Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry and Site-Specific Natural Isotope Fractionation-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance applications to discriminate between synthetic and natural analogs: A review

Consumers are nowadays increasingly demanding products containing molecules of natural origin, as they are considered healthier than the synthetic or semi-synthetic counterparts. The higher costs associated with the production of plant raw materials and/or the extraction and purification of these natural substances set the basis for possible counterfeiting, resulting in the addition of cheaper, chemically indistinguishable synthetic form. In this review, we will discuss the effectiveness of stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry and/or Site-Specific Natural Isotope Fractionation-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for the discrimination between molecules of natural and synthetic origin belonging to the families of flavourings, essential oils, foodstuff, dietary supplements, drugs and steroids.