From Idea to Product: Production of dietary supplements
International Organic Company – Providing excellent quality and versatility in contract manufacturing, IOC Sp. z o. o. specializes in creating dietary supplements from idea to finished product, in accordance with the highest certification standards and international norms.
The production of dietary supplements can be done in various ways, depending on the source and active ingredients. The basic methods of obtaining active substances include isolation from plants and animals, production by microorganisms, and synthesis in test tubes. In most cases, after production, substances are extracted, isolated and purified to ensure their purity and effectiveness.
- Purchase of specialized equipment.
- Development of the product formula.
- Selection of raw materials.
- Production valuation.
- Placing a purchase order.
- Ordering raw materials.
- Testing of raw materials.
- Laboratory work in a production plant.
- Production of a pilot batch.
- Production series and tests.
- Testing finished products.
- Obtaining certificates and ensuring compliance.
- Hard capsules
- Soft capsules
- Syrups
- Drops
- Functional drinks
- Oral pastes
- Sachets with powder
- Liquid sachets
- Sachets with granules
Dietary supplements may contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes and other ingredients. They are available in a variety of forms such as hard capsules, soft capsules, syrups, drops, functional drinks, oral pastes, sachets, jellies, drinks and others.
Production of Dietary Supplements – Learn the Basics
The production of dietary supplements is a process in which products are created to supplement the diet and provide additional nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins and plant extracts. This process includes several key stages, from formulation, through production, to packaging and distribution of the finished product.
The production of dietary supplements includes the creation of supplements under the brand of a manufacturing company or on behalf of customers under their own brand.
Whether this is your first step towards your own supplement brand or you want to deepen your knowledge to more effectively manage production, this article is the key to understanding the processes that transform an idea into a product ready for distribution. We invite you to read our guide, which will guide you step by step through the specifics of the production of dietary supplements, in accordance with European legislation.
The production of dietary supplements requires compliance with European standards and the highest quality standards. From product formulation, through the selection of raw materials, production, to packaging and logistics, each step is closely monitored to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the final products. Our guide to dietary supplement manufacturing will help you understand and put into practice these processes, which is crucial to success in the health and wellness market.
What Are Dietary Supplements?
Dietary supplements are products designed to supplement a normal diet and provide concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals and other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect. They support the functioning of the body by providing ingredients that may be missing in the daily diet.
Definition of Dietary Supplements According to European Legislation
according to with the law European Union, dietary supplements are treated as food. They must be safe to use and cannot be advertised as preventing, curing or mitigating disease. Supplements in the EU are highly regulated, protecting consumers' health and providing accurate product information.
Classification of Ingredients Used in the Production of Dietary Supplements
- Vitamins and Minerals: Key ingredients that play an important role in many biological processes of the body.
- Amino acids: Necessary in protein building processes, key in the development of muscle mass and regeneration.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Valued for their positive effect on the functioning of the heart and brain.
- Plant Extracts and Herbs: Used for their traditional uses and potential health benefits.
- Enzymes: They help with digestion and better absorption of nutrients.
- Probiotics and Prebiotics: They improve the health of the digestive system and support the balance of intestinal microflora.
It is recommended to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting to use dietary supplements, especially for people with existing health problems or taking other medications.
The production process of dietary supplements in brief
Production is a complex process that requires special attention at every stage, from obtaining raw materials to distributing the finished product. In company IOC sp. z o. o., we specialize in the production of dietary supplements, ensuring their highest quality and effectiveness. Below are the main stages of our production process:
Sourcing ingredients – The key element is the selection of raw materials, such as vitamins, minerals, herbs and other natural substances. All ingredients are carefully selected from trusted suppliers to guarantee their highest quality and purity.
Testing of raw materials – Once we source the ingredients, we conduct rigorous testing to confirm their purity, potency and identity. We use advanced methods such as chromatography, spectroscopy and microbiological analysis.
Product formulation – The next step is to create a product formula by combining raw materials in appropriate proportions. This process may include mixing powders, combining liquids, tableting or encapsulation.
Production – Once the formula is prepared, we start the production process. We use a variety of techniques, such as mixing, grinding, granulating and drying. These processes comply with European Standards of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which ensure consistently high quality and purity of the product.
