The process of manufacturing a high-performance nutraceutical starts with optimal-quality raw materials as well as formulations that are of the highest chemical standards. Combined with good manufacturing processes, this ensures healthcare professionals have access to pure and bioavailable natural options.
There are three “lenses” I use to ensure the final products I put my name on are of the highest nutraceutical grade.
Lens 1. Source the correct raw material(s).
- Bioavailability – Bioavailability is the body’s ability to absorb and use vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts, and other nutraceutical agents. Determining the bioavailability of a substance assures the greatest benefit is achieved.
- Source – When formulating a nutraceutical, it is essential, whenever possible, to use naturally sourced raw materials that are high in purity, hypoallergenic, and non-GMO. When a natural compound isn’t available, a synthetic form may be used with full disclosure on the label.
- Standards – Raw materials are tested by independent laboratories which follow GLP (Good Laboratory Practices). Formulations follow USP (United States Pharmacopeia), European and Japanese Pharmacopeia Standards. This ensures the products can be safely used around the globe. The Merck Index is also utilized, this is the industry standard for information on chemicals, drugs, and biologicals.
Lens 2. Optimize the formula
- Complementary – When looking at raw materials in a formulation, the chemistry between compounds is important. For example, Myalgesin is combined with celery seed extract, Boswellia serrata extract, and Phellodendron amurense bark extract to reduce inflammation. Products with formulations which address a certain health challenge are interesting as the complementary ingredients work at different aspects of a problem.
- Balance – Biochemical synergies are very important when creating formulations. When an ingredient can increase stability or bioavailability of another ingredient, the end product will provide a better solution for the patient.
Lens 3. Assess manufacturability
- Potency – I determine potency by doing in-depth research for each ingredient. When the literature, for example, shows the effective dose of an ingredient to be 2 grams/day, I will choose the raw material based on its activity level. For example, to get 2 grams of a raw material that has a potency of 97%, the formulation will contain 2,062 grams of the raw material to meet the 2 grams needed to reach the documented efficacy.
- Dose form – Nutraceuticals are available in various dose forms (capsule, powder, liquid, etc.), but not all products can be manufactured in each delivery form based on the chemical properties of the raw materials. For example, Zeaxanthin is very oily and sensitive to light. I determine which delivery system works best. In this case, an oily liquid base such as a soft-gel would be ideal.
- Stability – It is important to ensure the potency of a product at the end of shelf life as stated on the label. Some products have a longer shelf life in certain dose forms. Researching and testing all raw materials and the finished products are essential steps to ensure longest shelf life.
The formulation and manufacturing of nutraceuticals is an art that relies on a profound understanding of how natural products can be used to beneficially impact health, and a firm commitment to sound chemical, biochemical and manufacturing standards. Providing effective natural options for the management of a patient’s health starts with a good foundation: raw materials that are pure and potent, formulations that are chemically sound, offered in the most bioavailable form, and ingredients that are in synergy to ensure best clinical outcomes.
All of these factors are in the hands of myself and my team. Our industry is continuingly evolving, and it is an honor to lead the way in offering pure, potent and clinically efficacious formulations so healthcare professionals can be assured they are prescribing the best solutions for their patients.