What is Carbohydrate Analysis?
Carbohydrate Analysis is a laboratory test used to identify and accurately measure sugars and complex carbohydrates in food, pharmaceutical, and biological samples for quality control and regulatory compliance.
This analysis typically covers simple sugars (such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, and lactose) as well as complex carbohydrates including starches, oligosaccharides, and dietary fibers.
Methods of Carbohydrate Analysis
1.Liquid Chromatography Methods (HPLC / HPAEC-PAD)
Liquid chromatography methods are among the most accurate techniques for carbohydrate analysis. They separate individual sugars based on their chemical properties and allow precise quantification of compounds such as glucose, fructose, sucrose, and lactose. These methods are highly sensitive and reproducible, making them ideal for detailed sugar profiling, regulatory testing, and quality control in food and pharmaceutical products.
2.Enzymatic Analysis Methods
Enzymatic methods use highly specific enzymes that react only with certain carbohydrates. The reaction produces a measurable signal that is directly proportional to the carbohydrate concentration. Because of their selectivity and accuracy, enzymatic assays are widely used for routine laboratory testing, nutrition labeling, and process monitoring.
3.Spectrophotometric Methods
Spectrophotometric carbohydrate analysis is based on chemical reactions that produce a color change when carbohydrates are present. The intensity of the color is measured using a spectrophotometer and correlates with carbohydrate concentration. These methods are commonly applied for total carbohydrate determination and screening analyses due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
4. Gas Chromatography (GC)
Gas chromatography is used for detailed carbohydrate composition analysis after sugars are chemically derivatized to make them volatile. This method provides high-resolution identification of individual monosaccharides and is mainly applied in research, structural analysis, and specialized quality assessments.
5.Classical Chemical and Titrimetric Methods
Classical chemical methods are traditional techniques used to measure reducing sugars or starch content through chemical reactions and titration. Although more modern methods are available, these approaches are still referenced in some standards and are used where legacy or reference methods are required.
Carbohydrate Analysis Procedures
Carbohydrate analyses are designed to follow a logical laboratory workflow that ensures accurate, reliable, and reproducible results for various sample types.
- Sample preparation, the first step, involves treatments such as homogenization, drying, dilution, filtration, or hydrolysis, depending on the nature of the sample and on the type of carbohydrate to be measured. Proper preparation of the samples is crucial to prevent degradation or loss of the analytes.
- A number of extraction and clarification steps are necessary to separate the carbohydrates from proteins, fats, and other interfering substances by the use of aqueous solvents, heat treatment, or enzymatic digestion.
- Then, measurement is done through analysis by means of validated methods such as HPLC, enzymatic assays, spectrophotometric techniques, or GC, depending on the target carbohydrates and required sensitivity.
- Calibration and quantification concerned certified reference standards and calibration curves in order to be certain about the accuracy and traceability of the results.
- Blanks, controls, and replicate samples are run to verify method performance and precision, and to confirm that applicable standards have been met as part of quality control and validation steps. This is followed by data analysis and reporting, presenting carbohydrate content, sugar profiles, and results of compliance in standardized units suitable for regulatory, quality control, and research applications.
ISO Standards of Carbohydrate Analysis
ISO 21437:2020 – Pulps – Determination of Carbohydrate Composition
ISO 21437:2020 is an international standard that specifies methods for the determination of carbohydrate composition in pulp materials.
It provides procedures to quantify individual monosaccharides derived from cellulose and hemicellulose after hydrolysis.
ISO 11292:1995 – Instant Coffee – Determination of Free and Total Carbohydrates
ISO 11292:1995 is an international standard that defines validated laboratory methods for determining free and total carbohydrates in instant coffee.
The method differentiates naturally occurring sugars from total carbohydrates after controlled hydrolysis.
USP Standards of Carbohydrate Analysis
While USP does not publish a single unifying “carbohydrate analysis” monograph, relevant methods are embedded within USP-NF monographs for individual carbohydrates, as well as general analytical chapters.