Quality control – We follow quality control procedures at every stage of production to ensure that the product meets all manufacturer specifications and regulatory requirements. These tests include survey purity, effectiveness and identity of the product.
Packaging and labeling – The finished product is packed and labeled in accordance with European regulations. The label contains information such as the product name, serving size, list of ingredients and any health claims.
Warehousing and distribution – Finally, the finished products are stored and distributed to retailers or directly to consumers. Storage conditions are strictly controlled to ensure product stability and potency.
Maintaining these rigorous standards and procedures in IOC z o. o. guarantees that each dietary supplement that leaves our production line is safe, effective and of the highest quality, meeting both customer expectations and stringent regulatory requirements in Europe.
Detailed description of the Production Process of Dietary Supplements
The production of dietary supplements is a complex process that requires appropriate equipment and a well-organized production facility. Let's analyze the next stages, from design to the final stages of production.
1. Production Equipment – Machines for the production of dietary supplements, Production line.
Machines for the production of dietary supplements – specialized devices automate the production processes of various forms of dietary supplements, such as tablets, capsules, powders and gels. When designing them, attention is paid to high precision, efficiency and quality control at every stage of production. This category includes tablet presses, capsule presses, powder mixers, jelly production machines, and packaging and labeling equipment. Thanks to them, producers of dietary supplements can carry out mass production, ensuring constant, repeatable quality of products, which is crucial in the health industry.
The production process begins in a well-equipped factory. These are the key machines and devices necessary in the production of dietary supplements.
- Scales and balances: Precise scales are essential for measuring both active ingredients and excipients.
- Particle modifiers: To achieve uniformity and appropriate consistency of the final product, devices such as roller compactors and granulators are used.
- Industrial blenders: Different types of blenders, such as ribbon blenders and V-blenders, mix ingredients to ensure a uniform mixture.
Capsule Filling and Tablet Production
After precise mixing of the ingredients, the capsule filling or tablet production phase begins:
- Capsule machines: Automatic machines fill the capsules with the finished mixture with precision.
- Pill presses: The powder mixture is transferred to tablet presses, which form tablets of appropriate dimensions and shapes.
Packaging Line
The final stage of dietary supplement production is packaging:
- Packaging line: Capsules and tablets are automatically packed into bottles, which are then labeled, secured with seals and packed into collective cartons.
Each step of this process is subject to rigorous quality control to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the finished product.
2. Development of Product Formula in Contract Manufacturing of dietary supplements
Creating an effective formula is a crucial step before production and determines the long-term success of the product. It is important to not only meet consumer expectations, but also to distinguish the product from the competition thanks to unique and innovative ingredients.
Setting a Product Goal
The first step is to define the purpose of the product: is it intended to support a specific body function or to meet specific dietary needs? It is crucial that the product is effective and responds to market requirements.
Selection of Ingredients
Selecting the right ingredients is a key element. Do you confirm that your supplement formula contains the correct doses of the appropriate raw ingredients? This is essential for the product to be effective and to prove the declared health properties. Good contract manufacturing practices for dietary supplements recommend the use of evidence-based ingredients that are not only effective, but also safe.
The uniqueness of the Formula
Then it's worth considering whether your formula is just another "product like any other." Does it contain novel or interesting ingredients that will help it stand out from the competition? Working with a manufacturer who has many years of experience can help identify and implement such innovations. Contract production of dietary supplements is more than just the production of type supplements private-label. Only contract production offers full customization options from A to Z – read about the differences.
Each stage of formula development requires close cooperation with a contract manufacturer with appropriate knowledge and experience in creating effective, safe and compliant dietary supplements.
3. Selection of Raw Materials in the Production of Dietary Supplements
The selection of appropriate raw materials is the next step in the supplement production process, which is crucial for the quality of the final product. These raw materials should not only be of high quality, but also be based on solid scientific evidence, which guarantees their effectiveness and safety of use.
Science-Based Ingredient Selection
To maintain the scientific nature of the formula, it is necessary to use ingredients that are well-researched and whose effectiveness has been proven by studies. These ingredients should also be biocompatible, which means that the human body can easily absorb them and use them effectively.
