Encapsulation Transforming Traditional Minerals

No one wants a mouth full of pennies. Unfortunately, this was a very real—and very unpleasant—reality of mineral-heavy dietary supplements in the past.

These days, manufacturers are increasingly turning to innovative encapsulation technologies to formulate mineral products of all types, from chewable tablets to ready-to-eat cereals.

Minerals present numerous hurdles for formulation: they are often poorly absorbed, highly reactive and organoleptically challenging. Encapsulating these ingredients with a barrier coating—often fat—can conquer these problems and more. Often called micro- or nanoencapsulation, the technology can render particles mere microns, allowing for seamless integration into formulated products. These lipid spheres can offer improved taste, stability and functionality for traditionally difficult minerals.

“Nanobiotechnology is transforming how minerals deliver their benefits," said Richard Kaufman, Ph.D., chief science officer, NanoSphere Health Sciences.

Read more about the best minerals for encapsulation, new technologies and their benefits in INSIDER’s Encapsulated Minerals Digital Pulse.