Liquid Dietary Supplements on the Rise

Over the last couple of years, the demand for functional beverages has increased, particularly for liquid energy shots, liquid application of traditional dietary supplements, and beverages enhanced with functional ingredients. Liquid dosage forms are allowing consumers to find greater options when seeking products that support bone and joint health, cardiovascular health, digestion and brain function; they also increase the options for delivery of ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and probiotics. The perception surrounding bioavailability and liquid supplementation has boosted the popularity of this category.

One of the fastest growing areas in liquid supplement manufacturing has resulted from the popularity of oral beauty productsthe beauty from within category. Beauty-from-within liquid supplements that are enhanced with appropriate nutrients can protect the skin from cellular and DNA damage caused by oxidative stress. In this area, there are increasing options for formulations including oral antioxidants that work from within the body to protect it from sun damage. Another idea could be a natural matrix of collagen and hyaluronic acid to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and appear suppler. The success of effective products in this area has helped to substantiate the theory that healthy skin requires oral supplementation, not just cosmetic application of products.

Another hot area is liquid energy supplements. Energy shots are being formulated with ingredients that give immediate energy boosts coupled with a fiber-source that requires longer digestion time and sustains the energy result. These could be insoluble fiber sources (i.e., whole grains, bran, seeds, nuts) or soluble fibers (i.e., inulin, xanthan gum, guar gum). Oats and flax seed provide both soluble and insoluble fiber. Complex energy supplements also contain protein as it enhances the effects of satiety and sustained energy. Sustained energy formulations might also include B vitamins, carnitine, ginseng, antioxidants and natural caffeine sources.

Whatever the health-enhancement goal of the liquid delivery product, it must taste good. The most challenging aspects of converting a traditional capsule or tablet dietary supplement into a liquid formulation are taste and texture. Partnering with and leveraging the manufacturing and R&D knowledge of a contract manufacturer with expertise in liquid products can assure the final product offering will have a high quality, be efficacious and taste great.

Suhail Ishaq is the president of GMP Laboratories, a contract manufacturer of liquid supplements, powdered drink mix blends, tablets, capsules, softgels and homeopathic drug products. GMP Labs offers turn-key solutions including packaging services such as blister cards, bottles and packet/sachets.