Product News

In early March, sales of vitamins, supplements, and minerals climbed 19.5% to £48.5m [Kantar 4 w/e 22 March 2020].

This was largely driven by consumers looking for a way to boost their immunity, as evidenced by the 110% rice in Vitamin C sales. Globally, vitamin C is one of the most well-known nutrients for its role in immune support, and many companies have reported increased demand. Similarly, with vitamin D, in the month running up to lockdown, sales of the immune-boosting vitamin grew 29.8%. This is likely due to people being indoors most of the day, and the government advising the public to take Vitamin D during the lockdown. There was also an increase in sales for multivitamins, the 50 plus, pregnancy and children and adult multivitamin categories.

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Growth in more mainstream sectors such as children’s and adults’ multivitamins was driven by new shoppers entering the category with less knowledge on what to buy to protect their immune system. According to the latest research by Kantar, more and more consumers are purchasing their supplements online. A real surge can be seen in the older shopper going online and this demographic is the one that overtrades in vitamins. The early evidence suggests the shift to online buying is accelerating as consumers are buying more products for their health.

As the pandemic makes Brits even more concerned about their health, the immunity supplements category is expected to reach a record year.

For more information on any of our lines or for a free instant quote, please contact our sales team now on 01923 652529 or email sales@htc.co.uk.

*Claims for food supplements mentioned in this article are not meant for general public, but are purely for information of food supplement industry professionals. Please note that the claims are not authorised by European Food Safety Authority for use on labels or marketing materials.

As consumers try and protect themselves against Coronavirus, US Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) predicts that sales of immunity supplements could reach a record year. The category is expected to spike above 25% in 2020- up from 8.5% growth to $3.3 billion in total.

It’s not just the US who are reporting strong sales of immunity supplements, UK and Europe have seen a surge in sales, with immunity products consistently occupying the top places in Amazon’s Health and Household and Vitamins & Dietary Supplements product rankings.

So, which vitamins are experiencing significant growth?

Vitamin D

Although Vitamin D is associated with the healthy development of bones, muscles, and joints, recent research reveals just how much it can help the immune system. Vitamin D is primarily made from a reaction of the sun when it touches our skin. During the winter months, or when much of our time is spent indoors, this can be difficult to achieve. Changes in government guidelines have boosted sales and we expect this to continue for many months.

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Zinc

Zinc is known to be an important micronutrient for the immune system, and a deficiency in this can result in an impaired immune response. For many years, laboratory research has shown that Zinc can stop cold viruses from multiplying, and recently, scientists have found that taking Zinc can shorten the duration of a cold. An estimated 17.3% of the world’s population is at risk of inadequate zinc intake and in South Asia, it is up to 30% (1).

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B Vitamins

Several members of the B Vitamin complex, namely Vitamin B6, B12, and B9 have been implicated in the immune response. It’s only found in animal products like eggs, meat, shellfish, and dairy. Up to 15% of people don’t get enough B12, and they’re more likely to be vegetarians, have celiac disease or other digestive issues, or be an adult over 50. The B vitamins have bee found to play an important role in the immune system, and a deficiency in them can alter the response of the immune system.

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Vitamin C

Perhaps the most popular supplement taken to ward of colds and flu, Vitamin C plays a major role in immune health. The vitamin supports the function of various immune cells and enhances their ability to protect against infection.

Vitamin C also functions as a powerful antioxidant, protecting against damage induced by oxidative stress, which occurs with the accumulation of reactive molecules known as free radicals. Oxidative stress can negatively affect immune health and is linked to numerous diseases.

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Omega 3’s

Omega 3 fatty acids may help to boost the immune system by enhancing the functioning of the immune cells (3). There are three forms of omega fatty acids- EPA, AHA, and ALA.  ALA is called an essential fatty acid as it cannot be made by the body so it must be consumed through the diet or supplements.

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As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, consumer concerns about immunity are heightened at this time. A healthy and well-balanced immune system can not only reduce the risk of getting viral and bacterial infections but also promotes life long wellness.

1. Wessells KR, Brown KH. Estimating the Global Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency: Results Based on Zinc Availability in National Food Supplies and the Prevalence of Stunting. PLOS ONE. 2012 Nov 29;7(11):e50568.

2. https://www.health.com/nutrition/21-important-facts-about-vitamin-b12-deficiency

3. https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2013/04/02/Omega-3-backed-to-boost-immune-health-not-just-battle-inflammation

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For more information on any of our lines or for a free instant quote, please contact our sales team now on 01923 652529 or email sales@htc.co.uk.

*Claims for food supplements mentioned in this article are not meant for general public, but are purely for information of food supplement industry professionals. Please note that the claims are not authorised by European Food Safety Authority for use on labels or marketing materials.

What is the new advice on Vitamin D?

Public Health England are urging the public to take Vitamin D supplements as they are spending more time indoors due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Most of us would normally get our Vitamin D from sunlight, typically from late March to late September.

