Advancements in Supplement Manufacturing: Embracing New Technologies for Better Products

The dietary supplement industry is evolving to include more science-supported supplements, as well as greater production efficiency and product quality. This shift is noteworthy because of increasing consumer trends toward sustainable, well-researched, and plant-based supplements. Of course, science-backed products require both expert formulation and advanced manufacturing technologies, so supplement brand owners must collaborate with tech-driven supplement manufacturers to achieve these goals. This innovation surge in the dietary supplement market, driven by increased consumer awareness, is projected to fuel a 5.7% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2030, marking a transformative phase. 

Cutting-Edge Technologies Transforming Supplement Manufacturing 

Consumers trust brands and products that have demonstrable quality, reliable market presence, and cost-efficiency. Considering these demands, Michael Anthonavage, Vice President of Innovation at Vitaquest International, observes that, "Supplement companies have to step up their game by working with contract manufacturers capable of meeting, consumer demand for quality, evidence-based products." 

Advances in technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), are responding to these industry shifts. AI streamlines supplement development by predicting ingredient interactions, reducing R&D time and costs, and enabling faster market entry. It analyzes health data to create tailored dosage regimens, improving consumer satisfaction and product efficacy. A combination of AI platforms and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help reduce errors in quality control. Monitoring data from sensors in production lines and analyzing trends in temperature, humidity, and pressure help identify anomalies early so that supplement manufacturers can then make preemptive adjustments to the process. 

Automation in supplement manufacturing ensures precision, accuracy, and efficiency in scaling. This includes automation of encapsulation, tablet processing, and ingredient handling which can produce thousands of high-quality capsules, tablets, or powders with accuracy and reliability. 

Innovative Delivery Forms Enhancing Bioavailability

Consumer confidence in dietary supplements has fueled innovation. This includes innovative advancements in supplement delivery forms, which provide brand owners with opportunities to differentiate their products. 

The table below explains the different delivery forms brand owners should consider based on various factors:

Some of the prominent supplement delivery methods include: 

Orally Disintegrating Tablets 

Orally disintegrating tablets—tablets formulated to dissolve or disintegrate in your mouth prior to swallowing—have several advantages. This includes: 1) quick dissolving in the mouth, which may have a positive impact on bioavailability, 2) ease of consumption for people tired of swallowing pills, 3) improved compliance since it's easier to use and doesn't require liquids to swallow, and 4) multiple taste and flavor options.  

Chewable Tablets 

Chewable tablets that are specially formulated to deliver a payload of vitamins, minerals and/or other nutraceuticals with highly palatable flavor options, sweetening options, a desirable mouth feel, and—perhaps most importantly—good stability. They are a good reduced -sugar alternative to higher-sugar content gummies and can be made according to clean label standards. 

Controlled-Release Capsules & Tablets 

Controlled-release capsules and tablets utilize delivery systems such as time-release and delayed release. Time releasing can provide a predictable pattern of release for specific nutraceuticals. For example, since vitamin C has multiple absorption sites in the gut, time-release vitamin C can release that nutrient at different gut locations to potentially maximize absorption. Likewise, delayed release can provide a good option for a melatonin supplement since it can be formulated to provide a release of this sleep aid a few hours after the initial release of melatonin, thereby extending the effect. 

Embracing Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Manufacturing Through Technology

The technologies that have been proven to augment manufacturing, consumer experience, and innovation in supplement delivery systems also support sustainable manufacturing. 

Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction: For example, Vitaquest's commitment to environmental sustainability starts with sourcing from ingredient suppliers who care about environmental stewardship, sustainable harvesting and fair trade. Their manufacturing operations have taken steps to be less wasteful with materials and energy and reduce environmental impact. Most of their corrugated packaging materials are derived from 100% recycled content, and they recycle waste materials. They have also installed energy-efficient lighting with motion detector switches throughout their facilities, saving hundreds of thousands of kilowatt hours.  

