Supplement Contract Manufacturing Services v1
Vitaquest Your Custom Supplement Contract Manufacturer
Our Contract Supplement Manufacturing Services
Our Facility Certifications
Product Certifications We Offer
At Vitaquest, we take immense pride in our stringent commitment to quality assurance through renowned certifications:
Customized Supplement Development
Vitaquest’s in-house expert team is adept at turning your ideas into successful consumer products. Our ever-expanding knowledge base lets us leverage the latest science and ingredients to deliver exceptional supplement products. We primarily specialize in the custom manufacturing of capsules, powder, and tablet supplements.
Proven Manufacturing Process
Our state-of-the-art testing and manufacturing facilities allow us to produce the highest-quality products that meet your customers’ needs and expectations. Our commitment to quality and compliance when converting quality ingredients into best-in-class marketable products means you don’t have to worry about the safety or efficacy of the products hitting the shelves.
FSSC 22000 Certification
Vitaquest was the first contract supplement manufacturer in the USA to receive FSSC 22000 certification. FSSC 22000 Certification is a food safety certification for food manufacturers (including dietary supplement manufacturers). This certification is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. It demonstrates our commitment to implementing industry best practices and safeguarding the health and well-being of consumers on a global level.
Products Manufactured In Our Facility Are Sold at these Leading Retailers and Online Marketplaces
Explore our contract supplement manufacturing solutions and services.
Request a manufacturing price quote today to learn how we can bring your supplement ideas to life.
How Vitaquest Works as Your Contract Supplement Manufacturer
Working with Vitaquest as your contract supplement manufacturer is a collaborative process. We start by understanding your supplement manufacturing needs and the unique expectations of the customer base you want to serve. This discussion is a crucial step in tailoring solutions custom-fit for your vision.
After grasping your needs, our skilled R&D team will work with you to craft a customized supplement that is uniquely yours. Using precise amounts of the appropriate raw materials, we can design an evidence-based product with efficacy built in. This not only allows you to substantiate structure/function claims but also increases the likelihood of good repeat sales once consumers have initially used your product.
A well-formulated dietary supplement requires the use of evidence-based ingredients to help ensure product efficacy. Ingredients may be selected worldwide on the basis of quality, and in forms that provide high potency and bioavailability. For example, many mineral supplements include well-absorbed mineral salts bonded to organic acids, including citrates, picolinates and gluconates. Likewise, formulas with herbal extracts may include standardized extracts with guaranteed amounts of the natural active or marker compounds within the herbs.
The real countdown begins once you, as the brand owner, submit the purchase order. At this point, Vitaquest can get to work on creating your product!
Without question, this is the step that takes the longest in the manufacturing process. Why? Here’s an example. Let’s say that the raw material in question is a probiotic. As live microorganisms, probiotic ingredients are typically made to order. They literally must be grown on a natural medium, and that doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, growing probiotics may take 6 weeks or so. Now let’s say those probiotics come from overseas (which is often the case), so that means the ingredient must be shipped internationally—which could take 1-2 weeks, plus additional time for customs clearing. Fortunately, Vitaquest stocks dozens of tested and approved probiotic ingredients under refrigerated conditions, so there is often no need to wait for international shipments,
In addition to probiotics, Vitaquest stocks thousands of ingredients in its vast, climate-controlled warehouses, so they’ll be ready when needed to make your product.
Production & Manufacturing
Click to read more about manufacturing, quality control and the production, process with Vitaquest Following is an explanation of the quality contract manufacturing process at Vitaquest. It starts with the formula.
Production, Manufacturing & Beyond
Click to read more about manufacturing, quality control and the production, process with Vitaquest Following is an explanation of the quality contract manufacturing process at Vitaquest. It starts with the formula.
Manufacturing Process Vitaquest's Oversight and Quality
Raw Materials Arrival, Quarantine & Testing
Once the raw materials arrive at our facilities, cGMP regulations require that they be quarantined and tested before they are released into inventory. The type of testing required includes identity and potency, microbiological compliance, and heavy metal compliance.
Identity & Potency
To test for identity and potency, there must be an established methodology for testing the raw material ingredient. That methodology may exist in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or provided by some other credible source. Not only must that methodology be followed, but an authenticated sample of the ingredient (standard) will need to be used to validate a sample of the incoming raw material ingredient. The standard is used for comparison purposes. The raw material will be tested against the standard using appropriate laboratory equipment to see if it matches. Appropriate lab equipment may include Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) Spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In this way, identity and potency can be established.
Microbiological Testing
Next, the raw material must be tested for microbiological compliance to verify that it does not contain dangerous levels of microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, yeast or mold.
Heavy Metal Testing
Finally, heavy metal testing for lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic may also be conducted. Vitaquest tests for conformance to the strict limits found in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). If you are marketing your product in California, the state’s Proposition 65 limits are associated with some hefty fines if your product fails to meet their more stringent heavy metal requirements.
