EN 18206:2026

Algae and algae products - Methods of sampling and analysis - Determination of beta carotene and fucoxanthin content in microalgae EN 18206:2026

Publication date:   Jul 19, 2026

Scope

This document specifies a laboratory method for the determination of the carotenoid content in microalgae. This method is based on the principles of chlorophyll a determination described in EN 18034. This method has been validated for the microalgae species Nannochloropsis and Phaodactylum. This standard is only validated for betacarotene and fucoxanthin but could be used for other carotenoids as well. Given small adaptations to be able to measure smaller concentrations, this method could also be
used for macro algae.
NOTE this method has been validated in an interlaboratory study for the following carotenoids for levels of approximately 0.1 to 10 mg/g by weight:
• beta carotene;
• fucoxanthin.
For the validation, the following matrices were used:
• Nannochloropsis sp .;
• Phaedactylum.
For detailed information on the validation, see Clause 9 and Annex C. Additionally, lutein was tested and Saccharina latissima was used as an additional matrix. However, these results could not be validated. The results of these studies have been included in informative Annex D.