Multivitamins and dietary supplements play a critical role in supporting health and wellness. Ensuring the precise amounts and distribution of minerals in each tablet or capsule is essential for their efficacy and safety. MicroXRF technology provides a powerful means to analyze the elemental composition of these products with exceptional detail. At IXRF Systems, our high spatial resolution Atlas microXRF spectrometers (as low as 5 microns) enable an accurate, non-destructive analysis of complex samples in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
High-Precision Element Mapping for Quality Control
MicroXRF enables 2D chemical mapping of tablets, powders, and other supplement forms, providing detailed insights into the distribution of elements. This capability supports several key quality control measures, including:
- Quantifying Mineral Content: Measure major elements like calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and iron (Fe) to verify formulation accuracy.
- Assessing Distribution Uniformity: Evaluate how evenly minerals are distributed within tablets, ensuring consistent dosages and product quality.
- Characterizing Coatings: Analyze the composition of protective or controlled-release coatings to maintain adherence to product specifications.
Analyzing Trace Minerals with High Sensitivity
MicroXRF technology excels at detecting and quantifying trace minerals, even at low concentrations. With the Atlas microXRF, elements with an atomic weight higher than copper (Cu) can be analyzed at levels as low as 10 parts per million (ppm). This capability is particularly valuable for:
- Ensuring Trace Element Accuracy: Nutrients such as selenium (Se) or zinc (Zn), critical for health but needed in small amounts, can be measured precisely to confirm label claims.
- Detecting Contaminants: Trace impurities, even at ppm levels, can have significant implications for safety and compliance, making microXRF a key tool for risk mitigation.
Figure 1: The image above showcases 2D chemical maps of essential minerals found in supplements, visualized with false colors using the Atlas microXRF technology. From critical nutrients like Magnesium (Mg), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), and Iron (Fe) to trace elements like Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se), this advanced analysis provides a glimpse into the distribution of each mineral in a typical vitamin tablet.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Research and Quality Assurance
MicroXRF technology supports various stages of pharmaceutical development and production:
- Elemental Impurity Detection: It meets regulatory requirements by identifying and quantifying trace impurities that may pose health risks.
- R&D Support: During drug formulation, understanding the elemental distribution aids in developing effective and consistent products.
- Authentication: MicroXRF can distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products by comparing their elemental profiles.
Applications in Nutraceuticals
For nutraceuticals, such as dietary supplements and functional foods, microXRF provides detailed composition data, ensuring product claims are verified and potential contaminants are identified. The ability to detect trace minerals at low ppm levels ensures comprehensive quality control, particularly for supplements that rely on precise nutrient concentrations.
High Spatial Resolution for Complex Samples
The Atlas microXRF system offers high spatial resolution, enabling detailed analysis of small or intricately structured samples. This capability is essential for examining specific areas of a tablet, analyzing powders, characterizing coatings, and providing comprehensive data for quality control and research applications.
Key Benefits of MicroXRF Technology
- Non-Destructive Analysis: Analyze samples without altering or damaging them.
- Versatility: Suitable for solids, powders, and liquids.
- Efficient Data Collection: Obtain high-throughput results for routine analysis and research.
- Broad Elemental Range and Sensitivity: Analyze elements from light elements like magnesium (Mg) to heavier elements, with trace-level sensitivity for elements with an atomic weight higher than Cu down to 10 ppm.
Enabling Safer, More Effective Health Products
IXRF Systems strives to provide practical, high-precision solutions for analyzing pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. MicroXRF technology delivers detailed insights into elemental composition, helping manufacturers produce consistent, safe, and effective health products while meeting stringent regulatory requirements.
Contact us today for more information on how the Atlas microXRF can enhance your analysis.
