Nanoparticles for Dietary Supplements

CD Bioparticles is a leading manufacturer and supplier of a range of active ingredient delivery products, including metal nanostructures, biomolecules, biopolymers & synthetic polymers, and lipid systems, for development and commercialization in a variety of applications. We have also developed sophisticated delivery technology platforms such as inorganic nanomaterials, biomolecules, polymers and lipid systems. In addition, we can offer a wide range of customized services, including nanoparticle formulations for dietary supplements delivery, bioparticles analysis and characterization, and targeting strategies. We are committed to providing the most comprehensive product list and customized analysis and synthesis services for academic and industrial researchers and developers around the world.

Figure 1. Systematic representation of application of nanoparticles in various areas of food industry. (Bajpai VK, et al.; 2018)

The human body's intricate digestive processes can limit the absorption of key nutrients from dietary supplements. Factors such as poor solubility, enzymatic degradation, and the complex physiology of absorption sites pose challenges to achieving optimal nutrient uptake. Recognizing these hurdles, researchers and scientists have turned to nanoparticles as a promising solution. By manipulating matter at nanoscale dimensions, these particles exhibit novel properties that can overcome barriers encountered by conventional supplement formulations.

Nanoparticles in Dietary Supplements

In an era of advancing scientific exploration, the marriage of nanotechnology and nutrition has led to groundbreaking innovations in the field of dietary supplementation. Traditional dietary supplements, while beneficial, often face challenges in delivering nutrients efficiently to the body. Nanoparticles have gained significant interest in various fields, including medicine and nutrition, due to their unique properties and potential applications. In the context of dietary supplements, nanoparticles can offer several advantages, such as enhanced bioavailability, controlled release of nutrients, and improved stability. Here's an overview of how nanoparticles can be used for dietary supplements:

• Improved Bioavailability: Many nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in dietary supplements have poor bioavailability, meaning they are not efficiently absorbed by the body. Nanoparticles can improve bioavailability by increasing the surface area available for absorption and protecting the nutrient from degradation in the digestive system.
• Controlled Release: Nanoparticles can be designed to release nutrients gradually, ensuring a sustained and controlled supply to the body. This is particularly useful for nutrients that are best absorbed in specific parts of the digestive tract.
• Stability Enhancement: Some nutrients are sensitive to factors like light, oxygen, and heat, which can lead to degradation and reduced efficacy. Nanoparticles can act as protective carriers, shielding the nutrients from these factors and maintaining their stability.
• Targeted Delivery: Nanoparticles can be engineered to target specific cells or tissues, enabling precise delivery of nutrients to where they are needed most. This is especially important for nutrients with specific functions in certain areas of the body.
• Reduced Dosage: Improved bioavailability and targeted delivery can allow for lower dosages of nutrients while achieving the same or even better effects. This can reduce the risk of adverse effects associated with high dosages.
• Encapsulation of Hydrophobic Compounds: Some bioactive compounds, such as certain phytochemicals and essential oils, are hydrophobic (repel water) and have difficulty mixing with water-based supplements. Nanoparticles can encapsulate these hydrophobic compounds, making them more compatible with water-based supplements.
• Combination Formulations: Nanoparticles can carry multiple nutrients in a single formulation, allowing for the creation of combination dietary supplements that offer synergistic effects.
• Personalized Nutrition: Nanoparticles could enable the creation of personalized dietary supplements by tailoring nutrient delivery based on an individual's specific needs and health conditions.

Case of Nanoparticles in Dietary Supplements

At present, there are many research cases using nanoparticles to deliver dietary supplements to the body to supplement its nutrition, such as:

• Nanoencapsulated Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
  Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their heart and brain health benefits, can have low stability and a fishy taste in traditional supplement forms. Nanoencapsulation involves encapsulating omega-3 fatty acids within nanoparticles, often using lipids or polymers. This enhances stability, reduces oxidation, and masks undesirable flavors. Nanoencapsulated omega-3 supplements offer improved bioavailability and reduced oxidation, ensuring better delivery of essential fatty acids.
• Nanoparticles for Vitamin D Supplementation:
  Vitamin D deficiency is a common concern, particularly in regions with limited sunlight exposure. Nanoparticles can be used to improve the solubility and bioavailability of vitamin D. Nanoparticle-based vitamin D supplements allow for controlled release, mimicking the body's natural production of the vitamin when exposed to sunlight. This approach ensures a steady and efficient supply of vitamin D, especially in populations at risk of deficiency.
• Nanogels for Antioxidant Delivery:
  Antioxidants like resveratrol found in grapes and berries offer health benefits but can be challenging to deliver effectively. Nanogels, which are three-dimensional networks of nanoscale polymers, can encapsulate antioxidants and protect them from degradation. These nanogels can be tailored to release antioxidants gradually, ensuring sustained antioxidant activity in the body and potentially enhancing cellular protection against oxidative stress.
• Nanostructured Iron for Anemia Management:
  Iron deficiency anemia is a global health concern. Traditional iron supplements often cause gastrointestinal side effects due to poor absorption. Nanostructured iron formulations involve creating iron nanoparticles or particles with a high surface area. These nanoparticles can enhance the absorption of iron and reduce adverse effects. Nanostructured iron supplements provide a more efficient way to address iron deficiency and anemia.
• Nanoparticle-Probiotic Combinations:
  Probiotics, beneficial bacteria for gut health, face challenges in surviving the harsh conditions of the digestive tract. Nanoparticles can encapsulate probiotic bacteria, providing protection during transit and controlled release in the intestines. This approach ensures a higher percentage of viable probiotics reach the gut, improving their effectiveness in supporting digestive and immune health.

Our Featured Services

CD Bioparticles is specialized in the development of delivery systems and customizing nanocarriers for delivery utilizing our core technologies. With our high-quality products and services, the efficacy of your dietary supplements delivery can be tremendously improved.

We offer custom synthesis of nanoparticles for dietary supplements. Clients may select the material type, particle size, size distribution, color dye, fluorescent dye, and/or surface functional groups such as carboxyl or amine groups. Besides, methodologies developed to produce the dietary supplements are simple, scalable and reproducible and ultimately suitable for large-scale manufacture.

References

1. Jampilek J, et al.; Potential of Nanomaterial Applications in Dietary Supplements and Foods for Special Medical Purposes. Nanomaterials (Basel). 2019, 9(2):296.
2. Pastore P, et al.; Comparative Evaluation of Intestinal Absorption and Functional Value of Iron Dietary Supplements and Drug with Different Delivery Systems. Molecules. 2020, 25(24):5989.
3. Rudrapal M, et al.; Nanodelivery of Dietary Polyphenols for Therapeutic Applications. Molecules. 2022, 27(24):8706.
4. Bajpai VK, et al.; Prospects of using nanotechnology for food preservation, safety, and security. J Food Drug Anal. 2018, 26(4):1201-1214.