How to Test for Vitamin D in Fruit Juices

Food provides low levels of vitamin D and the effectiveness of fortifying cereals, juices and milk is still being debated. The best food source is fish liver oils; a new report by The Institute of Medicine recommends 600 to 4000 International Units, or IU, a day, for those 9 years old and up. Vitamin D testing is an intricate procedure, involving separation and evaporation in different solutions, conducted in a strict laboratory setting.

Instructions

• 1

  Place a sample of juice in a sturdy, sealed container. Locate a laboratory, preferably close to your home, that provides a food testing service for businesses and individuals. Search for laboratories by state.

• 2

  Write your company or personal details into the relevant space on the submission form. A form is provided for you to send with your sample, in order to relay your personal information and your sample query. Describe the juice sample and estimated quantity. Detail exactly what you wish to know about the vitamin D content in the written space provided. Choose a method to receive results -- phone, email or post, as preferred or available.

• 3

  Check expected turnover time for samples. Mail the sample, the submission form and the specified payment to your nearest laboratory.