As discussed in a previous blog article, “Fall Dietary Supplement Manufacturing Trends for 2024”, the global dietary supplements market has grown at a rapid rate over the past few years. It was valued at $360.2 billion in 2022 and grew at a CAGR of 6.7%. By 2032, the market is expected to reach $688.9 billion by 2032.1Nutritional Supplements Market. The Brainy Insights. Accessed March 7, 2024 from https://www.thebrainyinsights.com/report/nutritional-supplements-market-13585
Throughout this period, the categories of supplements experiencing growth are not always the same. They change due to current trends and seasonal considerations. Such is the case when considering winter supplements for 2025.
Types of Supplements in High Demand for Winter 2025
So, what are the vitamins for winter that you should consider manufacturing and bringing to the market? The answer is the selection of possible nutraceuticals goes far beyond just vitamins and needs to address the categories of winter immune support, vitamin D, skin health, and energy boosters.
Winter Immune Support
Fall and winter are times when respiratory viruses may be more likely to cause illness, such as colds and flu. New research2Huang D, Taha MS, Nocera AL, Workman AD, Amiji MM, Bleier BS. Cold exposure impairs extracellular vesicle swarm-mediated nasal antiviral immunity. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2023;151(2):509-525.e8. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.037suggests that the reason for this is the colder temperatures reduce the release of extracellular vesicles (by about 42%) which would otherwise reduce the binding of viruses to nasal cells. This may result in a greater incidence of infection.
In any case, during this time consumers tend to take measures to support their immune health. Not surprisingly, the market for immune health supplements was estimated at about $25.45 billion in 2023 and is expected to hit $63.46 billion, with a CAGR of 11.4% by 2033.3Immune Health Supplements Market Outlook (2023 to 2033). Future Market Insights. Accessed March 7, 2024 from https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/immune-health-supplements-market.
This category includes all the usual suspects such as vitamin C and D, zinc, and elderberry. In addition, other nutraceuticals of interest which may help you differentiate your product, include:
- Multi-strain probiotic combined with dietary fiber – probiotic strains of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli along with corn bran was shown to improve immune response in athletes. 4Trushina EN, Riger NA, Mustafina OK, et al. Vopr Pitan. 2024;93(2):19-30. doi:10.33029/0042-8833-2024-93-2-19-30
- Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotic – A Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotic strain was shown to augment acquired immunity, stimulate interferon production in association with an influenza vaccine, and have a positive influence on upper respiratory tract health and wellness5Bruno G. A Lactobacillus plantarum postbiotic for Immunity. Vitamin Retailer Magazine. June 2022; https://vitaminretailer.com/a-lactobacillus-plantarum-postbiotic-for-immunity/.
- Black seed extract – A black seed extract standardized to thymoquinone resulted in significantly fewer upper respiratory tract complaints (62% lower) and better overall well-being (11% improvement) compared to placebo6Bruno G. Evidence Based Uses of Standardized Black Seed Oil. Vitamin Retailer Magazine. June 2023: 44-48..
- Melatonin – Melatonin plays a role as an immunological regulation modulator7Arnao MB, Hern_andez-Ruiz J. The potential of phytomelatonin as a nutraceutical. Molecules 2018;23:1e19. Phytomelatonin (e.g., melatonin derived from a plant source such as reindeer lichen) may offer greater benefits with regard to modulation of inflammatory markers8Kukula-Koch W, Szwajgier D, Gaweł-Bęben K, Strzępek-Gomółka M, Głowniak K, Meissner HO. Is Phytomelatonin Complex Better Than Synthetic Melatonin? The Assessment of the Antiradical and Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Molecules. 2021 Oct 8;26(19):6087..
- Polyamines – In preclinical research, polyamines, mainly spermidine, were found to promote the maturation of a glycoprotein which is beneficial for immune response9Pickard JM, Maurice CF, Kinnebrew MA, et al. Rapid fucosylation of intestinal epithelium sustains host–commensal symbiosis in sickness. Nature. 2014; 514 (7524): 638–641..
Vitamin D and Sunlight Support
Vitamin D helps act as a modulator of the immune system, regulating immune response, and enhancing innate and adaptive immunity10Lin R, White JH. The pleiotropic actions of vitamin D. Bioessays. 2004 Jan;26(1):21-8.11Edfeldt K, Liu PT, Chun R, Fabri M, Schenk M, Wheelwright M, Keegan C, Krutzik SR, Adams JS, Hewison M, Modlin RL. T-cell cytokines differentially control human monocyte antimicrobial responses by regulating vitamin D metabolism. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010 Dec 28;107(52):22593-8.12Aranow C. Vitamin D and the immune system. J Investig Med. 2011 Aug;59(6):881-6.. However, winter means colder weather, shorter days, and less exposure to the sun—which means less production of vitamin D which requires sunlight to achieve. Consequently, people are more likely to supplement with vitamin D.
