While Baby Boomers may spend more annually than Gen X or Millennials ($548 billion vs. $357 billion vs. $322 billion), Millennials (now aged 28 to 43) represent a significant market segment due to their fast-paced lifestyles. Additionally, millennials are eating healthier and exercising more than previous generations. They smoke less and almost half consider healthy eating to be a lifestyle choice as opposed to a goal-driven diet. Furthermore, technology has enabled greater access to wellness information and has put personal health monitoring into the palms of their hands.1Nermoe K. Millennials: The ‘wellness generation’. Sanford Health. September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 12, 2024 from https://news.sanfordhealth.org/sanford-health-plan/millennials-wellness-generation/#:~:text=They%20are%20eating%20healthier%20and,the%20palms%20of%20their%20hands. Millennial Magazine expressed millennial wellness in this way: “For millennials, wellness in not just a concept but a lifestyle”2Nierling B. 12 Ways Millennials Are Influencing Health And Wellness For The Better. Millennial Magazine. Last Update: July 22, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024 from https://millennialmagazine.com/2024/01/16/12-ways-millennials-are-influencing-health-and-wellness/.. Not surprisingly, millennial health and wellness trends have become a growing focus for this generation3Porch Group Media. Consumer Shopping Trends and Statistics by the Generation: Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers and the Silents. July 10, 2024..
As noted by Sarah Marion, PhD., in Nutritional Outlook, the fact is that millennials (born between 1981 and 1996;) “still consistently outspend Gen Z in both nutrition and fitness, and they haven’t reached peak earning power yet” 4Marion S. Millennials are still health and fitness trendsetters. Nutritional Outlook. March 26, 2024.. There are also a lot of them, Marion adds. “The children of Baby Boomers, Millennials are a big generation, which is part of why they’re so influential, [and they’re still dedicated] to wellness and willing to put major time, money and energy into their fitness habits.” Combine these facts with millennial health trends and the future looks particularly bright for the development of dietary supplements for millennials.
This demographic is, then without a doubt, highly motivated to achieve and maintain optimal health, creating a strong market for dietary supplements that cater to the associated lifestyle and consumer needs. This article will examine some of the millennial health issues, and the opportunities for the development of dietary supplements to help address those issues.
Millennial Health Issues
Unlike previous generations, millennials prefer working from home or freelancing. In addition, they generally choose to have most of their relationships via social media, as opposed to real-life interaction. These lifestyle differences mean that they have long periods of sitting without moving the body, scrolling through the social media feeds and watching video to relax Even though they exercise more, this generally sedentary lifestyle is likely to contribute to the degeneration of their physical health as they age5Chuepool P. Health Issues for Millennials. SamitiveJ. October 18, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/health-issues-millennials.—and contribute to other health issues right now. In fact, research suggests that millennials are dealing with a higher degree of:
- Mental and neurological health issues
- Blue light overexposure
- Blood sugar and weight management issues
- Gastrointestinal issues
- A shortfall in the intake of various nutrients
Let’s dive into each of these health concerns in more detail.
Mental and Neurological Health Issues
According to the Blue Cross-Blue Shield6The mental health of your millennial employes: It’s declining—and fast. WellMark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from https://www.wellmark.com/blue-at-work/insights/millennial-mental-health#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20BCBSA%2C%20rates,Major%20depression., the rates of behavioral health conditions in millennials are now rising by double-digits. This includes a 12% increase in low mood. Likewise, there is a higher rate of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) among millennials. The prevalence of ADHD in millennials is just under 7 percent, which is a 39 percent increase from 2014 to 20187The mental health of your millennial employes: It’s declining—and fast. WellMark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from https://www.wellmark.com/blue-at-work/insights/millennial-mental-health#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20BCBSA%2C%20rates,Major%20depression..
