Dietary Supplements have risen in popularity over the last 30 years as adults are looking to supplement their diet, whether it’s a vitamin or mineral, a protein or other nutrient, to help improve their daily lifestyle. Supplements have long been associated with bodybuilders and professional athletes to improve performance. However, as supplements become more accessible and affordable, the average person is consuming them more. Supplements can be found in a variety of delivery systems like Liquids, Powders, Capsules, Tablets, Gummies and Gels.
One of the key ways to tell the difference between a food product and a dietary supplement is the Information Panel located to the right of the Principal Display Panel on a label. A food product will have a Nutrition Facts Panel whereas a Dietary Supplement will have a Supplement Facts Panel. The FDA declares what classifies a food versus dietary supplement in their Code of Federal Regulations. In short, for a food product only nutrients with an established Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) or Daily Value (DV) can appear within the Nutrition Facts panel box. All ingredients are listed in descending order of weight underneath the panel box. For dietary supplements, nutrients without an RDI or DV can appear within the Supplement Facts panel box underneath the last mineral. All nutrients should have a symbol (†) next to their declared label claim amount and a statement “Daily Value Not Established” is required to appear below the last nutrient. All inactive ingredients will appear in the Other Ingredients section just below this statement.
There are many factors to consider when formulating a product for success. A nutrient must meet or exceed the label claim amount. Adequate overage should be added to ensure that the nutrient meets its label claim amount throughout the intended life of the product. Nutrient degradation is common in products especially ones sensitive to heat, light, and moisture. The FDA does not define how much overage should be applied to individual ingredients, so it is up to the manufacturer of the finished product (Co-man) to establish this and the testing limits. Potency and Moisture should also be considered during the formulation process. An ingredient low in potency and high in moisture will require significantly more of that ingredient versus one high in potency and low in moisture. These values can be found on the ingredients Product Data Sheet (PDS) or Certificate of Analysis (COA). These values may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it is important to establish expectations from suppliers to be consistent with what manufacturers they represent.
Finished products will require testing of nutrients with established label claims. This can be done in-house or by a 3rd party testing lab. The nutrient should meet 100% of its label claim.
Brands that consistently meet their label claims for their products will build confidence and trust with their customers and be relevant for many years.
If you would like more information about building your powder or capsule product for success, please reach out to your Catalyst Nutraceuticals Sales Rep.