Bench Work
Once all the raw materials have been released into inventory, Vitaquest will next conduct bench work, also known as an R&D batch. This is where the raw materials will all be mixed together, and a limited number of capsules (or other delivery form) will be produced in the lab to ascertain that the formulation will work in a finished dosage form. Depending upon the situation, Vitaquest may provide samples of the tablets/capsules/powder to the customer to evaluate. Once the customer approves the samples, we can then move onto the pilot batch.
Pilot Batch
Using what was learned during bench work, Vitaquest will next run a pilot batch of the product on the actual production equipment. This is necessary to determine that the product will run correctly on the equipment during the actual production run. If there are any issues, the formulation may need to be adjusted, which may require approval by the brand owner. If everything goes well, Vitaquest will then move onto the full production run.
Production Run & Testing
The production run is when the finished product will actually be produced. There are several steps in the process, including some additional testing that needs to be done. This may include uniformity of mix, content uniformity, disintegration testing and a repeat of some of the tests done on the raw materials.
Uniformity of Mix
All the raw materials which comprise a given dietary supplement are mixed together in a large-scale commercial mixer. During this process, it is vital that the raw materials are completely and uniformly mixed to ensure that there is an even distribution of each specified vitamin, mineral, herb, etc. (“nutrients”) throughout the entire batch. A uniform mix is important since all the capsules, tablets or powders will be made from a batch of raw materials to consistently have the proper, predetermined amount of nutrients in them. A sample of the mixed blend is taken to the lab, and the levels of certain ingredients are tested to verify that the mix is indeed uniform.
Content Uniformity
After determining that the mix is uniform, the next step is to ensure that each tablet and capsule has the correct weight to verify its nutrient potency. This is known as “content uniformity.” While capsules are being filled or tablets are being punched during the manufacturing process, their weight is regularly spot tested. In addition, to capturing weight uniformity data, additional data regarding thickness and hardness is also recorded. For both capsules and tablets, content uniformity is charted to ensure results within the specified range. If for any reason, there is an unacceptable variation from the product specifications for content uniformity (weight, thickness, density), those capsules or tablets are rejected.
Disintegration Testing
Disintegration testing involves placing a capsule or tablet in temperature-controlled water, simulating digestive muscle action through agitation. If disintegration occurs within the time allowed in the assay protocol, there’s confidence it will similarly disintegrate in the human digestive tract, making its nutrients ready for absorption.
Stability Testing
If an expiration date appears on the label of a product, regulations state that the date should be supported by science. The best way to do this is to conduct stability testing. This testing, which is available from Vitaquest as a contract service, helps identify which nutrients are most vulnerable to damage and to what degree potency is affected. By accounting for such variables as specific ingredients, dosage form, packaging and storage conditions, it can determine how much of an increase in the potency for a given nutrient is needed to compensate for potency losses over time. There are two types of stability testing: 1) accelerated stability, and 2) ambient stability.
Accelerated Stability
During accelerated stability, a dietary supplement in its intended packaging is placed inside an environmental chamber which controls temperature (typically 40°C) and relative humidity (typically 75% RH). This chamber will create conditions which are designed to accelerate the normal aging of a product. For example, if a product spends 12 weeks in the accelerated chamber, it may be the approximate equivalent of two years of aging time at room temperature. When the product is removed from the stability chamber, we can then test it for potency loss and other effects.
Ambient (Real Time) Stability
Ambient stability is determined by taking a sample of packaged product we manufacture and holding it in a retain room under controlled, ambient conditions of temperature (25°C) and relative humidity (60% RH). The retain room is used to correlate and confirm shelf-life results from accelerated testing. At regular intervals during its shelf life, a product is pulled from the retain room and tested for potency which is then compared to the accelerated aging studies.
Testing of Finished Products
Once the finished capsules/tablets/powders from the first commercial production batch have been made, similar tests to those done on the raw materials are performed, including microbiological and heavy metal compliance. Vitaquest will then produce a certificate of analysis (COA) which will be sent to the brand owner. Once the brand owner approves the COA, the finished product can be shipped to the customer’s distribution facility, and the manufacturing process is complete.
We are committed to delivering the highest quality standards in every supplement we manufacture, from integrating cutting-edge manufacturing and testing technologies in the manufacturing process to adhering to every industry regulation.
Transparent Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of our custom supplement contract manufacturing solutions. We focus on open and transparent communication, making sure everyone is on the same page at every stage. Your Vitaquest Client Services associate will be your single point of contact, communicating all pertinent information to you as it becomes available.
Timely Delivery
We are committed to delivering products on time. Our expert internal teams will work with Client Services to make sure you do not have to worry about missing deadlines when bringing your products to market.