Overexposure to Blue Light
Millennials who have grown up with their mobile phones are known as “iPod generation” 8Chuepool P. Health Issues for Millennials. SamitiveJ. October 18, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/article/detail/health-issues-millennials.. 96.4% of millennials use smartphones, and 97.8% of mobile phone users are millennials. In 2024, 40.9 million U.S. millennials will be tablet users, making up more than half (55.3%) of the demographic population.9Yuen M. Guide to reaching and engaging millennials for marketers. Emarketer. March 4, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024 from https://www.emarketer.com/insights/millennials/#:~:text=Smartphone%20usage%20is%20nearly%20fully,%25)%20of%20the%20demographic%20population. Also, 63% of adults between the ages of 18–46 own a game console, which is especially popular with millennials10Zickuhr K. Generations and their gadgets. Pew Research Center. February 3, 2011. Retrieved https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2011/02/03/generations-and-their-gadgets/#:~:text=type%20of%20device.-,Game%20consoles,33%25%20of%20non%2Dparents.. This means that millennials experience unprecedented exposure to blue light radiation which penetrates deeply into the eye and has the greatest potential to damage retinal tissue11Tosini G, Ferguson I, Tsubota K. Effects of blue light on the circadian system and eye physiology. Mol Vis. 2016 Jan 24;22:61-72. 12Wu J, Seregard S, Algvere PV. Photochemical damage of the retina. Surv Ophthalmol. 2006 Sep-Oct;51(5):461-81. 13Algvere PV, Marshall J, Seregard S. Age-related maculopathy and the impact of blue light hazard. Acta Ophthalmol Scand. 2006 Feb;84(1):4-15. 14Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR). 2012. Health Effects of Artificial Light. Accessed from http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/emerging/docs/scenihr_o_035.pdf.. In turn, this may result in eye strain, eye fatigue, disturbed visual acuity, mucosal dryness, eye burning, and headaches 15Kowalska M, Zejda JE, Bugajska J, Braczkowska B, Brozek G, Malińska M. [Eye symptoms in office employees working at computer stations]. [Article in Polish] Med Pr. 2011;62(1):1-8..
Blood Sugar and Weight Management Issues
Two risk factors for cardiovascular concerns are blood sugar and weight management issues—and they are on the rise among young adults in the U.S., according to a newly published study of about 13,000 people ages 20 to 44 years old. This is inclusive of millennials. Blood sugar issues increased from 3% to 4.1%, while weight management issues increased from 32.7% to 40.9% based a study published in the published in the Journal of the American Medical Association16Aggarwal R, Yeh RW, Joynt Maddox KE, Wadhera RK. Cardiovascular Risk Factor Prevalence, Treatment, and Control in US Adults Aged 20 to 44 Years, 2009 to March 2020. JAMA. 2023;329(11):899–909. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.2307, which uses data from 2009 to 2020.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Millennials suffer with more gut issues than any other age group, with more than two thirds (67%) of 18 to 35 year olds having had troubles such as bloating, diarrhea and constipation in the last year.17GENERATION GUT: Stomach issues are affecting more than just the body as three quarters of millennials say their gut health has a direct impact on their emotional wellbeing, new research reveals. Kellogg’s. Retrieved 9/17/2024 from https://www.kelloggs.co.uk/en_GB/press-release/generation-gut.html#:~:text=Millennials%20suffer%20with%20more%20gut%20issues%20than,and%20constipation%20in%20the%20last%20year%20. Additionally, their gut issues are having more than just a physical effect, with over three quarters of millennials indicating that their gut has a direct impact on their mood and emotional wellbeing.
A Shortfall in the Intake of Various Nutrients
For various reasons, millennial nutrition is lacking, and they are experiencing a shortfall in the intake of various nutrients. These include the following:
- Vitamin D3 – Due to indoor work environments and limited sun exposure, many Millennials are deficient in vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and immune function18WVEC. Vitamin-deficient millennials aren’t eating enough Spam or cod liver oil. KARE11. March 26, 2018. .
- Iron – Iron is essential for energy and cognitive function, yet many Millennials, particularly women and vegetarians, often do not get enough from their diets19Weyand AC, Chaitoff A, Freed GL, Sholzberg M, Choi SW, McGann PT. Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia in US Females Aged 12-21 Years, 2003-2020. JAMA. 2023;329(24):2191–2193. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.8020. 20Pawlak R, Berger J, Hines I. Iron status of vegetarian adults: A review of literature. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2016 Dec 16;12(6):486–498..
- Omega-3 – Essential for cardiovascular and cognitive health, omega-3 fatty acids are often lacking in the typical Millennial diet. In fact, when it comes to dietary fats, while Millennials may generally acknowledge the healthfulness of omega-3 fatty acids they often “do not fully understand the differences between different types of fats”21Food Insight. Survey Provides Insight on Millennials’ Attitudes Toward Health and Wellness. October 27, 2015..
