Revised vitamin conversion tables from the German Society for Food Chemistry
Updated factors for the evaluation, declaration, and analysis of vitamin E
Jan. 2026. In November 2025, the Working Group on Nutritional Issues of the German Society for Food Chemistry comprehensively revised the existing vitamin conversion tables, which include technical recommendations for calculating vitamin activities. In future, manufacturing and processing companies will have to consider the updated factors, particularly when evaluating, declaring, and analysing vitamin E based on vitamin E activity.
We have compiled the most important changes and the significance of the conversion tables for the labelling and analysis of your products.
Overview of the most important changes
The vitamin conversion tables created by the working group "nutritional issues" of the German Society for Food Chemistry, a specialist group within the German Chemical Society (Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker e.V., GDCh), were first published in 2001 and expanded in 2006. Due to new scientific findings and newly approved vitamin compounds, a comprehensive revision was now necessary.
As part of the revision, newly added vitamin compounds such as calcidiol monohydrate, calcium L-methylfolate, and monosodium salt of L-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid have been added to the tables. In addition, vitamin compounds that do not comply with current food law were removed.
The conversion factor for used DL-alpha-tocopherol to D-alpha-tocopherol (active vitamin E) has been changed from 0.74 to 0.5. This is almost a third less than before. Formulations containing DL-alpha-tocopherol as compound must therefore contain twice as the desired amount of active vitamin E.
The revision is based on European legislation. For companies operating internationally, it is important to note that different conversion factors may apply outside Europe. Therefore, a separate review is necessary if products are intended for non-EU markets.
The revised version with the updated vitamin conversion tables from the German Society for Food Chemistry can be found here (document in German language).
Importance of conversion tables for labelling and analysis
The correct conversion of vitamin compounds into their respective active vitamins is crucial for legally compliant product labelling. Incorrect conversion factors can lead to inaccurate information, which may result in complaints.
The conversion tables of the German Society for Food Chemistry contain legally non-binding technical recommendations for calculating vitamin activities, which are intended to facilitate a uniform and scientifically sound evaluation.
Individual consultation and analytical support
The Eurofins Food & Feed Testing laboratories in Germany offer you a wide range of analyses for food and raw materials. We support you with individual advice and precise determination of vitamins and minerals. Our services include quantitative analysis of vitamins, advice on correctly applying conversion factors, and support with labelling in accordance with European requirements. We are happy to check the quality and safety of your products throughout the entire supply chain to ensure that your products comply with regulatory requirements.
Contact us
If you would like to know how the updated calculation tables specifically affect your products, please feel free to contact your personal account manager at any time or write directly to our team of experts.