Post-Production Support
Vitaquest goes above and beyond conventional contract supplement manufacturing, offering ongoing support beyond supplement manufacturing solutions. This includes regulatory assistance, packaging design services, order fulfillment, third-party logistics and much more.
Explore Our Range of Custom Supplement Contract Manufacturing Services
Do you have an idea for a revolutionary weight management supplement? Do you want to offer vegan, organic, allergen-friendly, kosher, or halal supplements to your customers? Or do you simply want to respond to the market trends and meet your customers’ expectations?
No matter your goal, we have you covered. Choose from our extensive service offerings to get direct access to our state-of-the-art facilities and get best-in-class supplement products:
Probiotics, Prebiotics & Postbiotics
Multivitamins
Vitamins & Minerals
Collagen & Keratin
Sports Nutrition
Bodybuilding Supplements
Creatine Supplements
Herbal Supplements
Pet Supplements
COQ10 & Other Cellular Coenzymes
Amino Acids BCAA
Keto Supplements
5-HTP & Amino Acid Metabolites
Bone Broth
Vegan Supplements
Prenatal Vitamins
Women’s Supplements
Men’s Supplements
Specialty supplements
Ask Us About Custom Manufacturing for any supplement you're interested in
Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Contract Supplement Manufacturer
Finding the right contract supplement manufacturer can be daunting and confusing, but the most important step is when you consider bringing a new product to market. A wrong decision at this initial stage can be disastrous.
Here are some quick tips to help you find the right contract manufacturer and set you up for success:
For more information on how we can help you Deliver What’s Next in capsule, tablet, and powder supplements, request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote.
Learn More About Vitaquest's Top-tier Delivery Options
Contact us today to request a competitive nutraceutical manufacturing price quote.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a supplement contract manufacturer?
A supplement contract manufacturer is a third-party facility that can help you manufacture dietary supplements, starting from research, custom formulation, and ingredient sourcing to manufacturing, quality control, and packaging.
What is the cost of manufacturing dietary supplements?
The cost of manufacturing dietary supplements depends on a variety of factors, including – but not limited to – ingredients, dosage, delivery format, and packaging. Once we have this information, our team can create a custom price quote for you to review.
How long until I receive the product?
Production time can vary depending on the formulations, testing requirements, and other specifications of your supplement product. Once our team understands the product you want to create, we can provide you with information about the expected lead times.
What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
Our facility supports smaller clients and new product launches with reasonable MOQs, but you will need to contact our team for specific MOQs for the supplement product you need.
What are your Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)?
Our cutting-edge testing facilities offer tests for:
- Ingredient identification
- Positive identification of materials (FT-IR, HPTLC, FT-NIR, and compendial monograph testing)
- DNA sequencing
- ICP-MS
- UPLC-MS
- Total Nitrogen Analyzer
- Quality assurance
- Finished product assurance
- Potency testing (UPLC/HPLC, ICP-MS, and other methodologies)
- Physical testing (USP disintegration, physical appearance, dissolution, and identification)
- Purity testing (testing for pesticides (LC/MS), heavy metals (ICP-MS), and residual solvents, along with microbiological testing)
Ready to take the next step?
Call us today to speak with a representative or send us your request to receive a competitive nutraceutical manufacturing price quote.
How Vitaquest Works as Your Contract Supplement Manufacturer
Quality control
Raw Materials Arrival, Quarantine & Testing
Once the raw materials arrive at our facilities, cGMP regulations require that they be quarantined and tested before they are released into inventory. The type of testing required includes identity and potency, microbiological compliance, and heavy metal compliance.
Identity & Potency
To test for identity and potency, there must be an established methodology for testing the raw material ingredient. That methodology may exist in the U.S. Pharmacopeia or provided by some other credible source. Not only must that methodology be followed, but an authenticated sample of the ingredient (standard) will need to be used to validate a sample of the incoming raw material ingredient. The standard is used for comparison purposes. The raw material will be tested against the standard using appropriate laboratory equipment to see if it matches. Appropriate lab equipment may include Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) Spectroscopy, Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In this way, identity and potency can be established.
Microbiological Testing
Next, the raw material must be tested for microbiological compliance to verify that it does not contain dangerous levels of microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli, yeast or mold.
Heavy Metal Testing
Finally, heavy metal testing for lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic may also be conducted. Vitaquest tests for conformance to the strict limits found in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). If you are marketing your product in California, the state’s Proposition 65 limits are associated with some hefty fines if your product fails to meet their more stringent heavy metal requirements.
Bench Work
Once all the raw materials have been released into inventory, Vitaquest will next conduct bench work, also known as an R&D batch. This is where the raw materials will all be mixed together, and a limited number of capsules (or other delivery form) will be produced in the lab to ascertain that the formulation will work in a finished dosage form. Depending upon the situation, Vitaquest may provide samples of the tablets/capsules/powder to the customer to evaluate. Once the customer approves the samples, we can then move onto the pilot batch.
