Capsoil FoodTech proprietary oil solution supports bioavailability and gummy formats

03 Oct 2022 --- Capsoil FoodTech is introducing a solution to combine doses of lipid- and oil-soluble nutrients into gummies. The company’s technology converts any oil compound to a self-emulsifying powder without using chemicals, solvents or heat. This innovative method results in a dry, free-flowing powder dissolving easily in any aqueous matrix. 

“Our technology opens the door to use oils in new formats that were not possible, or only with a minimal dose, in the past. Now, using Capsoil powders, any dosage form is possible,” Itay Shafat, scientific director for Capsoil FoodTech, tells NutritionInsight.

“These possibilities include gummies, stick packs, effervescent tablets, regular tablets, shots and tinctures, to name a few. The high oil load – up to 60% – can help create new formulations. Also, this high load means that using the powder can deliver a meaningful dose of the ingredient, meaning that the consumer will truly enjoy the benefit of the oil.”

Opening doors for more ingredients
Capsoil FoodTech notes that once the door is opened to the inclusion of soluble lipids, gummy manufacturers will be able to offer ingredients like medium-chain triglycerides, omega fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E and K, coenzyme Q-10, carotenoids and lipid-soluble botanicals, such as terpenes and cannabinoids, in chewy formats.

“We mainly focus on soluble vitamins (like A, D, E and K) that benefit immune, bone health, vision health and more. Our tech is suitable for any oil or oil soluble ingredients that can help formulators develop any health benefits formula,” says Shafat.

The Capsoil platform transforms oil-based ingredients into water-soluble powders for gummies.“Additionally, our technology increases the bioavailability of the oil. Take, for example, vitamin D – there are numerous people, especially in the northern countries but even in the southern countries, that have insufficient levels of this important vitamin.”

“If someone takes vitamin D, do they get the full benefit? Our study suggests that this is not the case. Using our tech, the bioavailability is increased, meaning that if someone takes a daily dose, the effect will be significantly enhanced,” he adds.

The company conducted successful pilot tests on pomegranate seed oil, achieving a 250 mg load per gummy. Key performance parameters were also developed and tested, such as flavor, texture, active stability and bioavailability. The positive results prompted the Capsoil team to experiment with additional high-value oil-based ingredients.

Gummy demand and industry impact
The company also highlights that in keeping with the thriving gummy trend, the category has made significant technological advances in giving gummies a functional makeover. This development includes introducing vegan-friendly pectin-based products, lowering sugar content (via alcoholic sugars and fiber technology, for example) and finding ways to incorporate high-valued botanicals and nutrients.

However, due to their inherent lipophilic nature and a tendency to exert strong aromatic overtones, imbuing gummies with botanical oils, terpenes and lipid-based nutrients in meaningful dosages present additional challenges.

The company primarily focuses on soluble vitamins (such as A, D, E and K) that benefit bone health and eyesight.Capsoil has overcome this challenge by developing a patented platform capable of converting any oil into a highly concentrated and stable water-soluble powder.

Regarding how Capsoil’s technology and platform could impact the nutrition industry and its consumers, Shafat explains that due to the “pill fatigue” trend, consumers are looking for alternative delivery formats that are different from capsules, tablets and softgels. These demands explain why the gummy market has been increasing in the last decade.

“Using our technology for gummy brands can now develop innovative formulations that will reinvigorate their brand line and enable consumers to consume oil-based ingredients via gummies – something that was not possible or very limited in the past.”

On November 2-3, the company will exhibit a selection of functional gummies at Supply Side West.

Capsoil previously converted bioactive oils into water-soluble powders for functional F&B solutions. The producer of natural fruit extracts and concentrates also developed a method for incorporating bioavailable, water-soluble oil-based nutritional additives into coffee pods.

By Nicole Kerr