Mineral salts in nutritional supplements

EU Directive No. 2002/46/EC defines food supplements as "foodstuffs the purpose of which is to supplement the normal diet and which are concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect, alone or in combination, marketed in dose form, …"⁴

Particularly in the modern information society, constantly growing awareness of healthy eating and the needs of one's own body – and one's family – are leading to an increased consumption of food supplements. Both European and American market researchers see a growing trend in children, for example. Studies show that parents give their children supplements chiefly to assist with bone growth and cognitive development, to stimulate the immune system and promote good eye health¹.

Adults are also increasingly turning to food supplements. The most popular are calcium, magnesium and iron. However, trace elements such as chromium, copper, manganese and selenium are also enjoying high demand in the market².

Another factor is demographic change, whereby the population is not just aging, but especially aging differently. Older people desire a healthy and active lifestyle in their twilight years, and are increasingly willing to take the necessary precautions in their diet. This reflects existing in market trends. Above all, market researchers are witnessing growing consumption of products for bone health, immune system stimulation, mental health and insulin modulation³.

Food supplements are generally available over the counter and are advertized to the consumer accordingly. However, advertising claims regarding effectiveness and health benefits are subject to strict constraints. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for evaluating the scientific proof of such claims.

Regulation (EU) No. 1924/2006⁵ sets out the requirements for health claims in detail, and a complete list of all approved health claims is available on the website of the European Commission.

In order to ensure the constant high purity of food supplements, the European Commission has laid down maximum values for the concentration of certain contaminants, e.g. heavy metals, in Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006⁶. The maximum values are 3 mg/kg for lead, 1 mg/kg for cadmium, and 0.1 mg/kg for mercury.

Almost all our mineral salts for use in food supplements satisfy these purity requirements for the end product even as a raw material. We are therefore able to deliver especially pure grades for the manufacture of food supplements.

A wealth of different forms of dosage are available to suit consumers' preferences and ensure effective administration. The most common forms are:

• Soft Gelatin Capsules (softgels)
• Hard Gelatin Capsules
• Tablets
• Effervescent Tablets
• Granules/powder Sticks
• Syrup
• Drops
• Liquid Sticks
• Vials

In order to ensure that minerals are processed and administered in the best possible way, the product's properties often have to be modified. We are able to carry out product- and application-specific modifications to enable among others microencapsulation or change the particle size, e.g. through granulation/DC granules.

Moreover, numerous excipients, such as carriers, buffers, film-forming agents, lubricants and anti-caking agents, are required in the production of food supplements. Here, too, we can provide support on an individual and application-specific basis.

We supply trace elements as triturations, in which the mineral salt is diluted in an inert carrier substance. This ensures safe handling and precise dosage.