Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in food and dietary supplements

Determination of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) in food with an HPLC-MS method, or in supplements with an HPLC-UV-VIS or UPLC-MS/MS method. Cholecalciferol is the most common form of vitamin D.

The results of the analysis can be used to confirm the amount of vitamin D in the product to support accurate labeling. According to EU regulations, vitamin D content can be included in the nutrition declaration, if a food or beverage contains it in significant amounts. Considering the daily reference intake of 5 µg given in Regulation (EU) 1169/2011, vitamin D can be declared when present in at least the following concentrations:

• 0.75 µg/100 g or 100 ml in products other than beverages (15% of reference intake)

• 0.375 µg/100 ml in beverages (7.5% of reference intake)

• 0.75 µg per portion if the package contains a single portion (15% of reference intake)

Food and beverages that contain vitamin D in at least the above amounts can be labeled as sources of vitamin D. Other nutrition and health claims can be used in accordance with Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EU) No 432/2012.

Some examples of claims permitted for products that are sources of vitamin D include:

• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.

• Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.

• Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.