Product News

We are delighted to announce that following the success of the original Eye Care softgels, we have decided to re-launch the product as a premium line, further strengthening the formula, taking on board feedback from our customers. The new improved spec for this popular supplement includes much higher levels of Lutein, increased content of Zeaxanthin, as well as tripled dose of DHA and EPA – an even higher quality product to help you stay competitive in this busy marketplace.

Eye health becomes one of the major concerns in most developed consumer health markets. In addition to the rapidly ageing population, a rising incidence of allergies, more exposure to digital screens, pollution, lifestyle diseases and side effects of common medications are leading to more diagnosed cases of dry eye, allergy eyes and aged-related macular degeneration (AMD).

With current hectic lifestyles and diets often lacking in many crucial nutrients, health supplements provide a convenient solution to all people concerned for their eye health. With scientifically researched, industry leading ingredients our unique formula delivers multiple benefits for a range of eye-specific conditions.

Eye Care market

Eye conditions tend to be linked to age, environment, tobacco abuse and diet. As the average age around the world increases, demand for products that address eye health concerns is also on the rise. In January 2014, age-related macular degeneration, a degenerative retinal disease that causes central vision loss and leaves only peripheral vision, ranked as the third leading cause of blindness after cataract and glaucoma.

Furthermore, globally 196 Million individuals are likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration by 2020 which is expected to touch 288 Million by 2040. The increase in consumer awareness about preventive health and the need to consume health supplements is driving the growth of the global eye health supplements market.

Consumer awareness towards eye health continues to grow steadily. Growing eye supplement launch numbers will enhance the product demand in the forecast time frame. The eye supplements accounted for more than 4% of the global supplement launches in 2016. Maintaining strong vision, eliminating free radicals and protection from UV radiation are the prominent features enhancing product penetration.

Formula to protect the eyes

Consumer awareness continues to grow of the potential eye health benefits of the carotenoids, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These ingredients remain the most popular components of the eye health supplements market, and in HTC’s new eye care product, they are combined with other beneficial eye health components, such as Bilberry extract, Omega-3 fatty acids and minerals including Zinc. In our new premium Eye Care line we increased the content of these active ingredients to further improve the product ratings and give our customers a competitive edge.

The link between Lutein and eye health was first reported in 1994 by Dr Johanna Seddon and her co-workers at Harvard University, who found a link between the intake of cartenoid-rich food and a significant reduction in age-related macular degeneration. Researchers from Illinois University claim that Lutein has enough scientific evidence that it should have its own established dietary intake ans join the ranks of vitamins, minerals and macro-nutrients which are part of public nutrition policy.

Our bodies cannot synthesize or make Zeaxanthin or Lutein, so they must be obtained from our diet. However, Zeaxanthin in particular, is very difficult to obtain in one’s daily diet; one would have to consume 20 ears of corn to equal the recommended daily amount of 8mg of Zeaxanthin. This is why many eye care professionals recommend eye vitamins to help replenish what your eyes need most.

These ingredients, coupled with fish oil, create the perfect formula for an eye care supplement. Fish oil, by delivering the DHA Omega 3 fatty acid, which is naturally concentrated in the retina of the eye and promotes healthy retinal function, protects eyes from macular degeneration and dry eye syndrome. Both, DHA and Zinc, which is also included in the ingredient list, allow for the label claim that the supplement contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.

How do the main ingredients work to protect the eyesight?

The macula is an approx. five millimeters wide spot on the retina, yellow in colour, thanks to the content of cartenoids derived from diet – Lutein and Zeaxanthin. As we age, levels of pigments in the macula decrease naturally, increasing the risk of AMD. These cartenoids are the only compounds capable of filtering out the harmful blue light, that can damage cells in the eyes. A thin macular pigment can allow the blue light through, destroying the cells. Maintaining high levels of the pigments Lutein and Zeaxanthin is a valid approach to supporting eye health and reducing the risk of AMD.

Eye health is not all about AMD, however. The benefits of the active ingredients in our new Eye Care supplement may also extend to other conditions, such as inherited eye diseases that affect the retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa. There is also significant evidence for the benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin for cataracts and cataract-related conditions, which are caused by oxidation of the lens.

In addition to that, there are also research findings proving that Lutein may also protect against the detrimental effects of long-term computer display light exposure and when combined with other cartenoids and berry extracts it may reverse signs of visual fatigue.

