Nutrient Analysis
InquiryOverview of Glycemic Index
Nutrient analysis refers to the systematic evaluation of the nutritional composition of foods, focusing on macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), micronutrients, fiber, and caloric content. In the context of weight loss, it serves as a foundational tool to design and monitor dietary strategies.
As experts in obesity research, Protheragen offers specialized services beyond nutrient analysis under our Weight Loss Food Analysis Service. Our unique expertise extends to targets for developing anti-obesity therapeutics, where we identify and validate novel molecular targets using multi-omics and AI-driven approaches. For anti-obesity therapy development, we design and optimize small molecules, peptides, or biologics targeting validated pathways, supported by high-throughput screening and structure-activity relationship (SAR) modeling. Additionally, our preclinical studies of anti-obesity therapeutics rigorously evaluate efficacy and safety through in vitro assays, diet-induced obesity (DIO) animal models, and metabolic phenotyping. Combining cutting-edge science with translational insights, we deliver end-to-end solutions to accelerate breakthroughs in obesity treatment and prevention.
Targets for Developing Anti-Obesity Therapeutics | Anti-Obesity Therapy Development | Preclinical Studies of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics |
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Glycemic Clarity, Health Certainty
Moisture Analysis
We determine moisture content using advanced techniques tailored to sample requirements. For rapid in-process quality control, we utilize infrared (IR) halogen moisture analyzers, where a halogen lamp emits controlled IR radiation to dry the sample while continuously monitoring weight until stabilization. The moisture percentage is calculated based on weight loss, ensuring high reproducibility and uniform heat distribution.
Protein Analysis
We quantify protein content through two validated approaches: the classical Kjeldahl method and the automated Dumas combustion technique. For the Kjeldahl method, we digest samples with sulfuric acid to release nitrogen, followed by distillation, titration, and calculation.
Total Fat Analysis
We measure total fat using Soxhlet extraction or microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). For samples, we employ Soxhlet extraction, dissolving fat in organic solvents like petroleum ether, evaporating the solvent, and weighing the residue.
Total Dietary Fibre (TDF) Analysis
Our process includes a 4-hour enzymatic incubation aligned with human digestion kinetics, High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-based quantification of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), and precise measurement of resistant starch variants.
Ash Analysis
We determine ash content via dry ashing in a muffle furnace, converting organic matter to inorganic residues like oxides and sulfates. For samples containing volatile or heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury), we switch to attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), enabling rapid, simultaneous analysis of sulfur, nitrogen, and ash using minimal sample volumes.
Total Sugar Analysis
We quantify mono- and disaccharides using enzymatic assays, HPLC, or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Enzymatic methods measure glucose/fructose phosphorylation or sucrose hydrolysis via absorbance changes, while HPLC with evaporative light scattering detectors (ELSD) offers superior sensitivity for complex matrices.
Carbohydrate Calculation
We derive carbohydrate content by subtracting measured percentages of moisture, protein, lipid, and ash from 100%, applying a standardized energy factor of 17 kJ/g (4 kcal/g).
Workflow
Applications
- Food R&D: We help you refine carbohydrate structures in cereals, beverages, and meal replacements to create more effective weight loss products.
- Ingredient screening: Our team evaluates how weight management products and functional ingredients influence the glycemic index.
- Academic research: We provide support for your mechanistic research in food science, etc.
Advantages
- Our analysis can be used to identify foods with optimal energy density and high nutritional value, critical for designing calorie-controlled diets.
- Our analysis can be applied to verify the presence of anti-obesity ingredients in fortified foods, ensuring efficacy and compliance with health claims.
- Our analysis is combined with PCR and sequencing, evaluates how dietary components modulate gut microbiota composition, linking dietary patterns to obesity-related dysbiosis.
Publication Data
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1124409
Journal: Frontiers in Nutrition
Published: 2023
Impact Factor: 4.0
Result: The authors highlight the importance of nutritional profiling (NP) models in combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by identifying nutrient-rich foods and guiding healthier dietary choices. They discuss various bioanalytical techniques such as chromatography (gas and liquid), spectroscopy (nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), atomic absorption), PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), microscopic methods, and metabolomics, emphasizing their roles in detecting macronutrients, micronutrients, contaminants, and adulterants in food products. The review also addresses protocols for validating NP models, challenges in standardization, and applications in food safety, authenticity, and public health policies. Case studies illustrate the use of these techniques in analyzing oils, dairy products, honey, and fruit juices. The authors advocate for refined NP models and interdisciplinary approaches to enhance global food quality and nutritional outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How is data from nutrient analysis applied in anti-obesity research?
It identifies nutrient patterns linked to obesity mechanisms (e.g., insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis), validates functional ingredients (e.g., prebiotics, polyphenols), and supports preclinical studies by correlating dietary components with metabolic outcomes in animal models.
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Do you offer customized nutrient analysis for novel food formats?
Yes, we tailor protocols for plant-based, ketogenic, or fortified foods, including novel matrices like cultured meat or algae-based products, using adaptive methodologies and cross-validated assays.
Protheragen's nutrient analysis systematically evaluates the nutritional composition of foods, focusing on macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates), micronutrients, fiber, and caloric content. Such analysis is foundational for designing evidence-based dietary strategies, particularly in weight management and obesity research. Accelerate your research with science-backed data. Ready to optimize your product or study? contact us!
Reference
- Mondal, D.D.; et al. An overview of nutritional profiling in foods: bioanalytical techniques and useful protocols. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2023, 10: 1124409. (CC BY 4.0)
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.