Insights into Analytical Precision: Understanding the Factors Influencing Accurate Vitamin A Determination in Various Samples
Yauheni Shastak, Wolf Pelletier, Andrea Kuntz
Abstract
The accurate assessment of vitamin A in animal feed and tissues is vital for safeguarding animal well-being and ensuring high-quality nutritional feed. However, challenges in achieving precise results persist, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the influencing factors. This review delves into the historical progression of analytical techniques, from colorimetric assays and spectrophotometry to advanced chromatographic methods and non-destructive spectroscopic approaches. Factors influencing analytical precision are scrutinized, encompassing sample preparation, storage conditions, interfering substances, and human errors. The crucial role of quality control and standardized protocols in ensuring the reproducibility and reliability of results is emphasized. Moreover, this review highlights the need for tailored analytical approaches to account for the complexities of sample matrices and the significance of cutting-edge technologies, including on-site analysis and data science integration, in enhancing analytical precision. By acknowledging the challenges and prospects in vitamin A analysis, this paper provides insights for optimizing analytical methodologies and promoting animal welfare and product safety.