Global Sources of Raw Materials
While it may be tempting to rely only on ingredients from local sources such as Poland, for some ingredients it is better to source them from other regions of the world where they are naturally occurring and traditionally used. For example, Ashwagandha is best sourced directly from India, ensuring its authenticity and highest quality.
Cooperation with an Experienced Production Partner
It is also crucial to choose an experienced manufacturing partner that has access to a global network of certified raw material suppliers. Such a partner will not only help you purchase the best ingredients, but will also ensure that all raw materials comply with applicable quality and safety standards. Thanks to this, you can be sure that your dietary supplement will not only be effective, but also safe for consumers.
4. Determining the price and estimating the production of the supplement
Cost analysis is an important element in the production process. To achieve market success, it is necessary to determine the optimal level of product costs, which begins with a detailed analysis of price competitiveness in the market.
Competitive Analysis
Conducting a competitive analysis allows you to determine the price range for your product compared to similar supplements available on the market. This is a key step in the product formulation process, enabling a realistic and competitive price level to be set,
Determining Production Costs
For example, if your goal is production cost not exceeding PLN 10, but the current formula leads to costs of PLN 30, an experienced contract manufacturer can propose optimization of the formula to adapt it to your financial assumptions. Cooperation with such a partner allows for effective management of production costs.
Valuation Process
When submitting an inquiry on the manufacturer's website, for example via quote form, the manufacturer creates a prototype product variant and verifies the prices of raw materials from various suppliers. As a result, you will receive an initial quote that will include the costs of labor, equipment, packaging and transportation. This process usually takes 48 working hours, which allows for quick response and planning of subsequent production stages.
5. Placing an order and starting production
Placing a purchase order for dietary supplements initiates a decisive phase in the production process. This order is not only a confirmation of your commitment, but also a signal to the contract manufacturer that it can start implementing the project, starting with ordering the necessary raw materials.
Start of the production process
Submitting a purchase order means formally launching the production line. This is a key moment that allows the manufacturer to begin practical implementation of the project. Effective management of resources and logistics at this stage is essential to ensure the smoothness of the entire process. Placing an order allows the manufacturer to act quickly in ordering and preparing raw materials that are consistent with the product specification and are crucial for the quality of the final dietary supplement.
6: Ordering Raw Materials
The process of ordering and receiving raw materials is the most time-consuming stage in the production of dietary supplements, often lasting up to 12 weeks. This length results from our commitment to providing products of the highest freshness, as we individually order each batch of raw materials for specific production needs.
Availability of Raw Materials in Domestic Warehouses
Raw materials available in national warehouses are usually delivered within approximately 2 weeks. This process takes much longer when we have to import raw materials from abroad.
Custom Raw Materials and International Transport
To ensure the highest freshness and quality, we often order raw materials specifically for a given production. This is especially important for ingredients such as probiotics, which, as living microorganisms, require cultivation on special fermentation media. This production process may take approximately 6 weeks.
Additionally, if the raw materials come from distant regions such as the United States or Asia, the total delivery time, including international transport and customs procedures, can reach 12 weeks.
The decision to wait for fresh raw materials is strategic and justified because it allows us to deliver the highest quality product. Our commitment to freshness and special order raw materials directly translates into customer satisfaction and the effectiveness of our dietary supplements.
The raw materials that we produce ourselves include: liposomal vitamins, different types collagen marine, as well as unique plant extracts and oils.
7: Raw Material Research
As a contract manufacturer of dietary supplements, we adopt the "trust, but verify" principle. Although raw material suppliers provide us with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), we always carefully verify the quality of the supplied raw materials.
Quarantine and Testing of Raw Materials
Once raw materials arrive at our production facility, we quarantine each batch and conduct thorough testing before moving them to our warehouse. This process is necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our final products.
Types of Tests Performed
We carry out various tests to guarantee the highest quality of raw materials:
- Identity and performance tests: We verify whether the raw material actually contains what is declared and whether it contains the appropriate amount of active ingredients.
- Microbiological compatibility tests: We carry out tests to detect and prevent the presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, molds and yeasts.
- Compatibility tests for the presence of heavy metals: We monitor levels of lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic to ensure they are below established safety standards.
Test Duration
The entire raw material testing process usually takes from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the number of tests required and the possible need for additional tests. Our meticulous approach to quality control is crucial to ensure that each supplement produced is not only effective, but also safe for consumers.