Concise Summary of ISO vs. USP Carbohydrate Analysis Procedures
| Aspect | ISO (21437 / 11292) | USP / Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Sample Prep & Scope | Sulfuric-acid hydrolysis to release monosaccharides | Varies by monograph; may include direct or hydrolyzed analysis |
| Chromatography | HPAE-PAD or GC-FID (ISO 21437); HPAE-PAD-based HPLC (ISO 11292) | IC using USP-specified resin types (L17, L19, etc.), HPAE-PAD, RP-LC–MS with derivatization |
| Detection Modes | Pulsed amperometric, flame ionization | RI, PAD, UV, MS depending on technique and matrix |
| Quantitative Scope | Neutral monosaccharide composition; free vs. total carbohydrates | Monosaccharides, sugar alcohols, and more depending on method |
Nikopharmed Carbohydrate Analysis Laboratory
Laboratory Accreditation and Global Recognition
At Nikopharmad, our Carbohydrate Analysis services are backed by ISO/IEC 17025 certification and ILAC accreditation, ensuring strict adherence to globally recognized analytical quality and technical competence standards. These credentials guarantee that our carbohydrate determinations meet the most rigorous international regulatory requirements and are recognized by AOAC International, ISO standards, USP, Ph. Eur., and leading food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and nutritional supplement regulatory authorities worldwide.
Technical Excellence and Validated Infrastructure
Our state-of-the-art analytical facility is equipped with:
- High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAE-PAD) for precise monosaccharide and oligosaccharide profiling
- Ion Chromatography (IC) with USP-specified stationary phases for regulatory-compliant sugar quantification
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with refractive index (RI) and diode-array detection for general carbohydrate separation
- LC–MS/MS platforms for ultra-trace analysis and structural elucidation
- Validated hydrolysis and derivatization apparatus for total carbohydrate and specific sugar class determinations
We are capable of analyzing carbohydrates in a wide range of matrices—from functional foods, beverages, dairy, and cereals to dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, and fermentation products. Also Our carbohydrate analysis typically includes the determination of total sugar content alongside other key carbohydrates.
Regulatory-Ready Reporting and Timely Results
In industries where compliance timelines are critical, Nikopharmad delivers rapid, accurate, and defensible carbohydrate analysis results. All analytical reports include:
- Full method validation records
- Traceable calibration data
- Statistical analysis aligned with FDA, Codex Alimentarius, European Commission, and other international regulatory submission requirements
Our optimized workflow ensures fast turnaround times without compromising analytical precision or compliance—supporting quality assurance programs, product certification, import/export inspections, nutritional labeling, and label claim verification.
Confidentiality and Data Integrity
We uphold the highest levels of client confidentiality and data security. All carbohydrate testing activities are carried out under strict non-disclosure agreements and supported by 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic data systems. Every analysis is documented with a complete audit trail, ensuring traceability, reliability, and integrity of results. Proprietary formulations, research data, and regulatory submissions are handled with uncompromising ethical and professional standards.
Competitive Pricing with Uncompromised Quality
We offer cost-effective carbohydrate analysis solutions tailored to the needs of small enterprises, global corporations, and regulatory agencies. Our transparent pricing structure allows clients to meet compliance requirements efficiently while upholding international analytical standards, reducing approval timelines without compromising the quality or reliability of results.
To request testing or a complimentary consultation contact Nikopharmad
Partner with Nikopharmad for Expert Carbohydrate Analysis
By partnering with Nikopharmad, you gain access to a globally accredited laboratory dedicated to scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, and data confidentiality. Whether ensuring product consistency, verifying label claims, meeting market-entry regulations, or satisfying strict industry standards, our carbohydrate analysis expertise guarantees accurate, reliable, and internationally recognized results, helping you achieve compliance faster and with complete confidence.