The sports nutrition market is driving demand for more sophisticated liquid formulations of dietary supplements. Boosted by the 6-percent sales increase of the sports nutrition category in 2005, the body-building segment remains pumped up for new supplements that can energize, speed recovery and boost strength faster than before.
Implementation of regulations for pro-hormones and the illegality of synthetic hormones are driving consumers to seek supplements with certain active ingredients shown to naturally stimulate the body’s testosterone in order to build muscle. Consumers crave supplements that fuel energy and burn calories through thermogenesis—achieved via an increase in body temperature, heart rate and metabolism—and combat lactic acid buildup that causes stiffness and sore muscles. And they’re looking for faster and more efficacious delivery systems that bring about the desired results.
One innovative delivery technology is liquid-filled hard capsules. Originally developed by Capsugel, Licaps® capsules offer improved bioavailability and absorption compared to tablets. A liquified active ingredient works quicker because the body doesn’t have to dissolve the solid material in order to prepare the active for absorption.
In addition, by delivering a pre-solubilized liquid active, absorption time in the digestive tract is lessened.
There are two major challenges in creating “super” liquid formulas: reducing particle size and solubilizing the primary active while considering other ingredients in the mix.
The smaller the particle, the quicker it can dissolve and be available for absorption. However, particle-size reduction is challenging because over-reduced particles might re-agglomerate and crystallize. Developing microemulsions—compounds that self-emulsify or liquify the actives—can help the process.
In addition to successful formulation, strict adherence to a pharmaceutical-type, scale-up protocol allows fine tuning of the formula to create consistent results in a cost-efficient manufacturing environment. Effective scale-up runs allow for minor changes of the formula so that full-scale manufacturing yields are high. This process benefits the customer by ensuring a high-quality product and quick delivery to market.