8: R&D laboratory work
R&D laboratory work, sometimes referred to as trial runs, plays a key role in the production process, especially in the case of complex dietary supplement formulas. They are carried out mainly at the client's special request or in situations when the dietary supplement requires a particularly precise approach when formulating.
During this work, we mix raw materials and then produce a limited number of tablets, capsules or powders in the laboratory. The goal is to check whether the formula retains its properties and is effective in the finished product form. Based on this, we can adjust the composition and production technique to optimize the final effects.
Depending on needs, the contract manufacturer provides product samples to the customer for evaluation. This evaluation and testing step is extremely important because it allows customers to directly evaluate and approve the formula before mass production.
The time required to complete laboratory R&D varies from 1 to 7 days, depending on whether additional formula adjustments are necessary. After receiving customer approval, the process can move to the mass production stage, which is another important step in providing high-quality dietary supplements.
This laboratory work not only confirms the quality and effectiveness of the product, but also provides a scientific understanding of the interactions between ingredients. Thanks to this, we are able to constantly improve our products, providing customers with supplements that are not only effective but also safe.
9: Creating a test batch
The production of a pilot batch is an optional step in our production process that we choose to implement when we deem it advisable, especially in the case of particularly complex formulas.
After analyzing the results of R&D laboratory work, manufacturer of dietary supplements starts producing a pilot batch using actual production equipment. This step is crucial to verify that the product will function properly during mass production. If any problems are noticed during this stage, the formula may require appropriate modifications, which in turn may require additional approval by the brand owner.
The implementation of a pilot batch usually takes from 1 to 7 days, depending on the need to make any corrections. This is the time that allows for thorough testing of all aspects of production and is extremely important to ensure that the final product will meet all the expectations of both customers and the market. If everything goes according to plan, the contract manufacturer can proceed to full production without any problems, ensuring efficiency and the highest quality of the supplements.
10: Production Execution and Testing
The production implementation stage is the decisive moment when the finished product is created. The use of different equipment such as blenders, capsule filling machines and tablet presses depends on the dosage form of the product. Production can take from several hours to several days and includes a number of stages, including additional control tests.
Achieving mixture homogeneity:
In the process of creating a dietary supplement, it is crucial that all ingredients - vitamins, minerals, herbs - are thoroughly and evenly mixed in a large commercial blender. This mixing method guarantees that each capsule, tablet or powder from a given batch will contain a constant, predetermined amount of nutrients. Samples of this mixture are then sent to the laboratory to confirm the uniformity of the levels of the individual ingredients.
Mass uniformity (ongoing weight tests):
Once the mixture is homogeneous, the next step is to ensure that each tablet and capsule has the appropriate weight, which is key to confirming their nutritional value. During the production process, the weight of capsules and tablets is regularly monitored. Data regarding their thickness and hardness are also recorded. Appropriate documentation of mass uniformity ensures that all results are within an acceptable range. Capsules and tablets that do not meet these criteria are rejected.
Disintegration tests:
The disintegration test involves placing a capsule or tablet in temperature-controlled water or a buffer solution, where it is agitated to simulate the action of digestive muscles. This process allows you to check whether the tablet or capsule will disintegrate within the expected time, which is important for the proper absorption of active ingredients in the human digestive system. If the tests show proper disintegration within the specified time, it is a good sign that the product will be effectively absorbed by the body.
These intensive inspection and testing steps are necessary to ensure that every dietary supplement produced is not only effective, but also safe and complies with all quality standards.
Final product testing
Final product testing is an integral part of the contract manufacturing process of dietary supplements, which includes checking compliance with requirements regarding ingredient identification, potency, microbiology and heavy metal content.
Certificate of Analysis
Just like testing raw materials, finished products also undergo detailed tests, which result in the issuance of a Certificate of Analysis (COA). This document is provided to the customer for approval before distribution begins.
Process Completion and Distribution
Once approved, the final product is ready to be shipped to the distribution warehouse, marking the completion of the manufacturing process. In some cases, products may be additionally tested for stability, which is especially important if the manufacturer has its own capabilities to conduct these tests, thus reducing the costs of external laboratory tests.
