Scientists recently discovered that the methods used to measure vitamins in foods and supplements haven’t been updated since the 1990s—and they’re no longer working well. Experts gathered to discuss better ways to test for vitamins, including new technology that can identify different types of vitamin E and faster methods to measure B-vitamins. This matters because if we can’t accurately measure what’s really in our food and supplements, we can’t trust the labels telling us how much nutrition we’re getting. The research highlights the need for modern testing methods that work better and faster than the old ones.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether the current methods scientists use to measure vitamin content in foods and dietary supplements are still accurate and useful, and what new methods might work better.
  • Who participated: Five expert speakers at a scientific conference in Baltimore in August 2024 who specialize in testing vitamins in food and supplements. This was a discussion of current practices rather than a traditional research study with participants.
  • Key finding: The testing methods used today are mostly from the 1990s and no longer work well for modern foods and supplements. Scientists need to create new, updated methods that are faster, more accurate, and can identify different types of vitamins.
  • What it means for you: The vitamin amounts listed on food and supplement labels may not be completely accurate right now. Better testing methods in the future could help ensure that what you buy actually contains what the label says it does. However, this research doesn’t change what you should do today—continue following current nutrition guidelines.

The Research Details

This research is a review of current practices in vitamin testing, not a traditional experiment. Scientists gathered at a major conference to discuss problems with how vitamins are currently measured in foods and supplements. Five experts presented information about gaps in testing methods and shared new technology and approaches that could work better. Rather than testing people or products, the experts focused on identifying what’s wrong with current methods and brainstorming solutions for the future. This type of discussion helps the scientific community understand what needs to change and sets priorities for developing better testing methods.

Accurate testing methods are the foundation for everything else. If we can’t measure vitamins correctly, we can’t know if supplements actually contain what they claim, and we can’t compare different products fairly. This research matters because it identifies specific problems that need fixing and suggests which new technologies might help solve them.

This is a review of expert opinions rather than a controlled experiment, which means it’s based on professional knowledge and discussion rather than new data collection. The strength comes from having multiple experts in the field sharing their perspectives. However, because it’s not testing actual products or people, it’s more about identifying problems and opportunities than proving specific solutions work. The findings should be viewed as expert guidance on what needs to happen next, not as definitive proof of how to fix the problems.

What the Results Show

The experts identified four major problems with current vitamin testing methods. First, different countries and organizations use different methods to measure the same vitamins, making it hard to compare results and creating confusion about what counts as a vitamin. Second, there’s currently no reliable way to tell if vitamin E on a label is natural or synthetic, which matters because they may work differently in your body. Third, testing for B-vitamins is slow and expensive because scientists have to test for each one separately. Fourth, the way vitamins are made and processed can affect how accurately they can be measured, but current methods don’t account for these differences well.

The experts presented a new method that could test for six different B-vitamins all at once using advanced technology called LC-ECI-MS/MS. This approach is faster and cheaper than current methods while being just as accurate. They also emphasized the need to standardize how different types of vitamins are defined and measured so that all scientists and companies use the same approach.

The discussion highlighted that manufacturing processes—how vitamins are made and processed—create significant challenges for accurate testing. Different ways of making vitamins can change how they behave during testing, which can lead to inaccurate measurements. The experts also noted that harmonizing methods (getting everyone to use the same approach) is closely connected to agreeing on definitions of what actually counts as a specific vitamin.

A recent review had already concluded that most current reference methods for measuring vitamins are outdated. This research builds on that finding by bringing together experts to discuss specific solutions. The focus on updating methods from the 1990s reflects how much science and technology have advanced in the past 30 years, and how regulations around food labeling have changed.

This is a review of expert opinions rather than a study testing actual products or methods. The experts discussed potential solutions but didn’t prove that these new methods work better in real-world situations. The research identifies what needs to happen but doesn’t provide complete answers. Additionally, the specific impact of using better testing methods on consumer health wasn’t directly studied. This research is best viewed as a roadmap for future work rather than a final solution.

The Bottom Line

This research doesn’t recommend changes to what consumers should do right now. Instead, it recommends that scientists and regulatory agencies work together to develop and adopt new, modern methods for testing vitamins in foods and supplements. The confidence level is high that current methods need updating, but the specific solutions still need to be tested and approved. For consumers, continue following current nutrition guidelines and purchasing from reputable brands, as these practices remain sound even with outdated testing methods.

Food and supplement manufacturers should care because they need accurate testing to ensure their products meet label claims. Regulatory agencies should care because they set standards for what’s allowed on labels. Scientists and researchers should care because this identifies priorities for developing better methods. Consumers should care because better testing methods will eventually lead to more trustworthy nutrition labels. People with specific health conditions who rely on supplements should be especially interested in ensuring accurate labeling.

Changes won’t happen immediately. Scientists need time to develop and test new methods, which typically takes several years. Regulatory agencies then need to review and approve these methods before companies are required to use them. Realistically, significant improvements in testing methods could take 3-5 years or more to implement widely.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the supplement brands you use and note the vitamin amounts listed on labels. As new testing methods are implemented, you can compare whether the amounts change, helping you understand how accurate current labeling is.
  • When shopping for supplements, choose brands from established companies with good reputations, as they’re more likely to have accurate products even with current testing limitations. Look for third-party testing seals on supplement bottles, which indicate the product has been independently verified.
  • Monitor news about vitamin testing standards and labeling regulations. As new methods are adopted, pay attention to any changes in how vitamins are labeled or measured. Keep records of which supplements you use and their claimed amounts so you can track consistency over time.

This research discusses scientific methods for testing vitamins but does not provide medical advice. The findings are about how scientists measure vitamins, not about whether you should take supplements or change your diet. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen or making significant dietary changes. Current supplement labels, while potentially imperfect, are still regulated and generally reliable. Do not stop taking prescribed supplements based on this information. This research is intended for educational purposes and represents expert discussion about future improvements to testing standards.