Processing aids are additives or substances of synthetic or natural origin used to manufacture dietary supplement dosage forms. They are usually used in various products, dosage forms, and applications, including gummies, soft gels, powders, capsules, and tablets. In order to use processing aids in the United States, it is necessary to be approved by the FDA or USDA before commercial use. They are measured as extremely safe and used in little volumes. They do not materially modify the finished product.
Processing aids used during manufacturing can help improve the quality of the product, augment appearance and shelf life, aid with packing and transportation, and more. Processing aids are utilized in a range of products, including soft gels, gummies, powders, capsules, and tablets.
The process aids majorly used in dietary supplements include Food contact lubricants (e.g., medium-chain triglycerides [MCTs], polyethylene glycol [PEG], and mineral oil) used on equipment in tablet or soft gel manufacturing. Similarly, others include antimicrobials, Nitrogen gas, Anti-foaming agents, Ph regulators, and anticaking agents.
Process aids do not need to be listed on the supplement label, even though trace amounts may remain in the product.
The principal rationale of process aids
The processing aids assist in the smooth and safe manufacturing of dietary supplements. Organic and conventional ingredients are available and offer unique advantages.
The primary purpose of processing aids in dietary supplements is to facilitate the manufacturing of products. It improves product quality, consistency, and manufacturability and intensifies a product’s appearance and shelf life. In addition to that, it helps in packing and transportation.
A manufacturer must have complete transparency with clients regarding the processing aids being used in their dietary supplement formulas.
Future of processing aids
Processing aids provide various advantages to product manufacturers, so they need to be increasingly used. Constant improvements in the processing aid applications and formulation might make them more effective and successful for their projected use. The companies might opt for more ethical processing aids or include them in their list of ingredients. Processing aids are necessary for the creation of high-quality dietary supplement products. They execute valuable functions, making them requisite in different applications.
The growing usage of processing aids for improving dietary supplements in improving production is positively impacting the Global Dietary Supplements Market.