Stability Tests
Stability tests are performed to confirm that a product's expiration date has sound scientific support. These tests allow us to determine the sensitivity of ingredients to damage and the degree to which they may lose their potency over time. Thanks to this, we are able to determine the durability of the supplement.
Such testing ensures that the product will maintain its claimed effectiveness throughout its shelf life, which is crucial to maintaining consumer confidence and the effectiveness of the supplement.
Certifications and Compliance with Regulations in the Production of Dietary Supplements
A key aspect of contract manufacturing of dietary supplements is compliance with appropriate certifications and regulations. Certifications such as ISO 22000, 9001, 22716, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), and GHP (Good Hygiene Practice) are necessary to ensure the highest quality and safety of products. Our many years of experience in the global market allow us to meet these requirements with the utmost care.
For many retailers and e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, it is crucial that dietary supplements are produced in GMP-certified facilities. This type of certification provides consumers and sellers with assurance that the product has been manufactured in accordance with best industry practices.
Additionally, certifications such as NSF Certified for Sport provide additional assurance to athletes, trainers, dietitians and consumers about the safety of supplements. Kosher and Halal certifications are also important for consumers who want products that meet their dietary standards.
Another aspect is organic products. Having authorization to produce this type of product is important if the brand wants to offer supplements certified as organic.
Our company, being an experienced contract manufacturer, not only has the above-mentioned certifications, but also engages in practices in the field of CRM (Customer Relationship Management), Lean Management, CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and others, which strengthens our position on the market and provides customers with highest quality products, compliant with the latest European standards and regulations.
Regulations Concerning the Production of Dietary Supplements in the European Union
Supplements market diet in the European Union is strictly regulated, ensuring a high level of safety and quality of products. European regulations define dietary supplements as food, which means they must comply with certain standards and regulations before they hit the market.
Supervision of dietary supplements in the EU
The European Union sets detailed guidelines on the ingredients, labeling, advertising and safety of dietary supplements. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) plays a key role in assessing the safety of ingredients used in supplements, as well as in monitoring the market to identify and eliminate illegal products.
Advertising regulations for dietary supplements
Advertisements for dietary supplements in the European Union must comply with the law and cannot contain unproven health claims. The European Commission and local regulatory authorities closely supervise promotional material to ensure that it does not mislead consumers about the medicinal or therapeutic properties of products.
Compliance with certifications and regulations
The production of dietary supplements in Europe requires compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), which is a guarantee that products are produced in a systematic and controlled manner, in accordance with the quality required for health protection purposes. Certificates such as ISO 22000, GMP and HACCP are necessary to ensure continuity of standards and product safety.
The importance of transparency and product traceability
In the European Union, manufacturers of dietary supplements must ensure full transparency of production processes and the ability to trace each batch of the product. This not only increases consumer confidence, but also enables quick response when non-compliant products are detected.
The future of Dietary Supplement Production in the European Union
The dietary supplement industry in Europe continues to develop, responding to growing consumer demands for product effectiveness and safety. Trends such as personalization of supplementation or increased interest in vegan and organic products influence the directions of development of the sector. In response to these changes, manufacturers must continually evaluate and adapt their production processes to meet both regulations and market expectations.
dietary supplements production. Summary
The production of dietary supplements is a comprehensive process that includes formula development, production, packaging and distribution of health products. While contract manufacturing of dietary supplements is one operating model, this text focuses on the overall dietary supplement manufacturing process, regardless of whether the products are custom-built or private-label.
When it comes to the production of dietary supplements, it is important who owns the brand. For companies producing under their own brand, they own the brand and have control over the final product. In the case of contract production, the owner of the brand is the client who orders the production.
The production of dietary supplements requires access to a wide range of raw materials, advanced packaging options and flexible production lines. R&D laboratories must have extensive knowledge and experience in formulating products in various forms and compositions. Employees of these laboratories are always up to date with the latest research and scientific work in the dietary supplement industry. It is also worth emphasizing the importance of continuous training and legal support related to the production of supplements.
For those looking for more information about contract manufacturing, please visit page, where you will find detailed information about this specific service. In our opinion, choosing an experienced partner in contract production on the domestic and international market is crucial. IOC has extensive experience in this field and invites you to cooperate in the field of contract production of dietary supplements.
