Levels of beadlet technology awareness in Europe are far lower than in the US, but the overall benefits and efficacies — along with its visual aspects — remain unparallelled. And, currently gaining momentum, it’s rapidly becoming recognised as an optimal way to deliver ingredients to the body.
What are the benefits?
One of the main areas of interest is the ability to monitor how much more of a dose goes into the body, and how quickly, compared with traditional dosage formats.
With powder-filled capsules, for example, the capsule ruptures quickly and the body is unable to absorb the contents all at once; instead, some of the payload is excreted.
With beadlets, which have no functional coating, the beads take longer to break down. Indeed, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that beadlet formulations can enhance the bioavailability of active ingredients and help to improve their absorption and efficacy.
Branding
The claims made about absorption mean that we are seeing brands — particularly those using subscription-based models — opting to use beadlet technology. Consequently, their consumers are less likely to switch to other brands, which is ultimately helping them to achieve efficacious results.
The rise of start-ups
Increasing numbers of start-ups are also coming into the industry, particularly post-COVID. Many are opting to use beadlet technology, coupled with a consultative approach, as their brands grow.
Moving forward, it is important that they retain strong relationships with partners who can support them with the right technology and be flexible throughout the process. Start-ups often lack the time or capacity to place large orders initially, but they need to respond quickly to market demands.
Beadlet technology offers the flexibility to produce smaller batches efficiently and scale-up as rapidly as needed.
For example, a 2022 study by the International Journal of Pharmaceutics demonstrated that beadlet technology allows for the precise control of release profiles and dosage forms, enabling manufacturers to produce customised batches.
This adaptability is crucial for new businesses looking to grow without compromising on product quality or market responsiveness.
What does the future hold?
Increasing numbers of brands are looking to produce and do something different in this saturated market. Visually, a product needs to look good … and it needs to do the job.
Ultimately, it must have a strong label claim to be a success. Big brands with a plethora of products are looking to branch into new technologies to entice new customers to their brands — and they are investing into their hundreds of millions.
The EU is currently playing catch-up regarding the adoption of beadlet technology compared with other regions, such as the US. There is a critical need for education, specifically about its benefits, uses and effective positioning for customers and brands to help foster widespread acceptance and usage.
Evidence of growing interest in beadlet technology was prominently displayed at Vitafoods Europe 2024 where it was highlighted as one of the top three emerging trends in the nutraceutical industry.
A report from Vitafoods Insights noted a significant increase in the number of European firms exploring beadlet technology, reflecting a broader industry trend. We stand on the cusp of significant change, with beadlet technology poised to bring transformative benefits to the industry.