DIFFERENT FORMS OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
There are several different forms of dietary supplements, which differ mainly in the mode of administration. Most common are listed below.
CAPSULES AND TABLETS
An extremely popular form of dietary supplements. It copies its appearance by often used pharmaceutical forms. Capsules and tablets are often used for different medicines in pharma industry. The tablets are made very easy. Powder extracts mixed with fillers and various additives are compressed in a compact form using the pressure. The tablets may be round, oblong or other suitable shape for ease of ingestion. However, if these extracts are encapsulated in special form, it is called capsule. The capsule shell is rapidly dissolved in the stomach and allows the contents to be released. Capsules are used mainly because they protect the contents against external influences, especially moisture. Thus, the contents of the capsule are retained undamaged. Many types of capsules are used. Most used are hard (cellulose) to soft (gelatinous) capsules. New technologies make it possible for liquids to be filled in capsules. The production of tablets is cheaper than capsules; therefore tablets are made from preparations which are not too hygroscopic and stable at room temperature.
POWDERS AND WATER SOLUBLE CONCENTRATES
A common form of dietary supplements is a powdery form. This is actually one of the simplest forms. Important condition is that a powder used is not too hygroscopic and is sustained in this form for a longer time. Often in Powder form for dietary supplements is often used for dried and ground plants, mushrooms, fruits or for algae. Extremely popular are: barley grass, reishi, cocoa, chlorella and others. Water soluble concentrates are also available in powder form. Various vitamin and mineral concentrates are best known in this category. Some dietary supplements in powder form often contain various additives such as sweeteners and aromas. Some new dietary supplements contain various powders such as medicinal plants, collagen, MSM and others. Dosing spoons are often added to powdered food supplements, for precise dosing.
LIQUID SUPPLEMENTS AND TINCTURES (DROPS)
Liquid supplements or drops are a very popular form of dietary supplements. Very well-known are tinctures. These are by macerating different medicinal plants in alcohol or alcohol brandy. Water-alcohol extracts are obtained this way. These are suitable for direct consumption or as additives to various cosmetic products, baths or compresses. Often used in cosmetics are also extracts of medicinal plants macerated in various oils. Nowadays, non-alcoholic liquid extracts are also available, where a glycerol and water mixture is used for the solvent. This mixture is quite widespread, since a sufficient amount of glycerol also acts as a preservative (1: 1). Due to the lack of alcohol, the use is appropriate also for more sensitive consumer groups (adolescents and children).
SYRUPS
Syrups are a special form of dietary supplements, which in fact belong to liquid additives. Due to their specialty these deserve special treatment. Syrups are used for the preparation of medicines and as a basis for food supplements. The basic syrup recipe is composed of 85% sugar and water and does not require any additional preservatives. Different active ingredients, vitamins, minerals and flavorings can be mixed into it. In addition to the syrup on a sugar basis, syrups can also be prepared on other viscous sugar bases. Best known alternative bases are such as honey or agave. Syrups are a popular form of dietary supplements due to the pleasant taste of sweetness, especially with children. Syrups are also popular for those who have resistance of taking tablets or capsules orally. The use of syrups is very easy. It is in fact easy as eating a tablespoon of honey.
Herbana produces various types of dietary supplements. All certified by modern internationally recognized ECOGEA standard.
