TopGum unveils new iron-rich gummies at Vitafoods 2024 “without metallic aftertaste”

09 May 2024 --- At the upcoming global nutraceutical trade show in Geneva, Switzerland (May 14–16), gummy supplement manufacturer TopGum will launch IronGum — high-dose iron gummies with a sensory appeal. This latest addition to the company’s Gummiceuticals line aims to help consumers overcome obstacles to iron supplements, such as their typical metal-like taste.

The vegan, pectin-based gummies have a “pleasing flavor” and smooth texture, eliminating the need for consumers to swallow large pills. The gummies can also be fortified with vitamins C and B12 and other nutrients to help ensure the body absorbs and utilizes iron effectively.

“Consumers are looking for new delivery systems that are fun and tasty, unlike pills and tablets, which can be challenging to swallow. With its high dosage, IronGum targets individuals with iron deficiency, including pregnant women,” Doron Delouya, chief product officer at TopGum, tells Nutrition Insight. 

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia, a disease where people do not have sufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Anemia affects around a quarter of the global population. Other health impacts of iron deficiency include fatigue and a weakened immune system. 

Taste challenge  
Although iron deficiency is relatively common, IronGum notes that there are few palatable and effective iron supplements. Traditional products present barriers to consumer adoption, such as their large tablet size and associated side effects. 

Delouya explains that the main challenges to creating good-tasting iron supplements are “to eliminate the metallic taste of iron and make a tasty gummy without sugar or any sweeteners.” He notes that eliminating the metallic taste often associated with iron supplements is “crucial for consumer satisfaction.”

“IronGum combines TopGum’s proprietary Gummiceuticals and TopCaps technologies to deliver a delicious high-dose iron supplement without the unpleasant metallic aftertaste.”

The company’s TopCaps microencapsulation system masks unpleasant flavors while efficiently supplying iron and other active ingredients. 

“While most iron gummies on the market are sugar-based, our product is without added sugar,” adds Delouya. 

Visitors to Vitafoods Europe can sample the new gummies at TopGum’s stand (P108) and taste them at the show’s Tasting Center. Vitafoods visitors can taste the vegan iron-rich gummies at stand P108 (Image credit: TopGum).

Functional form   
TopGum has formulated the new product with ferrous fumarate, as it provides a higher concentration of elemental iron per dose and offers better absorption. Moreover, it causes fewer gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation or an upset stomach. 

“The iron gummies available in the market typically offer a maximum dosage of 10 mg. However, IronGum exceeds this with a dosage of more than 30 mg,” says Delouya. “Our iron gummies, Gummiceuticals, are prebiotic fiber-based, enhancing absorption and reducing digestive discomfort.” 

He details that the formula uses fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) fibers, plant prebiotic dietary fibers with natural sweetness. “FOS fibers only get digested once they reach the colon. These natural prebiotic fibers ease digestion and enhance nutrient absorption.”

The company’s CEO, Eyal Shohat, adds the new gummies give individuals with dietary restrictions or sugar sensitivities a solution to meet essential iron needs. “IronGum gummies are a small, guilt-free indulgence rather than a chore. IronGum is simple to take on-the-go without water.” 

Product development 
At last year’s Vitafoods, TopGum featured a line of functional gummies infused with Coffea robusta coffee bean extract, Gummiccino. A serving of two gummies contains 40 mg of caffeine, the same amount as in an espresso shot. 

Delouya highlights: “Our proprietary Gummiceuticals technology is suitable for all formulations. We’ve leveraged this innovative technology to develop a range of supplement gummies, including those containing vitamins, minerals, probiotics, plant extracts and more.” 

“We are developing new gummy solutions for specific health conditions such as beauty-from-within, weight management and innovative technologies,” he concludes. 

By Jolanda van Hal