Dietary Supplement Support for Millennial Health Issues
Millennial health trends show that they are adopting a more holistic approach, focusing on overall well-being and connecting their top priority—mental wellness—with other aspects of physical health. 22Cameron L. US Millennials and Health Consumer Report 2024. Mintel. Retrieved September 12, 2024 from https://store.mintel.com/report/us-millennials-and-health-market-report#:~:text=Millennials%20are%20taking%20on%20a,other%20aspects%20of%20physical%20health. As a result, they are increasingly open to using dietary supplements, creating a great opportunity for both new and established supplement brands. Below, I’ve highlighted some science-backed ingredients you might consider including in your formulas to address these millennial health issues.
Mental and Neurological Health Issues
Improvements in mood and stress-induced anxiety can be achieved by using ashwagandha extracts23Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(37):e17186.. Likewise, multiple studies have demonstrated similar results with the use of saffron extracts24Is Safr’Inside™ efficient on mood in only 15 days? Proprietary consumer study. Customer Technical Support. CTS-0138. Active Inside. Update 01 from 03/05/2018. Elaboration date 18/10/2017: 2 pgs. 25Akhondzadeh S Tahmacebi-Pour N, Noorbala AA, Amini H, Fallah-Pour H, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. Crocus sativus L. in the treatment of mild to moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Phytother Res. 2005 Feb;19(2):148-51. 26Modabbernia A, Sohrabi H, Nasehi AA, Raisi F, Saroukhani S, Jamshidi A, Tabrizi M, Ashrafi M, Akhondzadeh S. Effect of saffron on fluoxetine-induced sexual impairment in men: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012 Oct;223(4):381-8. 27Hausenblas HA, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Integr Med. 2013 Nov;11(6):377-83.. Several studies have also shown that supplementation with SAMe improves mood.
Overexposure to Blue Light
Lutein and zeaxanthin can provide substantial protection against blue light damage. This has been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials in which these carotenoids also helped improved blue-light related headaches, eye strain, eye fatigue28Blue Light Study Eye Stress. Unpublished. 2016: 2 pgs., visual performance29Lutein/Zeaxanthin Isomers Supplementation Impact on Vision Health. Unpublished. 2016:8 pgs., psychological stress and overall health30Stringham J. Effects of three levels of lutein supplementation on macular pigment optical density, psychological stress levels, and overall health. Nutritional Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Georgia. Unpublished. 2016:17 pgs.. Similarly, Astaxanthin has been shown to improve blue-light related eye issues31Yasunori N, Miharu M, Hiroki T, Shigeaki O. The supplementation effect of Astaxanthin on Accommodation and Asthenopia. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 2006; 22(1):41-54. 32Kenji S, Kazuhiro O, Takuya N, et al. Effect of Astaxanthin on Accommodation and Asthenopia-Efficacy-Identification Study in Healthy Volunteers. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 2005;21(6):637-650., the combination of lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin had especially positive effects for this purpose33Piermarocchi S, Saviano S, Parisi V, Tedeschi M, Panozzo G, Scarpa G, Boschi G, Lo Giudice G; Carmis Study Group. Carotenoids in Age-related Maculopathy Italian Study (CARMIS): two-year results of a randomized study. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2012 Mar-Apr;22(2):216-25. 34Yoshida K, Sakai O, Honda T, Kikuya T, Takeda R, Sawabe A, Inaba M, Koike C. Effects of Astaxanthin, Lutein, and Zeaxanthin on Eye-Hand Coordination and Smooth-Pursuit Eye Movement after Visual Display Terminal Operation in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Intergroup Trial. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 17;15(6):1459..
