriched with cholecalciferol.
• Monitoring of products intended for animal and human nutrition to ensure a balanced intake.

In the cosmetic field, the dosage can also be used to assess the presence of vitamin D in enriched topical formulations, particularly those intended to support the skin barrier function or to compensate for a lack of sun exposure.

Analytical methods used

At YesWeLab, vitamin D is measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or by LC-MS/MS. These methods allow for precise quantification of the D2 and D3 forms, as well as their active metabolites.

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD)
HPLC allows the separation of vitamin D isomers using diode array detection (DAD), ensuring good resolution and reliable quantification for simple matrices such as oils or plant extracts.

Tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
The LC-MS/MS method offers maximum precision for the simultaneous detection of different forms of vitamin D (ergocalciferol, cholecalciferol, calcidiol). It allows quantification at very low concentrations (ng/g) and specific identification in complex matrices such as supplements, fortified foods, or pharmaceutical preparations.

These analyses are carried out in accordance with ISO 17025 standards, guaranteeing traceability, reproducibility and reliability of results.

Industrial and sectoral applications

Nutraceuticals and functional foods:
Vitamin D testing is essential for supplement products intended for bone, muscle, or immune health. It ensures the stability of the molecule and compliance with reference intake levels.

Animal nutrition:
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient in animal feed, particularly for growth and bone mineralization. Controlling cholecalciferol levels ensures optimal nutritional balance in formulations for ruminants, poultry, or fish.

Cosmetics:
Some topical formulas or skin oils contain vitamin D for its restorative and protective properties. Vitamin D testing allows for verification of its stability and concentration in these products.

Food industry:
Manufacturers of fortified foods (milks, drinks, margarines, cereals) regularly carry out this dosage to guarantee the conformity of the enrichment and the stability of the final product.

Affected matrices

• Dietary supplements and capsules
• Vegetable or fish oils
• Fortified foods (dairy products, cereals, margarines)
• Nutraceutical powders
• Cosmetic and topical products
• Animal feed

Recommended Related Analyses

To complete the nutritional and functional quality control of formulations, YesWeLab recommends:
Calcium testing – for combined calcium/vitamin D testing in bone supplement products.
Magnesium testing – essential for mineral balance and vitamin D bioavailability.
Vitamin K2 testing – complementary for calcium absorption and bone health.
Analysis of fat-soluble vitamins (A, E, K) – for a complete micronutrient profile in oils and supplements.

Why entrust your analysis to YesWeLab?

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories specializing in the quantification of fat-soluble vitamins and micronutrients.
Our teams support manufacturers, formulators, and distributors in ensuring their products comply with European regulatory requirements.
Thanks to our digital platform, ordering, tracking, and reporting results are centralized, fast, and secure.