Nutritional supplements play an increasingly important role in the industrialized nations. Growing awareness of health, the vital function of a healthy, sporty and active lifestyle and, last but not least, demographic change affecting many layers of society and involving far-reaching changes, mean that practically all social classes frequently turn to food supplements.
What are food supplements?
Directive No. 2002/46/EC defines food supplements more
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
Market trends for food supplements
In the modern information society, in particular, constantly growing more
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.
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.
Health claims
Food supplements are generally available over the counter and are advertized to the consumer more
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.
Contaminants
In order to ensure the constant high purity of food supplements, more
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.
Approved minerals
The following minerals are approved for the following health conditions, according to the Health Claims Regulation7: more
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.
Triturations
We supply trace elements as triturations, in which the mineral salt is diluted in more
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.