Vitaquest is committed to the preservation and protection of the global environment. We manufacture nutraceuticals and functional foods, which promote the health and well-being of consumers in an environmentally positive manner. According to Michael Anthonavage, Vice President of Innovation at Vitaquest International, "We encourage our staff to be more eco-friendly each day, so that together we may achieve our sustainability goals and enhance the wellness of the communities we serve." 

Sustainable Sourcing and Production: Ethical ingredient sourcing is a trending issue in the dietary supplement industry. Ethical sourcing is defined as "a responsible and sustainable method to organize a supply chain and their original sources of raw materials. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of entities in the public sector to ensure that the products they are acquiring have been ethically sourced—in addition to ensuring that the health and safety of employees is protected in the process."i In addition to social considerations, there are also economic benefits associated with ethical, including mitigating risk mitigation with regard to reputation damage, which can result in financial losses. Another aspect to ethical sourcing is to be sure that raw materials used in your products are produced using only Fair and Ethical methods and comply with current Governmental Environmental, Health & Safety Regulations both domestically and internationally.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Packaging: Sustainable packaging has also been trending due to concerns about environmental impact. Regarding dietary supplement packaging, sustainability is defined as being easily recycled or composted. Likewise, a package made from recycled materials is also considered as sustainable. Also, a "right-sized" package—rather than providing bottles and boxes larger than needed for the tablets, capsules or powders within—is also deemed sustainable.  Finally, the creation of packaging that produces fewer carbon emissions is more sustainable, too.

The Rise in Demand for Women's Health Supplements

Advances in computational modeling and simulation tools have revolutionized the customization of dietary supplements. When combined with research into the distinct physiological needs of men and women across various life stages, these innovations have opened the door to supplements tailored specifically to address the unique and diverse health needs of women.

For example, in otherwise healthy women, several kinds of friendly vaginal bacteria (i.e., probiotics) exist, the majority often dominated by species of Lactobacillus. These lactobacilli, along with other fermentative bacteria, play a crucial role in maintaining an acidic vaginal environment, which enhances its ability to resist certain infections. Clinical trials have demonstrated that specific strains of L. acidophilus and L. rhamnosus can survive passage through the digestive system to successfully colonize vaginal cells. Likewise, laboratory research suggests that Lactobacilli may be able to promote a healthy urinary tract. Interestingly, Lactobacillus crispatus was only found in the urinary microbiota of healthy women.

Other examples include hair, skin, and nails as a subcategory of women’s health, which has grown by about 100%. Additionally, two other subcategories—mood support and PMS—each increased by about 40%. Weight management products also grew by approximately 20%. 

Naturally, folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D as key nutrients for women's health have also grown. Brand owners can focus on safe and high-quality supplement products that cater to unique lifestyles, health patterns, and demands of women consumers.

The Shift to Reliable Manufacturers 

Recognizing the importance of technology, brand owners seek reliable expertise to meet consumer preferences. Ease of swallowing is prioritized by 49% of consumers, followed by affordability at 43%, with taste and size each at 26%. Manufacturers must meet these needs while ensuring strict adherence to quality standards like cGMP compliance and FDA regulations. 

Manufacturers who follow these regulations, offer comprehensive testing, and use advanced formulation technologies ensure quality and compliance for brand owners. In addition, manufacturers who offer Kosher, Halal, and organic certifications, in addition to FSSC 22000 certification for food safety, offer a higher degree of credibility. These standards allow brands to focus on innovation and growth while leaving quality assurance to trusted manufacturers. 

Conclusion 

Advancements in technology are revolutionizing product development and manufacturing, empowering brands to meet demands for quality, transparency, and customization. Innovations such as AI-driven formulations and eco-friendly production enhance product quality and efficiency while fostering consumer trust. Technology-driven manufacturers with a commitment to high quality standards help brands remain competitive and aligned with industry values of sustainability and innovation, ensuring success in an evolving market.

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