In part, this is reflected in the vitamin D market size which was valued at $1.69 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.48% through 203213Vitamin D Market. Straits Research. Accessed May 7, 2024 from https://straitsresearch.com/report/vitamin-d-market..
Skin Health Supplement
The colder winter temperatures and lack of humidity can cause a loss of skin moisture, resulting in drier skin. Naturally, the use of topical moisturizers increases during the winter. While the use of such creams or lotions has value, there are ingestible nutraceuticals that can also have a positive impact on skin moisture content. Some of these include:
- Collagen peptides – Promotes collagen production in skin, helps reduce fine lines/wrinkles, promotes skin moisturization and elasticity14Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47–55..
- Ceramides – Substantially promotes skin moisturization, reduces transepidermal water loss, improves dryness, and elasticity15EPI, France (2006) Clinical Evaluation of Skin Moisturization and Skin Micro-Relief Improvement of at Product by Oral Route. Farcoderm SRL – Clinical Trail Report (unpublished). 2006: 17 pg..
- Astaxanthin – Antioxidant protection, suppresses damage to skin barrier function, helps reduce fine lines/wrinkles, and promotes skin moisturization and elasticity. One study16Yamashita E. The Effects of a Dietary Supplement Containing Astaxanthin on Skin Condition. Carotenoid Science. 2006;10:91-95. found that astaxanthin was even effective during the winter months.
- Hyaluronic acid – Binds to water to help maintain hydration17Oe M, Sakai S, Yoshida H, et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves wrinkles: a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study over a 12-week period. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017 Jul 18;10:267-273..
The size of the global beauty supplement was valued at $3.56 billion in 2022, and it is expected to reach $9.22 billion in 2031 with a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2031.18https://www.insightaceanalytic.com/report/global-beauty-ingestible-market/1049 It is well worth considering the addition of a skin health supplement to your dietary supplement line, particularly in time for the winter months.
Energy Boosters
It’s not unusual for people to have less energy and more moodiness in the winter—winter tiredness — if you will. Two common reasons for this are melatonin and vitamin D.
Our bodies produce melatonin in response to darkness, which helps us fall asleep. Our bodies typically convert available serotonin to melatonin to achieve this. However, in the winter there are fewer hours of sunlight, so it gets darker sooner. For some people, that means their bodies start using more serotonin to produce melatonin sooner. Unfortunately, that means there is no less serotonin available for other uses, such as maintaining a healthy mood. Luckily, the use of serotonin precursors such as L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan can help replenish serotonin levels which may translate into a better mood and sense of energy.
Likewise, as previously noted, less exposure to sunlight means less vitamin D. One of the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency is fatigue. This can be easily dealt with through supplementation with vitamin D. Other energy boosters may also help. These include adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, and Ginseng which can help reduce fatigue and promote endurance. Also, the B-complex vitamins play various roles in energy production and counter the effects of stress, including fatigue. These are all nutraceuticals to consider as energy boosters to address winter tiredness.
Also, consider that the global energy supplement market is estimated to be valued at $43.7 billion in 2024, and projected to reach a CAGR of 4.7% by 2034, achieving a total valuation of $69.4 billion.
Trends in Dietary Supplement Manufacturing
As with nutraceutical categories, there are also trends in dietary supplement contract manufacturing. This includes the Gen Z-driven use of alternative delivery forms such as gummies, stick packs, melts, liquids, and the rapidly growing trend of effervescent tablets. As consumers become savvier about the importance of absorption and bioavailability, evidence-based delivery systems are also gaining in popularity. This includes the use of:
- Microencapsulation—Enrobing active nutraceuticals in clean-label materials can protect the active and improve its delivery in the gastrointestinal tract. It can also prevent interaction with other ingredients, improve/mask taste, increase stability, enhance bioavailability, and control release mechanics and timing.
- Agglomeration – This is a process of taking fine powders and transforming them into larger granules to facilitate better handling, flow, and mixability into solution. Agglomeration produces an almost dust-free, free-flowing powder ideal for instant soup, foods, and ready-to-mix drink powders.