Blood Sugar and Weight Management Issues
There are several nutraceuticals with human clinical research demonstrating effectiveness in helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. These include fig fruit extract (standardized for abscisic acid)35Atkinson FS, Villar A, Mulà A, et al. Abscisic Acid Standardized Fig (Ficus carica) Extracts Ameliorate Postprandial Glycemic and Insulinemic Responses in Healthy Adults. Nutrients. 2019 Jul 31;11(8):1757., chromium36Rani PU, Sravanti IV, Fatima N, Muralidhar N, Salomi R. Study of Crominex 200mcg, 400mcg and Placebo in modifying cardiovascular risk with special reference to Endothelial dysfunction in patients with Type2 Diabetes Mellitus. Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. December Unpublished; 2013: 24 pgs. 37Rani PU, Sravanti IV, Fatima N, Muralidhar N, Salomi R. Study of Crominex 200mcg, 400mcg and Placebo in subjects with Metabolic Syndrome. Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. December Unpublished; February 2014: 24 pgs., pomegranate extract38Goyal R, Thawani V, Nagtilak S, Pathania M, Jindal S. Antioxidative effect of Punica granatum (pomegranate) on biochemical parameters in patients with T2D and MI: A double blind placebo controlled trial. Int J Adv Res. 2016 May; 4(5):857-64., Gymnema sylvestre extract39Baskaran K, Kizar-Ahamath B, Shanmugasundaram MR, Shanmugasundaram ERB. Antidiabetic effect of leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:295-300. 40Shanmugasundaram ER, Rajeswari G, Baskaran K, et al. Use of Gymnema sylvestre leaf extract in the control of blood glucose in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;30:281-94. 41Al-Romaiyan A, Liu B, Asare-Anane H, Maity CR, Chatterjee SK, Koley N, Biswas T, Chatterji AK, Huang GC, Amiel SA, Persaud SJ, Jones PM. A novel Gymnema sylvestre extract stimulates insulin secretion from human islets in vivo and in vitro. Phytother Res. 2010 Sep;24(9):1370-6., and many others. There are so many potential nutraceuticals that can be used to help to reduce body weight, that we can only share the tip of the iceberg here. These include the combination of Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin), Mentha longifolia L. (horse mint) and Olea europaea L. (olive) leaf, and Alchemilla vulgaris L. (lady’s mantle)42Said O, Saad B, Fulder S, Khalil K, Kassis E. Weight loss in animals and humans treated with “weighlevel”, a combination of four medicinal plants used in traditional arabic and islamic medicine. eCAM (published in advance). 2008; doi: 10.1093/ecam/nen067. 43Said O, Khalil K, Fulder S, Marie Y, Kassis E, Saad B. A Double Blinded- Randomized Clinical Study with “Weighlevel”, a Combination of Four Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Greco-Arab and Islamic Medicine. Open Complement Med J. 2010; 2: 1-6. 44Kassis E. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Blend of Herbal Extracts Taken Once Per Day for Weight Loss in Healthy Volunteers. European J Med Plants. 2019; 28(1):1-8. 45Kassis E, Hansen PA. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a once daily blend of herbal extracts for weight loss. Int J Herb Med. 2021; 9(3): 71-75, Dichrostachys glomerate extract46Kuate D, Etoundi BC, Ngondi JL, et al. Antiinflammatory, anthropometric and lipomodulatory effects Dyglomera (hydroethanolic extract of Dichrostachys glomerata) in obese patients with metabolic syndrome. Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2013; 3(11):416-427. 47Azantsa B, Kuate D, Chakokam R, et al. The effect of extracts of Irvingia gabonensis (IGOB131) and Dichrostachys glomerata (Dyglomera) on body weight and lipid parameters of healthy overweight participants. Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2015; 5(6):200-208. and—more recently—black ginger extract which has been shown to decrease abdominal fat48Matsushita M, Yoneshiro T, Aita S, Kamiya T, Kusaba N, Yamaguchi K, Takagaki K, Kameya T, Sugie H, Saito M. Kaempferia parviflora extract increases whole-body energy expenditure in humans: roles of brown adipose tissue. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2015;61(1):79-83. 49Yoshino S, Tagawa T, Awa R, Ogasawara J, Kuwahara H, Fukuhara I. Polymethoxyflavone purified from Kaempferia parviflora reduces visceral fat in Japanese overweight individuals: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Food Funct. 2021 Mar 1;12(4):1603-1613. 50Yoshino S, Awa R, Miyake Y, Fukuhara I, Sato H, Ashino T, Tomita S, Kuwahara H. Daily intake of Kaempferia parviflora extract decreases abdominal fat in overweight and preobese subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2018 Aug 28;11:447-458..
Gastrointestinal Issues
Various probiotic strains have been shown to have benefits for gastrointestinal issues. Some, such as those species within the Bacillus genus can help reduce gas after a meal.51Kalman DS, Schwartz HI, Alvarez P, Feldman S, Pezzullo JC, Krieger DR. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group dual site trial to evaluate the effects of a Bacillus coagulans-based product on functional intestinal gas symptoms. BMC Gastroenterol. 2009 Nov 18;9:85. Likewise, probiotic species in the Bifidobacteria genus have long been known to address diarrhea.52Tissier H (1906) : Traitement des infections intestinales par la méthode de la flore bactérienne de l’intestin. CR.Soc Biol, 60 : 359-361. Still, other species have demonstrated effectiveness in promoting calmer, more functional intestinal tract function.53Dapoigny M, Piche T, Ducrotte P, Lunaud B, Cardot JM, Bernalier-Donadille A. Efficacy and safety profile of LCR35 complete freeze-dried culture in irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind study. World J Gastroenterol. 2012 May 7;18(17):2067-75.
