To discuss the future development of nutritional health foods and exchange research on new dosage forms, we commence our “Dosage Form Discussion” series with “gummies.” Gummies, as a mature food form, offer consumers more choices, enriched experiences, and healthy support.

Our specialized articles aim to enhance understanding of the “past and present” of “nutritional gummies.” We explore strategies for market demand and offer suggestions for standardizing industry development and fostering innovation.

As health awareness rises, the nutritional health food market expands, and various product forms emerge to meet diverse health needs and preferences. Tablets and capsules are common dietary supplement forms, convenient for on-the-go consumption and rapid nutrient intake. The pursuit of personalized health solutions has led to an increase in non-tablet/capsule nutritional health products.

Market Size for Product Forms

A market analysis of dietary supplement forms by the Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) and SPINS revealed a shift from 2016 to 2024 (Figure 1). Tablets have been the primary form since ancient Egypt, but by 2019, non-tablet/capsule products surpassed them in sales, showing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.3% to reach $43.314 billion by 2024. Gummies, in particular, have seen significant growth, doubling their market share from 10.1% in 2016 to 21.3% in 2021.

Consumer Preferences for Product Forms

NBJ and SPINS consumer research data showed:

• 41% prefer capsules for easy swallowing.
• Health support and nutrition are the primary reasons for supplementation.
• Tablets/capsules still dominate among regular supplement users.
• Gummies are the most popular single form.
• Half of regular supplement users prefer gummies.
• Gen Z favors gummies, Baby Boomers prefer tablets.
• One-third of those taking 2-4 different supplements prefer gummies.
• Taste is a significant factor in the preference for gummies.

Innovation in New Dosage Forms

Dosage forms, as a representation of nutritional health products, carry both their effectiveness and the benefits to consumers. Advances in nutritional science drive the industry to focus on bioavailability/absorption and delivery systems. Many health ingredients, unable to be used in traditional forms due to poor blood absorption, require protective measures against oxidation, light, humidity, and other factors. The delivery method becomes a key factor.

Studies on slow-release caffeine by Nutriventia (CaffXtend) and instant-release melatonin sleep products by NatureMade (Wellblend) illustrate this innovation.

Liposomal technology, self-emulsifying systems, and bypassing the digestive tract for nutrient delivery are emerging trends. For instance, Gencor’s ELLE technology reduces the size of oily components like fish oil, and their Compressed Powdered Oil (CPO) technology allows mixing with other powders for two-piece capsules.

Nutrameltz has developed a platform for oral absorption of ingredients, receiving 45 Natural Product Numbers from Health Canada for its own brand supplements.

The NIH lists 30 products in the US market using liposomal technology, with ingredients like quercetin, trans-resveratrol, vitamins A/D/K, vitamin C, glutathione, γ-aminobutyric acid, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin D3.

Summary

The article focuses on “Nutritional Health Food Innovations,” exploring the evolution and growing trends in the wellness industry. It starts by highlighting gummies as a popular and innovative dosage form, signifying a shift in consumer preferences towards more varied and enjoyable health food options. The article discusses the expanding market of health foods, driven by increased health consciousness and the demand for convenient, rapid nutrient intake options like tablets and capsules. It then delves into market trends, showing a growing preference for non-tablet supplements, particularly gummies, as evidenced by research from NBJ and SPINS. The rise of gummies in the market is underscored as a key example of innovation in the health food sector.

The article further explores advancements in nutritional science, leading to innovative delivery systems such as liposomal technology and self-emulsifying systems. These Nutritional Health Food Innovations are shaping the future of nutrient delivery, with technologies like oral absorption platforms becoming increasingly significant. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing these innovations in the wellness industry, highlighting their role in meeting the evolving preferences and needs of consumers for more effective and enjoyable health maintenance methods.

References:

1.https://www.newhope.com/products-and-trends/trend-spotlight-delving-supplement-delivery-formats-analysis.
2.https://store.newhope.com/products/2023-delivery-format-report?utm_campaign=HLN00NUJ-GM-DFR-4-08072023&utm_emailname=HLN00NUJ-GM-DFR-4-08072023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=eloqua&utm_MDMContactID=&utm_campaigntype=Digital&eM=eeba5907256284764574d7abf19c535b30421d454c5f16c3cbf6254d5a8f3c1f&eventSeriesCode=ES_NTRBUSNJRNL&eventEditionCode=HLN00NUJ&sessionCode=S_DGTL&sp_eh=eeba5907256284764574d7abf19c535b30421d454c5f16c3cbf6254d5a8f3c1f&elqTrackId=5b45196f460a4bacb552e0be6bcf9c44&elq=c48659e8448445db98f55830102464c0&elqaid=20320&elqat=1&elqCampaignId=12486.
3.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19390211.2022.2160529.
4.https://www.naturemade.com/products/nature-made-extended-release-melatonin-tablet?variant=34092379570315.5.https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2023-03/view_features/dosage-and-delivery-innovations-help-manufacturers-meet-common-challenges/.