Now, the NHS are advising people to take 10 micrograms of the vitamin a day to ensure healthy bones and muscles. Public Health England (PHE) previously recommended everyone should take a 10mcg of vitamin D during the autumn and winter months. However with Britain in lockdown, and many vulnerable people self isolating, the public have been advised to continue to take Vitamin D supplements over the next few weeks.

Is there a link between COVID-19 and Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is produced in the skin from UVB sunlight exposure and is transported to the liver and then the kidney, where it is changed into an active hormone that increases calcium transport from food in the gut – ensuring the bones are kept healthy and strong. However, the sunshine vitamin has recently been studied for its efficacy in aiding the resistance against respiratory infections, with some researchers claiming that Vitamin D intake could help lower the severity of Coronavirus symptoms.  An article published in the Irish Medical Journal recommends adults to take 20-50mcg in order to receive these benefits.  The study showed that countries at a lower latitude had low concentrations of Vitamin D and high rates of Vitamin D deficiency. These countries (such as Spain and Italy) also experienced the highest infection and death rates from Coronavirus.

Researchers of this study propose that, while increasing intake of Vitamin D levels will benefit bone health, evidence shows that Vitamin D is likely to reduce serious COVID-19 complications.  They found a strong correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and a complication known as a cytokine storm, which occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive. A lead author of the study stated, “Cytokine storm can severely damage lungs and lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and death in patients. This is what seems to kill a majority of COVID-19 patients, not the destruction of the lungs by the virus itself.”

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At HTC, we supply a range of Vitamin D supplements, both in tablet soft shell format.  The Vitamin D3 2,000iu formulation comes in vegetarian capsules, manufactured using a patented technology, where the outer soft shell is made of carrageenan algae, making this product, together with our Vitamin D3 tablets, suitable for vegetarians. Click here to view the range.

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For more information on any of our lines or for a free instant quote, please contact our sales team now on 01923 652529 or email sales@htc.co.uk.

*Claims for food supplements mentioned in this article are not meant for general public, but are purely for information of food supplement industry professionals. Please note that the claims are not authorised by European Food Safety Authority for use on labels or marketing materials.

With the current global health situation, lockdowns have us isolating in our homes and racking up screen time. The hours we would normally spend in cars, outdoors and with friends and family are now spent indoors, in front of screens. Children, too, are spending far more time in front of screens as classrooms have been replaced by online learning. Of course, dialling down screen time can help reduce symptoms of eye strain which can include blurry vision, tired eyes and headaches. However, there are other measures we can also take to take care of our vision, including taking health supplements.

Although the aging population has traditionally been a strong driver of growth within the eye health market, experts are now reporting that the increased amount of screen time in our daily life is also driving strong demand for eye health supplements. Many people cannot escape blue light as it is everywhere- almost all of the time.

Lutein- the leading ingredient in eye health

The core ingredient in the eye health segment is currently Lutein. This carotenoid has enjoyed growing interest over the past few years as research has uncovered market opportunities for younger generations who have become accustomed to long periods of screen time, which puts them at risk of effects on the eyes in the long term.

Lutein is a carotenoid that accumulates in the retina, in the macula region which is located at the back of the eye. The macula is vital for vision, and Lutein works as an important antioxidant in this area by protecting our eyes from harmful free radicals. In addition, Lutein also acts as a natural sunblock by absorbing excess light energy, and is thought to protect our eyes from harmful blue light.

Lutein is high in efficiency in low dosages, which is why the ingredient is so widely used in many eye health supplements. However, there is plenty of room for other ingredients in this space, such as Zinc.

Zinc- a critical mineral for healthy eyes

Zinc is found in high concentrations in the eyes. It is concentrated in the vascular layer of tissue, just below the retina. It helps to transport vitamin A from your liver to this area, allowing the eye to produce melanin.

Many studies have shown that Zinc may play a valuable role in preventing Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). A study carried out by the National Eye Institute found that taking Zinc alongside other antioxidants could lower levels of developing AMD by about 25%.

HTC’s Eye Care Gummy

HTC Health’s  Lutein and Zinc gummy is a well balanced eye vitamin, ideal for those who do not handle tablets very well; our gummies are delicious in taste and texture, making them more palatable and easy to take. A formula that contains Zinc and Lutein is the gold standard for eye health. Each gummy contains 2.5mg of Lutein.

What’s more,  our formula is also 100% vegan, GMO free, lactose and gluten free and suitable for both adults and children. Our Lutein and Zinc gummies are now available at a special price of £1.95 per bottle (each bottle contains 30 gummies). MOQ is 70 bottles.

For more information on our Eye Care gummy, click here.

 

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For more information on any of our lines or for a free instant quote, please contact our sales team now on 01923 652529 or email sales@htc.co.uk.