A Shortfall in the Intake of Various Nutrients
Compensating for the previously covered nutrient shortfalls can easily be accomplished with supplements providing vitamin D, iron and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vitamin D3 – Plant-based supplements are gaining in popularity among millennials, who currently boast the largest percentage of self-identified vegans and vegetarians54Loria J. Millennials Driving Force Behind Global Vegan Movement 2018; Mercy for Animals, Forbes. Vitamin D3, which is typically derived from a laboratory conversion process using sheep’s wool lanolin, can also be extracted from a plant lichen which is vegan and sustainable—two features appealing to millennials.
- Iron – There are various sources of iron available for use in dietary supplements, but one standout option is iron protein succinylate. Research has shown this form of iron is more tolerable than other commonly tested forms, such as iron glycine sulfate, gluconate, sulfate, and fumarate55Cancelo-Hidalgo MJ, Castelo-Branco C, Palacios S, Haya-Palazuelos J, Ciria-Recasens M, Manasanch J, Pérez-Edo L.Tolerability of different oral iron supplements: a systematic review. Curr Med Res Opin. 2013 Apr;29(4):291-303.. It has also been shown to have a high degree of safety 56Forster R. Iron protein succinylate: preclinical safety assessment. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol. 1993 Feb;31(2):53-60. 57Pagella PG, Bellavite O, Agozzino S, Donà GC. Pharmacological and toxicological studies on an iron succinyl-protein complex (ITF282) for oral treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Arzneimittelforschung. 1984;34(9):952-8. 58Iron Proteinsuccinylate. Periodic Safety Update Report. According to Decree no. 44. Released on February 18, 1997 by the Italian Ministry of Helth. Italfarmaco Spa, Medical Department, Drug Safety Unit. February 1, 2000: 16 pgs. and has been demonstrated to be effective in addressing anemia59Köpcke W, Sauerland MC. Meta-analysis of efficacy and tolerability data on iron proteinsuccinylate in patients with iron deficiency anemia of different severity. Arzneimittelforschung. 1995 Nov;45(11):1211-6., and promoting exercise performance60Merkel D, Moran DS, Yanovich R, Evans RK, Finestone AS, Constantini N, Israeli E. The association between hematological and inflammatory factors and stress fractures among female military recruits. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2008 Nov;40(11 Suppl):S691-7..
- Omega-3 – In addition to standard fish and krill sources, there are also algae sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are acceptable to vegans and therefore more appealing to millennials. This is available in EPA and DHA forms, or a combination of both.
Considerations in Manufacturing Supplements for Millennials
According to SupplySide® Supplement Journal, millennials are driving the growth of non-pill supplement forms61Molyneaux M. Millennials drive growth in non-pill supplement forms. SupplySide® Supplement Journal. May 9, 2019. Retrieved September 12, 2024 from https://www.supplysidesj.com/supplements/millennials-drive-growth-in-non-pill-supplement-forms.. While millennials will use capsules and tablets, they are more interested in alternative delivery forms. These may include the following:
Chewable Tablets
Chewable tablets are specially formulated to deliver a payload of vitamins, minerals and/or other nutraceuticals with highly palatable flavor options, sweetening options, a desirable mouth feel, and good stability. Chewable tablets may be produced in different sizes and shapes to accommodate a wide range of nutraceutical doses and a pleasing esthetic appearance. The scientific journal, Systemic Reviews in Pharmacy, has this to say chewable tablets: “Chewable tablets are versatile dosage forms that combine the manufacturing and stability advantages of solid dosage products while offering beneficial organoleptic [flavor/taste] and administration benefits.”62Antil A, Kahiy M, Tomar D. An Overview on Efficacy of Chewable Tablets in Improving Oral Drug Delivery. Systemic Reviews in Pharmacy. 2023; 14(9): 571-7.
