Excipients, perhaps because they are ‘the other ingredients,’ can be misunderstood or potentially not given as much attention as the active ingredients in a supplement formulation. Although generally recognized as an inactive ingredient, excipients play an important functional role in product development. Commonly used to ‘bulk up’ formulations, excipients can also function as a binder in tablet applications.  To ensure tablets properly release from a machine press, certain excipients act as lubricants. Coatings can ensure the active ingredients are released at the right time or in the right place in the digestive system.  Some excipients including colors, flavors and sweeteners are selected to help a product look or taste better.   

The wrong excipient could have unintended consequences for the manufacturer including processing complications, reduced shelf life or product instability. Excipients complement the active ingredients included in formulations and function as much more than a simple high-volume commodity ingredient.

Excipients can provide a dual benefit in delivering both functional and nutritional attributes. Certain mineral forms provide mineral fortification while also serving functional properties such as binding or lubrication. Other excipients used as a bulking agent can also deliver a good or excellent source of fiber depending on the application type and formulation.

One of the core strengths of Batory Nutra is the wide variety of excipients we offer our customers for use in many application forms including tablets, capsules, soft gels and powders. Whatever the application and functional need, dietary supplement manufacturers can be confident of Batory Nutra’s excipient experience, quality and reliability.