*Claims for food supplements mentioned in this article are not meant for general public, but are purely for information of food supplement industry professionals. Please note that the claims are not authorised by European Food Safety Authority for use on labels or marketing materials.

Nutritional supplements were designed to help consumers fill in gaps when their diet fell short. However, today, many consumers are looking for supplements that offer benefits beyond the basic Vitamin A or C. In recent years, there has been an explosion of beauty supplements that contain a mixture of nutrients that promote healthier hair, stronger nails and glowing skin. The emerging nutricosmetics industry is anticipated to become a $7.4 billion industry by 2024 (Global Industry Analysts Inc) as inside-out beauty reaches the masses.

What are Nutricosmetics?

Nutricosmetics refers to the concept of beauty from within. While these supplements have been around in the Asian market for a while now, more consumers across the globe are adopting a 360 degree approach to skincare and beauty- increasingly looking at their diets and what they put into their bodies. The market is becoming more sophisticated in manufacturing technologies. Convenient products that can easily be adapted into busy lifestyles are readily available.

For example, smaller tablets, convenient packaging and so on. According to a survey by Your Beauty Club, 20% of consumers are interested in trying innovative formats in supplements. So far the innovations in beauty supplements have focused on providing great taste, being convenient, easy to use and portable, having multiple health claims and easily becoming part of the consumer’s daily routine.

Nutricosmetics and the gummy format

Gummies are a format shaking up the nutricosmetics market as they address the nutritional needs of consumers whilst delivering a delicious taste, in one convenient bite. With beauty from within and maintain general health on everyone’s minds, gummy vitamins provide the format that consumers needed to finally get excited about taking their otherwise mundane, flavourless tablet everyday.

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HTC’s Hair, Skin and Nails Gummy

Back in stock by popular demand, our Hair, Skin and Nails gummy is a unique, nourishing formula that contains Biotin and Zinc which support the maintenance of normal hair. Formulated with other beauty boosting vitamins including Vitamin E and D3, these vegetarian gummies are also free of artificial sweeteners and are gluten free, dairy free and soya free.

Our Hair, Skin and Nail gummies are available at an MOQ of 42 bottles (60 gummies per bottle). For more information, click here.

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For more information on any of our lines or for a free instant quote, please contact our sales team now on 01923 652529 or email sales@htc.co.uk.

*Claims for food supplements mentioned in this article are not meant for general public, but are purely for information of food supplement industry professionals. Please note that the claims are not authorised by European Food Safety Authority for use on labels or marketing materials.

This week is Brain Awareness Week (BAW); a global campaign, founded by The Dana Foundation, to engage and educate the public on the advances and advantages of brain research carried out worldwide.

One of the main ingredients in the spotlight this week is Fish Oil which contains two types of Omega-3 fatty acids — Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), which are both well known for their benefits for the heart and skin. However, many studies have also shown Fish oil to have incredible benefits on the brain, especially when it comes to mild memory loss and depression.

A study recently published analysed 152 overweight adults, aged between 50-80 over a 16 week period and the impact of Fish Oil on their cognitive and heart health.  They concluded that supplementing the diet with Fish Oil can not only improve cardiovascular health, but results in improved blood flow to the brain.

Further clinical research has been carried out to show it’s not just the elderly who can benefit from Omega 3 Fish Oil. Scientific analysis confirms the health benefits of the supplement for cognitive development throughout all life stages.

EPA and DHA found in Fish Oil play a critical role in developing baby’s brain. Several studies have shown a positive correlation between pregnant women’s fish oil intake with higher scores for their children on tests of intelligence. EPA and DHA are vital for the maintenance of normal brain function from babies to adults- they are abundant in the cell membranes of brain cells, preserving cell membrane health and facilitating communication between brain cells.

Another study by Martek Biosciences looked at the mental health effects of taking Fish Oil supplements. A total of 485 people, with an average age of over 70 took part in the study, with half given supplements and the other half given placebos. Participants were given memory tests at the start and end of the study. The initial memory tests showed that the study participants had an average of 13 errors out of 30. After six months, once the final memory tests were completed, participants who took the supplements reduced their error rate by 4.5, in comparison to those who took the placebos who had a reduced error rate by 2.4.

In addition to slowing down the rate of cognitive decline in the elderly, experts say that those suffering from depression should also consider taking Omega-3’s from Fish Oil as they may see improvements in their symptoms. A daily intake of 250mg EPA and DHA from one of our fish oil capsules is recommended to feel the benefits of this supplement.

At HTC we supply a wide range of Omega 3 Fish Oil, from 18/12, to a Super Strength Omega 3 capsules with a higher concentration of up to 500mg EPA and 250mg DHA. 

For more information on any of our lines or for a free instant quote, please contact our sales team now on 01923 652529 or email sales@htc.co.uk.

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*Claims for food supplements mentioned in this article are not meant for general public, but are purely for information of food supplement industry professionals. Please note that the claims are not authorised by European Food Safety Authority for use on labels or marketing materials.