By Cindy Reed
Current market research indicates probiotic dietary supplements are trending as the fastest-growing supplement category in North America, 2016 – 2021. Marketers interested in launching or reformulating probiotic formulations can encounter some unique challenges in product development, manufacturing and even packaging. Here’s an inside look at how a contract manufacturer can add value to this complex process, with Kathy Paffendorf, account executive at Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.
- Technology aimed at microencapsulating probiotics.
Paffendorf: The goal of probiotic microencapsulation is to protect microorganisms and improve their survivability in adverse conditions. We offer strains developed with Microbac microencapsulation technology (patented by Probiotical). It’s a lipid matrix that individually coats each probiotic cell, enabling them to survive the harsh conditions of the gut and reach the intestine alive and viable, where beneficial bacterial activity can do the most good. Microencapsulated probiotics will be more efficacious and require fewer cells than traditional lyophilized formulations. About 20% of traditional uncoated cells reach the intestines as compared to nearly all microencapsulated microorganisms.
- Strategies to help reduce the cost of probiotic products.
Paffendorf: In addition to using a microencapsulated strain for some formulations, we also have three-, four-, five-, and ten-strain blends for other basic formulations, saving on development time and costs. We also provide clinical or stability data on those combinations, helping customers to zero in on what they want to offer.
- Special packaging capabilities.
Paffendorf: For Probiotical probiotics, customers can choose to use blister packs with a seven-layer foil that is specifically designed and patented for probiotic packaging. It keeps the water activity and the moisture level low, which is key for ensuring probiotic viability.
To read the full article “Probiotic Formulation Development: Tips from a Contract Manufacturer” a Q&A with Kathy Paffendorf, download the Pharmachem eBook, “The Future of Probiotics: Advances in Research, Testing, and Formulation.”
Pharmachem White Paper: Can Probiotics Improve Sports Performance?
Probiotics have been purported to reduce inflammation, but little was known about the potential effects on performance in athletes—Until now! A recent study, a finalist for the “University Research of the Year” category in the NutraIngredients Awards 2016 competition, and published in the Journal, Nutrients, examines the impact of a probiotic blend on healthy resistance-trained men.
Pharmachem eBook: The Future of Probiotics – Advances in Research, Testing, and Formulation.
Market research suggests that probiotics is the fastest growing of all supplement categories in North America for the next several years. Is your company ready to meet this growing demand? In this eBook, experts explain why this market is hot and highlight areas of potential growth such as sports nutrition. You’ll also learn about a new cell counting technique that is changing how we think about the quality and efficacy of probiotics.
Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc. 265 Harrison Avenue, Kearny NJ 07032. 1-800-526-0609.
This (these) statement(s) have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Enewsletter and website are written by Cindy Reed. Enewsletter is published by Pharmachem Laboratories, Inc.