- Liposomes – The complexing of active nutraceuticals with phospholipids has been shown to significantly improve the bioavailability of the actives.
Plant-Based Supplements
Sales of plant-based supplements are growing by leaps and bounds, including growth into the winter months. Consumers prefer supplements made from natural, plant-based ingredients, perceiving them as gentler on the body and more easily absorbed. In addition, concerns for health and environmental sustainability drive the shift toward plant-based supplements.
Now consider that the 2023 global vegan protein market is estimated at $10.8 billion, and is expected to reach $22 billion by 2033, experiencing a CAGR of 7.4%.19Global Vegan Protein Market Snapshot (2023 to 2033). Accessed March 8, 2024 from https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/vegan-protein-market Also consider that natural vitamin sources, inclusive of whole food derived nutraceuticals, are expected to reach the value of $15.79 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period20Global Natural Vitamins Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2030. Data Bridge Market Research. Retrieved November 7, 2023 from https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-natural-vitamins-market. Furthermore, whole food-derived nutraceuticals are generally plant-based (vegan), and the vegan supplements market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.7% through 202821Vegan Supplements Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2023 – 2028). Mordor Intelligence. Retrieved November 7, 2023 from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/vegan-supplements-market..
Winter-Ready Formulations
You may wish to consider developing formulations that are specifically designed for the winter season—vis-à-vis, what supplements to take in the winter. Look at the trending ingredients/categories previously discussed in this article. Any of these could be candidates. In particular, a winter skin health supplement and a winter energy booster could be specially formulated to address seasonal concerns within these categories.
Seasonal Marketing
If you’re seriously considering adapting your product development to address seasonal winter concerns, then it only makes sense to tailor marketing strategies to align with winter themes and health goals. Highlighting the seasonal benefits of specific supplements in marketing campaigns may attract consumer attention. This can be effectively achieved with a social marketing campaign, utilizing posts that address some of the issues discussed in this article with a problem/solution approach.
Sustainable Packaging
Concerns about environmental impact have led to trends in sustainable packing. Consumers (especially the younger generations) want to know exactly what is in their supplements and prefer to see actual milligram amounts for each ingredient rather than seeing them listed as a total amount in a proprietary blend. Consumers also prefer the use of ingredients from sustainable sources that are eco-friendly. This might include plant-based containers made from sugarcane stalks. This renewable HDPE bioplastic is approximately 97% carbon neutral in production. Additionally, these containers are fully recyclable and can be seamlessly integrated into the recycling stream alongside other HDPE materials, as they are classified as #2 recyclables. Plant-based containers like these can be sourced directly from your contract manufacturer.
Limited-Edition Winter Products
You may wish to consider offering limited-edition winter products with seasonal flavors to capture the spirit of the season and attract consumer interest. For powdered supplement products, limited winter seasonal flavors might include gingerbread, eggnog, hazelnut, peppermint, pomegranate, and cranberry.
Concluding Thoughts
Winter is approaching, and with it comes new dietary supplement trends. These include winter immune support, vitamin D, skin health, and energy boosters. Likewise, there are trends in dietary supplement manufacturing and plant-based supplements. The savvy brand owner will also consider winter-ready formulations, seasonal marketing, sustainable packaging, and limited-edition winter products.
How Can Vitaquest Help You Capitalize on the Winter 2025 Supplement Manufacturing Trends?
Vitaquest is a contract development and manufacturing organization that has provided supplement brands with top-notch supplement formulation design, contract manufacturing, 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 dietary supplement concept into reality.
We offer a variety of dosage forms, including capsules, powders, chewable, effervescent, and ODT tablets, quick melts, and more, with specialized technologies including wet/dry granulation, agglomeration, microencapsulation, and spray coating.
Vitaquest also has expertise in domestic and international regulatory standards. We are GMP certified by NSF, assuring brand owners and consumers about our compliance with industry regulations and standards. In addition, Vitaquest can offer Kosher, Halal, and certified organic products, and possesses the rare but globally recognized standard in the food and supplement industry known as FSSC 22000 certification for food safety.
Are you ready to capitalize on the supplement trends for Winter 2025? If so, call 800-526-9095 to speak with one of our knowledgeable sales executives or request a nutraceutical manufacturing price quote if you’ve already finalized your project requirements!
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Dietary Supplement Manufacturing Trends
Q: What is the market size of the supplements industry?
In 2022 the global supplement industry was valued at $360.2 billion.
Q: How big is the vitamin industry in the US?
The size of the U.S. dietary supplements market was valued at $50.91 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030.
