Location: Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory
Project Number: 8040-10700-004-042-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: May 1, 2025
End Date: Dec 31, 2028
Objective:
The Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database (DSID) (http://dsid.usda.nih.gov) project analyzes the actual content of dietary supplements (DS), which provide concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive constituents to the U.S. diet. DSID delivers nationally representative composition data for popular DS categories through rigorous chemical analysis. The USDA identifies and procures DS products, overseeing contracted, collaborative, and in-house labs to quantify nutrients and bioactive ingredients. Initially focused on essential nutrients, DSID’s scope has expanded to include botanical DS constituents and dosage form performance (e.g., tablets, capsules), which influences ingredient bioavailability.
The project aims to deepen and broaden knowledge about frequently consumed DS in the U.S. by collecting and compiling data on essential nutrients and emerging components of public health significance. This involves developing sampling methods for new DS product types, statistically evaluating analytical results for representative estimates, and enhancing DSID’s utility with cutting-edge technologies to create novel datasets. These efforts support public health research, dietary intake assessments, and informed consumer choices by providing reliable, accessible DS composition data.
Approach:
The DSID project employs a multi-faceted research strategy to assess dietary supplement (DS) ingredient content:
• Sample Selection: Experts at the Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory (MAFCL) design studies, pinpoint representative DS categories, and select products for analysis. Partnerships with qualified labs ensure precise testing.
• Chemical Analysis: Labs perform detailed chemical analyses to measure actual levels of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds in DS.
• Data Quality Control: MAFCL oversees laboratory data quality, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Statistical Analysis and Public Release: Analytical results are statistically evaluated to reflect national trends and shared via the DSID online platform.
Ongoing and Planned Studies:
1. Calcium and Magnesium in Non-Prescription Antacids: This study assesses calcium and magnesium levels in antacids—a key supplemental calcium source—using a nationally representative sample. Products will also undergo disintegration and dissolution testing per USP standards.
2. Folate Forms in DS: With new folate forms (e.g., 5-methyl tetrahydrofolate) replacing folic acid in prenatal DS (over-the counter and prescription), this study will identify, procure, and test 53 products for folate content and stability over shelf-life, alongside dosage form performance (disintegration/dissolution).
3. Choline in DS: DS will be analyzed for choline content and its release from dosage forms (e.g., tablets, softgels) using in vitro methods like INFOGEST and dynamic gastric models (DGM) to simulate bioaccessibility.
These studies enhance DSID’s scope and utility, addressing emerging public health needs through robust science.