Futureproof mineral ingredients for value-added solutions

By CAROLINA DIAZQUIJANO, Director Technical Services Consumer Goods, Omya International

CONSUMERS today are prioritising the quality and promised health benefits of foodstuffs like never before. As a result, natural and sustainable ingredients are playing an increasingly important role in products that offer both ease of use and support for overall wellbeing. Here, Omya offers holistic solutions with natural minerals that tick all the boxes.

Free flow the healthy way

Powdered products are one such example. Though powders in convenience foods, drinks and sports nutrition are often in high demand, there are frequent processing challenges such as caking due to temperature and moisture, resulting in challenges during manufacturing and/or a loss of quality in the end-product. This is why Omya created non-nano Omyafood® 120 and Omya Calcipur®  –  two new flow aids that offer superb anticaking properties and are a source of calcium. The technically advanced minerals provide a highly porous structure with strong moisture-binding capacity, thus facilitating the free flow of powder particles without lumping. The low-dust ingredients not only enhance flow but also allow for improved storage and product quality throughout the supply chain, resulting in better performance for the end-user too. Also, the micro size particles are ideally suited for applications that need a reduction in mechanical interlocking or colour enhancement thanks to their functionality as a white pigment.

Flow aid particles from Omya prevent anti-caking in powder ingredients (Photo: Dreamstime.com)

Calcium carbonate particles originate from marble and limestone, making them a brilliant source of elemental calcium. Moreover, this mineral packs 40% elemental calcium, making it one of the most efficient calcium sources. So only low amounts are needed to achieve significant fortification, without negatively impacting the sensory properties of the end-product. With the Calcipur® range, it is easy to boost the nutritional value of an array of offerings, such as vegan drinks, baked goods, coated sweets and chewing gum. With the consumption of calcium-fortified foods and drinks, the recommended daily calcium dose can be achieved within the usual daily diet, without having to consume extra food or dietary supplements. This is especially important for the large number of people who need extra calcium – such as teenagers, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Added value for nutraceutical applications

The Omyanutra® range is a new generation of technically advanced minerals particularly suitable for nutraceutical applications in powder or compressed form. Omyanutra® 300-OG, Omyanutra® 300 DC and Omyanutra® 300 Flash offer unique features previously not considered possible in 100% mineral excipients, such as high mechanical stability at low compression forces, fast disintegration and high absorption capacity. The non-nano and GMO-free particles promise ultimate absorption qualities, no dusting, ideal glidance in powders and easy compressibility in solid tablets. With osteoporosis becoming increasingly challenging for the world’s ageing population, their added value as a natural source of calcium with optimal bioavailability is a big plus. When combined with other active ingredients such as vitamins, natural flavours and fibres from the company’s complementary distribution portfolio, manufacturers can easily create stand-out offerings that meet consumer demand for natural and sustainable products with proven health benefits.

Omya's technically advanced minerals in powder or compressed form add value to nutraceuticals. (Photo I Shutterstock, courtesy of Omya)

Making life easier

The Omya R&D team has developed various nutraceutical prototype formulations which address current consumer demand. Day & Night functional tooth tabs with added vitamins and active ingredients, are a perfect example. As tooth brushing usually happens early in the morning and last thing at night, these products may be perfect for delivering an extra energy kick or late-night calming effect. While brushing, the health-promoting tabs may be absorbed through the oral mucosa to quickly deliver their beneficial effects.

Taurine and L-theanine can be combined to help ensure an active start to the day, while tryptophan and L-theanine support the body in winding down in preparation for sleep. Furthermore, the fast-disintegrating tabs give an authentic teeth-brushing effect thanks to the company’s mineral ingredients: porous Omyanutra® 300 Flash disintegrates ultra-fast into small partices, allowing for a slurry-like paste in the mouth, while Omyacare® S95-OG promises enamel-safe abrasivity and optimal cleaning performance. Omyadent® 100-OG, meanwhile, delivers remineralization and gradual whitening effects. Despite a minimalist INCI list, hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate particles are ideal for fluoride-free products and are environmentally friendly too: They save on water and can be packed in glass bottles or paper bags, which reduces transportation and storage costs, as well as CO₂ emissions. 

All-round innovations

Further prototypes include Activfresh mint oil-containing lozenges produced with Omyanutra® 300 DC for instantly refreshed breath and a zingy mouthfeel, and Bone Boost Chewables, comprising a mix of Omyapure® 35 – a high-purity, natural calcium source with 40% bioavailable calcium – plus vitamins D₃ and K₂, which are essential for optimal calcium absorption and deposition into bones.

B12 Flash ODT are red berry-flavored tablets containing Vitamin B12 which, thanks to Omyanutra® 300 Flash, disintegrate super-fast in the mouth regardless of the hardness of the tablet. Finally, L-Theanine Flash ODTs with apple and mint flavor may quickly and effectively ease anxiety, while counteracting oxidative cellular stress.