It is common knowledge that biologically active supplements offer a range of benefits. The popularity of these products is growing rapidly each year, as a balanced diet that provides the necessary nutrients is not affordable for all. Nutritional supplements have been developed to address deficiencies and support the body in maintaining optimal health and addressing specific issues.
For companies seeking to expand their presence in the nutritional supplements sector, but lacking clarity on the distinctions between various forms, we have prepared a concise article outlining the most prevalent types of supplements.
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What are food additives?
The nutritional landscape has shifted significantly in recent decades. Contemporary diets are markedly different from those of 30 years ago, with a notable shift towards cooked, fried, and processed foods, and a corresponding decline in consumption of raw, vitamin- and mineral-rich foods. The products typically found in people’s refrigerators today are lacking in essential vitamins, calcium, iron, essential fatty acids, and other microelements. The body’s needs are fixed, and there is a standard level of beneficial substances that the body requires. However, eating 7 eggs and 6 lemons a day to get the necessary amount of protein and vitamin C is unlikely to be possible for anyone.
In the majority of cases, the diet does not provide sufficient quantities of the essential vitamins and minerals required on a daily basis. In such cases, nutritional supplements provide an effective solution. They are concentrated sources of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and extracts from medicinal plants. These are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, regardless of age. Deficiency in these nutrients can initially lead to disruptions in metabolic processes and, if left unaddressed, may eventually result in more serious health issues.
Nutritional supplements can help to normalise immune function, increase performance and endurance, speed up metabolism and have a positive effect on overall health.
The form of a dietary supplement directly affects the rate and extent of its component release into the body. While a number of active ingredients are stable exclusively in a particular form, the majority of nutrients can be used in a variety of forms without loss of biological value.
In such cases, the choice of a specific form is typically made by the producer and is influenced by several factors, including the type of raw material, market demands, the final production cost, and the bioavailability of the product.
Capsules
Capsules are a type of supplement that consist of a harmless soluble shell filled with an active substance in one of four forms: powder, liquid, granules or oil. The production process for these supplements is relatively complex, which typically results in a higher cost for the finished product.
Capsules come in two varieties:
- They mask taste and odour well, dissolve quickly, and are easy to swallow.
- They have a gelatin shell and are filled with liquid, powder or granules.
The main advantages of this form should include:
- easy to swallow;
- easy to store;
- precise dosage.
Tablets
Tablets represent the most popular form of dietary supplement, produced through the process of pressing. Furthermore, tablets can be coated with a protective shell or have indentations on their surface, which facilitate the easy separation of the tablet into parts.
The principal benefits of this category of nutritional supplements are as follows:
- easy to swallow;
- quickly absorbed;
- have a more affordable cost.
Liquids
Liquid supplements are an optimal choice for children. Liquid supplements are typically palatable and easy to administer. Furthermore, adults who have difficulty taking solid supplements tend to prefer liquid forms.
The main advantages are:
- have a faster digestibility than capsules and tablets;
- the body uses less energy to digest them;
- the liquid form is the body’s natural medium.
Powders and granulated substances
Powders represent a flexible form of dietary supplement that requires dilution with water prior to use. They can be produced as single-component or multi-component products. A number of manufacturers already produce the supplement in a ready-to-use format, which is very convenient for the consumer. Other companies use a common container. In the second case, the dosage is measured with a special measuring spoon, which should be included in the set.
Features of this form include:
- prompt and cheap production;
- well absorbed by the body.
Professional manufacturer of vitamin supplements Millmax
Opting for Supplement contract manufacturing to produce nutritional supplements is a crucial element in a successful product launch. It is essential that only qualified professionals with in-depth market knowledge and the ability to produce high-quality supplements are involved in the development and production process. Vitamin manufacturer Millmax is a leading provider of nutritional supplements and a reliable business partner. There are numerous advantages to be gained from a cooperative relationship with the factory:
- End to end contract manufacturing. Millmax provides customers with a comprehensive service, taking responsibility for product development and manufacture as well as documentation, marketing, promotion and packaging.
- Transparent operational processes and strict adherence to deadlines.The company has been operating in the market for a number of years and has built a strong reputation during this time. You can be confident that all relations will be transparent and that the order will be delivered on time.
- Flexible terms of cooperation. The production team offers more than just professional advice; they are also willing to make adjustments to meet the customer’s specific requirements.
- Production control laboratory and independent expertise. Millmax has invested in a cutting-edge laboratory facility that enables comprehensive quality control testing of primary ingredients and finished products.
- Innovative equipment and compliance with global standards.At Millmax, we are committed to staying abreast of market trends, ensuring our equipment is always up to date, embracing modern technologies in our development and production processes, and adhering to international standards.
- Quality raw materials and reliable suppliers.The factory only cooperates with suppliers who meet our high standards of quality and reliability. This ensures that our additives are produced from the finest ingredients.
- Proprietary warehouses.Should you wish to do so, you may opt to store finished products in the company’s warehouses, which are fully compliant with all standards and provide optimal conditions for product preservation.
- International expertise. Millmax is a European-standard factory with customers located all over the world.
- Skilled employees. All company specialists possess the requisite skills and extensive experience in the field of food additives, and are committed to ongoing professional development through recertification and advanced training.
Conclusion
It is not possible to select the optimal form of dietary supplements without first identifying the specific requirements of the individual. It is advisable to consider the initial state of health, personal preferences, age and financial capabilities when making a decision. It should be noted that liquids and powders have a shorter shelf life and require special storage conditions and packaging for transportation. Capsules and tablets offer a slower onset of effect, but this is offset by the ease of determining dosage and the convenience of taking them on the go.
Supplement contract manufacturing Millmax provides a platform for the successful realisation of ideas for launching health products, with guaranteed quality and compliance with all standards.