Effervescent Tablets
Effervescent tablets are designed to release carbon dioxide when they come into contact with water, creating a characteristic fizz and promoting rapid disintegration. Within minutes, the tablets fully dissolve, making the nutraceuticals readily available in solution. Microencapsulated and controlled-release effervescent tablets can offer faster absorption of active ingredients. Additionally, their potential to improve taste, be gentler on the stomach, and enhance consumer appeal has made them a popular choice. One key advantage of effervescent tablets is their ability to contain substantial amounts of active ingredients, thanks to their drinkable form.
Fast Melts & Lozenges
Fast-melts and lozenges are orally disintegrating tablets or ODTs. Fast-melt tablets dissolve quickly in the mouth (generally in one minute or less) without the need for water. Likewise, lozenges are tablets that are also designed to dissolve in the mouth (generally within a few minutes). As with chewables, fast-melts and lozenges are easy to swallow and a great alternative delivery form for people with difficulty swallowing pills or with pill fatigue.
Fast-melts and lozenges provide a pleasant mouthfeel without the need for large amounts of sugar. Additionally, they offer the flexibility to incorporate a wide variety of flavors. A notable advantage of these formats is their potential for enhanced bioavailability. Research has shown that ODTs can improve the bioavailability of active ingredients, making fast-melts and lozenges an attractive option for supplement delivery. One study found that when used in ODT form, vitamin B12 had good bioavailability, raising serum levels by as much as four-fold63Delpre G. Sublingual therapy for cobalamin deficiency as an alternative to oral and parenteral cobalamin Supplementation. Lancet. 1999;354:740-750.. A similar human study64Sharabi A, Cohen E, Sulkes J, Garty M. Replacement therapy for vitamin B12 deficiency: comparison between the sublingual and oral route. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Dec;56(6):635-8. also found that the ODT delivery form increased serum concentrations by about three-fold. Good results were also seen with an ODT melatonin.65SaberMoghaddam M, Sheybani S, Bakhtiari E, Shakiba M. The Effect of Preoperative Sublingual Melatonin on Postoperative Pain Severity in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Trial. Med J Islam Repub Iran. 2022 Aug 10;36:90. Other ODT nutraceuticals may also have good bioavailability.
When you want the nutraceutical payload to dissolve as quickly as possible, fast melts are the best option. When you want the payload to remain in the mouth for a slightly longer period—such as in the case of zinc or certain oral probiotics—lozenges are the way to go.
Conclusion
Millennials represent a significant market segment and millennial health and wellness trends have become a growing focus for this generation. Although they are eating healthier and exercising more than previous generations, research suggests that millennials are still dealing with a higher degree of mental health issues, overexposure to blue light, blood sugar and weight management issues, as well as a shortfall of critical nutrient intake. This presents opportunities for the development of dietary supplements to help address these issues.
A good contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) can help you in the development of dietary supplements for millennials, including alternative delivery forms that this generation tends to prefer. Vitaquest is a CDMO that has provided nutraceutical businesses with exceptional supplement formulation design, contract supplement manufacturing, particle and powder engineering, packaging, and fulfillment services for over 45 years. Whether you’re a newcomer to the industry or aiming to diversify your product range, Vitaquest possesses the expertise, cutting-edge facilities, and solutions needed to swiftly and effectively turn your millennial dietary supplement concept into reality, with a focus on the right delivery form for your products.
Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards. In fact, we are GMP certified by NSF, providing assurance to brand owners and consumers alike about compliance with industry regulations and standards. In addition, Vitaquest can offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, and FSSC 22000 certification for food safety.
Are you ready to move forward with creating high-quality dietary supplements for millennials? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a competitive nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!
Frequently Asked Questions About Supplement Manufacturing Trends for Millennials
Q: What are some of the health issues for millennials?
Millennials deal with a relatively high rate of mental and neurological health issues, including low mood and ADHD. They also deal with blue light overexposure from digital devices which can result in eye strain, eye fatigue and other issues. Blood sugar issues and weight management are also challenges for some millennials.
Q: What are some of the nutrients that millennials may be lacking?
Nutrients that millennials may lack include vitamin D3 (crucial for bone health and immune function), iron (essential for energy and cognitive function), and omega-3 fatty acids (essential for heart and brain health).
Q: What supplement delivery forms do millennials prefer?
While millennials will use capsules and tablets, they are more interested in alternative delivery forms such as chewable tablets, effervescent tablets, fast-melts and lozenges.