Pilot Batch
Using what was learned during bench work, Vitaquest will next run a pilot batch of the product on the actual production equipment. This is necessary to determine that the product will run correctly on the equipment during the actual production run. If there are any issues, the formulation may need to be adjusted, which may require approval by the brand owner. If everything goes well, Vitaquest will then move onto the full production run.
Production Run & Testing
The production run is when the finished product will actually be produced. There are several steps in the process, including some additional testing that needs to be done. This may include uniformity of mix, content uniformity, disintegration testing and a repeat of some of the tests done on the raw materials.
Uniformity of Mix
All the raw materials which comprise a given dietary supplement are mixed together in a large-scale commercial mixer. During this process, it is vital that the raw materials are completely and uniformly mixed to ensure that there is an even distribution of each specified vitamin, mineral, herb, etc. (“nutrients”) throughout the entire batch. A uniform mix is important since all the capsules, tablets or powders will be made from a batch of raw materials to consistently have the proper, predetermined amount of nutrients in them. A sample of the mixed blend is taken to the lab, and the levels of certain ingredients are tested to verify that the mix is indeed uniform.
Content Uniformity
After determining that the mix is uniform, the next step is to ensure that each tablet and capsule has the correct weight to verify its nutrient potency. This is known as “content uniformity.” While capsules are being filled or tablets are being punched during the manufacturing process, their weight is regularly spot tested. In addition, to capturing weight uniformity data, additional data regarding thickness and hardness is also recorded. For both capsules and tablets, content uniformity is charted to ensure results within the specified range. If for any reason, there is an unacceptable variation from the product specifications for content uniformity (weight, thickness, density), those capsules or tablets are rejected.
Testing
Disintegration Testing
Disintegration testing involves placing a capsule or tablet in temperature-controlled water, simulating digestive muscle action through agitation. If disintegration occurs within the time allowed in the assay protocol, there’s confidence it will similarly disintegrate in the human digestive tract, making its nutrients ready for absorption.
Stability Testing
If an expiration date appears on the label of a product, regulations state that the date should be supported by science. The best way to do this is to conduct stability testing. This testing, which is available from Vitaquest as a contract service, helps identify which nutrients are most vulnerable to damage and to what degree potency is affected. By accounting for such variables as specific ingredients, dosage form, packaging and storage conditions, it can determine how much of an increase in the potency for a given nutrient is needed to compensate for potency losses over time. There are two types of stability testing: 1) accelerated stability, and 2) ambient stability.
Accelerated Stability
During accelerated stability, a dietary supplement in its intended packaging is placed inside an environmental chamber which controls temperature (typically 40°C) and relative humidity (typically 75% RH). This chamber will create conditions which are designed to accelerate the normal aging of a product. For example, if a product spends 12 weeks in the accelerated chamber, it may be the approximate equivalent of two years of aging time at room temperature. When the product is removed from the stability chamber, we can then test it for potency loss and other effects.
Ambient (Real Time) Stability
Ambient stability is determined by taking a sample of packaged product we manufacture and holding it in a retain room under controlled, ambient conditions of temperature (25°C) and relative humidity (60% RH). The retain room is used to correlate and confirm shelf-life results from accelerated testing. At regular intervals during its shelf life, a product is pulled from the retain room and tested for potency which is then compared to the accelerated aging studies.
Testing of Finished Products
Once the finished capsules/tablets/powders from the first commercial production batch have been made, similar tests to those done on the raw materials are performed, including microbiological and heavy metal compliance. Vitaquest will then produce a certificate of analysis (COA) which will be sent to the brand owner. Once the brand owner approves the COA, the finished product can be shipped to the customer’s distribution facility, and the manufacturing process is complete.
We are committed to delivering the highest quality standards in every supplement we manufacture, from integrating cutting-edge manufacturing and testing technologies in the manufacturing process to adhering to every industry regulation.
Logistics Transport & Delivery
Transparent Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of our custom supplement contract manufacturing solutions. We focus on open and transparent communication, making sure everyone is on the same page at every stage. Your Vitaquest Client Services associate will be your single point of contact, communicating all pertinent information to you as it becomes available.
Timely Delivery
We are committed to delivering products on time. Our expert internal teams will work with Client Services to make sure you do not have to worry about missing deadlines when bringing your products to market.
Post-Production Support
Vitaquest goes above and beyond conventional contract supplement manufacturing, offering ongoing support beyond supplement manufacturing solutions. This includes regulatory assistance, packaging design services, order fulfillment, third-party logistics and much more.
Dive deeper into how Vitaquest can meet your contract supplement manufacturing needs. Get in touch with our team to understand how we operate.
