Nutraceuticals Formats

Tablets are a solid dosage form made by compressing dry ingredients into a pill, available in various shapes and sizes for easier swallowing. They can have active ingredients uniformly mixed throughout or layered within the tablet. Tablets are a versatile supplement form, ideal for active substances in powder form. They can incorporate higher doses of active ingredients compared to capsules, as the powders are compressed into solid tablets. For instance, larger tablets can contain up to 1000 mg of Vitamin C. However, not all powders are suitable for compression as the process generates heat which can degrade sensitive ingredients.

Formulating tablets can be complex but offers benefits not available with capsules, such as creating effervescent tablets or adding breaklines for easier splitting. Tablets can also be coated for aesthetic, technical, or gastro-resistant purposes. They disintegrate rapidly after swallowing, with uncoated tablets expected to dissolve within 15 minutes, and film-coated ones within 30 minutes as per the European Pharmacopoeia. Tablets require high pressure to press, which can be unsuitable for some materials. Direct compression is the gentlest method, mixing raw materials with excipients and pressing them directly without prior granulation.

At Food Research Lab, we choose not to coat our tablets, preserving their naturalness and avoiding unnecessary additives. Tablets offer precise dosing and can be designed to release nutrients effectively, making them a practical choice for those with busy lifestyles. They are available in various sizes and shapes and can be specially formulated as chewable or orally disintegrating types for enhanced user experience. Explore our cutting-edge plant-based solutions for advanced tablet formulations. We also provide coated tablets, which can be packaged in bottles, multi-pack sachets, or blister packs to meet specific needs.

Powders, which can be coarse or fine, are often used in supplements requiring larger serving sizes due to their ease of dissolution when mixed with liquids. This galenic form allows delivery of high doses using a scoop or spoon, optimising the bioavailability and absorption of the supplement. The powdered nature allows for a fast and efficient release of nutrients, crucial for therapeutic applications or supplements intended to enhance athletic performance. FRL (Food Research Lab) is equipped with the necessary resources, equipment, and expertise to develop and mix powders of all sizes. With advanced mixing and packaging capabilities, FRL ensures homogeneous and consistent powder products, whether packaged in jugs, pouches, stick packs, or other suitable containers.

A tablet that is intended to be chewed before swallowing. Chewable tablets are made using lower compression forces to allow the tablet to dissolve in the mouth as it is chewed. Chewable tablets are convenient for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills.

Capsules are a solid dosage form consisting of a shell made from gelatin, starch, or cellulose, and filled with either dry or liquid ingredients. The two halves of the shell may be sealed with a band. Recognized as a standard and prevalent form in the dietary supplement industry, capsules are carefully developed, tested, and produced at FRL (Food Research Lab) to ensure they are reliable, effective, and aesthetically pleasing for consumers.

Hard capsules are ideal for delivering powder-form ingredients like plant extracts, minerals, and water-soluble vitamins. They are available in various sizes, with sizes "0" and "00" being most common, holding about 600 and 800 mg of powder, respectively. Capsules are typically made from gelatine or cellulose for a vegan option. For those who have difficulty swallowing, capsules can be opened and mixed with non-hot liquids like yogurt, preserving the integrity of the active ingredients. Capsules are securely sealed by a fine groove that connects the two prefabricated halves, ensuring the contents remain contained. They can be made from materials like gelatine and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose), with the latter suitable for organic products according to certain regulations. Organic products can also be encapsulated using hard capsules, as specified in Annex VIII of Regulation (EC) No. 889/2008. This regulation allows the use of HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) capsules provided they don't contain any additional ingredients, making them suitable for organic product formulations.

Gastro-resistant capsules are particularly beneficial for delivering probiotics effectively to the intestines. These capsules, which include gellan gum in their composition, are designed to withstand stomach acid and dissolve at the higher pH levels found in the intestines. This design ensures that the active ingredients are released where they are most effective. Opening these capsules is not advised, as it would expose the contents to stomach acid, undermining their purpose.

Soft capsules are ideal for encapsulating oils, emulsions, or pastes. Unlike hard capsules, soft capsules are formed during the filling process using a "rotary die" technique, where two ribbons of material are shaped and sealed around the fill. These capsules come in various forms, including twist-off types that allow contents to be dispensed without consuming the capsule. They can be made from gelatine or plant-based materials like carrageenans and are available in sizes up to 1200 mg. Capsules offer protective benefits, shielding contents from environmental exposure and masking unpleasant tastes.

