Ask an Expert with Jeff Stassi - Dietary Supplement Trends & Challenges with Testing Gummies
Our Ask an Expert Series showcases Eurofins scientists from around the country and answers questions frequently asked by customers. The question below is answered by Jeff Stassi, Sr. Analytical Services Manager with Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing in Madison, WI.
Gummy supplements continue to trend among consumers, but this matrix can be challenging to test. How does Eurofins address these challenges?
Testing of gummies can certainly pose analytical challenges for laboratories that do not have the appropriate experience or expertise. It is crucial to understand how your method performs in different supplement matrices, especially in a gummy matrix. Gummies must have the proper validation applied so the laboratory can understand the precision and accuracy to make the method scientifically valid for that particular matrix.
With the popularity of gummies, we are starting to see more formulas increase in complexity, using botanical extracts and encapsulated ingredients. This all adds to the difficulty of testing these appropriately. The one key factor in producing an accurate test result is to have a well-homogenized sample to work with. It is incumbent on the lab to address this, and the best way is to deep-freeze a composite of the gummies in liquid nitrogen to create a hard mass. At this stage, grinding equipment pulverizes the sample to a fine powder. Care must be utilized to keep frozen conditions (-80°C) to keep the integrity of the fine powder during the weighing phase. With this one critical step, you increase your odds of producing an accurate result tremendously.
Meet the Expert - Jeff Stassi
Jeff Stassi is a Sr. Analytical Services Manager at Eurofins specializing in testing and regulatory affairs for the dietary supplement industry. In this role, Jeff provides expertise in product integrity, technical support, and method performance of different dosage forms of dietary supplements, including gummies. Jeff has been with Eurofins for 37 years with an emphasis on dietary supplement test program design and implementation.
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