Nutrition & Supplements

Material selection for nutrition & supplements

Mineral phosphates, vitamin B12 forms, amino acids, coenzyme Q10, botanical extracts and carriers for food supplements, fortified foods and sports and powdered nutrition. In this sector, the chemical form of each nutrient, its declared content and its documentation matter as much as its function in the formula.

What the application needs. Calcium and phosphorus fortification commonly uses tricalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate, which also act as flow agents and tablet fillers, while monopotassium and dipotassium phosphate supply potassium and phosphorus and buffer powdered drinks. Vitamin B12 is available as cyanocobalamin, hydroxocobalamin, methylcobalamin (mecobalamin) and adenosylcobalamin (cobamamide), and the form must match both the product concept and the list of permitted forms in the target market. Coenzyme Q10 (ubidecarenone), L-lysine and L-phenylalanine are used in supplements and specialised nutrition. Standardised botanical extracts, such as ginseng, reishi, liquorice and citrus flavonoids including hesperidin, are sold on their marker-compound content. Maltodextrin, dextrose and trehalose serve as carriers, diluents and energy sources, and sorbitol and mannitol powders are used as tablet and chewable-tablet excipients.

Key specification parameters. For mineral salts, agree the elemental content, such as calcium or phosphorus, rather than just the salt assay, together with heavy-metal and fluoride limits and particle size for suspension or tabletting. For vitamins, agree assay on a stated basis, the form (pure crystalline or diluted on a carrier) and the declared overage policy. For B12 triturations, confirm the carrier and the potency per gram. For amino acids and coenzyme Q10, agree assay, specific rotation or the relevant identity test, and residual solvents. For botanical extracts, agree the marker compound and its test method, the extraction solvent, the drug-to-extract ratio, and contaminant limits for pesticides, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Microbiological limits apply to every powder.

Recommended product types. A calcium supplement tablet typically combines a calcium phosphate with binders and a small amount of lubricant. A B12 capsule or spray uses a diluted B12 form for accurate dosing. A sports drink powder combines maltodextrin and dextrose for carbohydrate, phosphates or citrates for buffering, and flavourings. Botanical products should be built on extracts whose specification states the marker compound and the method used to measure it.

Handling notes. In Great Britain and the EU, the vitamin and mineral forms permitted in food supplements are listed in legislation derived from Directive 2002/46/EC, and botanicals must also be checked for novel-food status and for specific labelling triggers, such as the statements required for liquorice above set levels of glycyrrhizinic acid. Claims about health effects must be authorised before use. Protect vitamins and coenzyme Q10 from light, heat and oxygen, and keep hygroscopic powders sealed. Request the specification, certificate of analysis, allergen, GMO and origin statements for each ingredient, and request the certificate scope with your quotation if you need specific certifications.