Vitamins and nutraceutical actives

Most vitamins are produced by chemical synthesis or fermentation in a small number of large plants, and they are sold in several physical forms. Examples are vitamin A acetate as an oil or as spray-dried beadlets, vitamin E as an oil or a 50 percent powder, and vitamin D3 in oil or as a dry powder for feed. The potency, carrier and stability of the form decide where it can be used.

Specify the chemical form, potency in international units or percent, the pharmacopoeia, food or feed grade, carrier and coating, particle size and microbiological limits. For supplements, ask about halal, kosher, vegetarian and allergen status. Pure vitamins fall under HS heading 2936, while premixes and formulated feed vitamins are classified elsewhere.