Vegetarian softgels present a sustainable, vegan-friendly supplement option. They enhance bioavailability and offer easy ingestion for various nutrient formulations. Embracing plant-powered solutions in soft capsule forms doesn't sacrifice manufacturing efficiency or formulation versatility. With the increasing consumer shift towards enjoyable consumption methods like softgels and gummies, it’s crucial to consider dose compliance and user preferences. Notably, advancements in encapsulating probiotics within omega-3s have shown potential in delivering effective probiotic doses efficiently, illustrating the trend towards more consumer-friendly softgel applications.

A softgel is a type of soft capsule that encapsulates liquid ingredients. It is composed of a gelatin-based shell mixed with water and a plasticizer like glycerin or sorbitol to enhance flexibility. Softgels are available in various shapes and sizes to facilitate easy swallowing. Softgels are optimal for encapsulating fat-soluble ingredients like vitamin D3. When the active ingredient doesn't fill the capsule, fillers such as organic extra virgin olive oil are used. Softgels come in various sizes, with the largest typically being 1 gram, as larger sizes may be challenging to swallow. Traditionally made from a mix of gelatine, glycerine, and water, recent advancements have also led to the development of vegan softgels, though there are still challenges with producing large sizes.

Drops are particularly useful for substances like melatonin, where dosages may vary based on individual needs. For instance, some people might require only 4 drops (1 mg), while others might need 7 drops (1.8 mg) to achieve the desired effect. This form allows for precise and adaptable dosing.

Active ingredients can be incorporated into any liquid suitable for human consumption, adhering to restrictions on the volume per serving. This ensures the product remains classified as a dietary supplement rather than a beverage. Liquid food supplements are an advantageous option for those who find swallowing pills challenging. These supplements often include appealing flavors, enhancing their palatability and promoting consistent intake. The liquid form allows for quick and efficient absorption of active ingredients. However, transporting them daily can be cumbersome. Understanding the different forms of food supplements helps individuals make informed choices about the best options for their well-being, always with guidance from healthcare professionals.

Gummies, a popular gelatin-based candy, are enriched with active ingredients to make dietary supplements enjoyable and convenient, especially for those who struggle with pills. These chewable treats are favored for their fun and customizability, available in various flavors, shapes, and colors. Recent studies, like one from FRL, highlight that sugar-free gummy variants not only taste great but also support healthier glycemic responses, beneficial for individuals with diabetes.

Cellulose-based hard capsules are a favored dietary supplement due to their vegan-friendly nature, non-GMO status, and excellent product benefits – including stability and low moisture content. They offer a reliable and sustainable alternative, free from animal-derived ingredients and provide an excellent option for consumers seeking plant-based and eco-conscious choices. Choose an outstanding HPMC ingredient to create exceptional plant-based capsules that meet the latest consumer preferences.

Soft capsules are ideal for encapsulating oils, emulsions, or pastes. They are formed during the filling process by a rotary die mechanism, which seals the contents within two capsule shells. These capsules come in various shapes, including twist-off versions for easy content access without ingestion of the capsule. They can be made from gelatine or plant-based materials like carrageenans and offer a range of sizes, with a maximum filling of approximately 1200 mg. The encapsulation process minimizes thermal stress on the contents, preserving their integrity and shielding the taste buds from unpleasant flavors.

A lozenge is a candy-like form of medication designed to dissolve or disintegrate slowly in the mouth, allowing for gradual release and absorption of its active ingredients.

In the dietary supplement market, sticks offer a trendy alternative to capsules and tablets, gaining significant consumer interest. Sticks can hold 1-10 grams of powder or granules, allowing products to meet health claims that require multiple grams of a substance. This format simplifies intake, often reducing it to one portion a day, making it more convenient and popular. Sticks can be consumed directly or mixed into water, juice, yogurt, or other dishes. The key is ensuring the mixture is uniform and free-flowing, with a relatively neutral taste that can be easily combined with flavorings. This dosage form is ideal for those who have difficulty swallowing pills and fits well with modern, flexible lifestyles.