Another important part of eye health that concerns a constantly growing number of people is dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, increasing the risk of inflammation. Omega 3 fatty acids had shown a great promise in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes.

Find out more

Our new eye care softgel uses an advanced formulation to help protect eye health and replenish vital eye nutrients that can be lost as we age. We’re happy to confirm that the new product is already available from our UK stock  for next day delivery, with MOQ of 10,000 capsules. For a full specification sheet or to find out more information on our new Premium Eye Care supplement, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Click here to download the new Eye Care supplement leaflet or click on the pages below to browse it online.

*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.

At HTC Health, we not only provide a wide range of wholesale premium supplements, but also offer top quality gelatine and vegetarian empty capsules. The whole range is GMP certified, confirming the highest production standards and exceptional quality, and is also approved to be used in pharmaceutical applications for customers interested in this market sector.

Whether you’ve got an established position in the supplement industry or perhaps you’re just starting a business from scratch and are keen to make something unique, at HTC Health we can offer you a wide range of products and services that will elevate your company from a reliable health supplement provider to an innovative leader in the market. With our range of top quality empty capsules, you can create your own bespoke supplements and stand out in this busy marketplace.

Our range of empty capsules is very popular with contract manufacturers and companies looking for alternative source of capsules for their bespoke formulas. Having over 15 years experience in supplying these products we have established long-standing relationships with best quality, reliable manufacturers and we can offer you guidance and advice on the best capsules for your needs.

Our empty capsules are provided by two top manufacturers who specialise in quality bovine gelatine and vegetarian (Pullulan or HPMC) capsules respectively. Both companies use proprietary manufacturing technology and BRC (British Retail Consortium) certified facilities.

Our quality gelatine capsules are created from the finest raw materials and are certified for pharmaceutical use. The gelatine itself is sourced from Rousselot – the largest supplier of premium bovine gelatine – and manufactured to the highest GMP standards.

However, if you wish to appeal with your products to the growing vegan population, our plant-based empty vegetarian capsules will be a perfect alternative for you. Offering the same great quality as the traditional gelatine capsules, these non-GMO, USP-grade and also suitable for pharmaceutical use vegan capsules will allow you to widen your market reach with confidence.

Whatever your needs, we can supply it all: our empty capsules are compatible with all types of filling machines, are available as clear or coloured and come in a wide range of sizes from #000 to #3. Our empty capsules come with a minimum order quantity of one carton per chosen size of capsule. All these capsules are supplied in closed cartons ranging from 50,000 pc (size #000) all the way up to 140,000 pc (size #1).

For customers looking for large quantities (over 1 million pieces), additional trademarks or images can be printed on the capsules, to represent customer’s brand. All our standard lines come in closed capsules, however, following requests from our customers, we have now introduced a possibility to order separated empty capsules for the supplement manufacturers who have equipment working best with capsules that come in two separated pieces. These capsules are ordered on request and are available in large bulk quantities.

Above all, we’re committed to making sure every capsule that reaches you is made to the highest possible standard. Every batch of capsules is supplied with a certificate of analysis containing detailed results of the laboratory tests, so you can be confident of their safety and quality.

At HTC we provide premium quality gelatine empty capsules, as well as Pullulan and HPMC vegetarian capsules. To find out more information about our range, please refer to our online Empty Capsules Brochure, available here.

If you feel our empty capsules could give you a competitive advantage in manufacturing your own range of supplements, please contact our sales team on 01923 652529 or email sales@htc.co.uk to get product specifications or a free instant quote.

With the increasing use of processed foods in the second half of the twentieth century, food additives are more widely used. Food additives are substances added to food to ensure safety and to improve or maintain key attributes, such as taste or appearance.

Some additives have been used for centuries and some have been introduced very recently, of both natural and artificial origin. The European legislation defines food additives as substances not normally consumed as food itself, but which are added to food intentionally for a technological purpose described in the regulations.

Categories of Food Additives

Food additives perform a wide variety of functions in foods and can be divided into several groups, depending on their purpose. In some cases there might be some overlap because some additives exert more than one effect. The additives that you are most likely to come across on food supplement labels are:

Acidity regulators
Purpose: Change or maintain acidity/ alkalinity (pH) of the product.
Examples: Citric Acid, Malic acid, Sodium Citrate.
Products, where we use this type of additive: Nutritional Gummies

Anti-caking agents
Purpose: prevent clumping, ensuring powders and granules are free-flowing.
Examples: Magnesium stearate, Stearic acid, Silicon Dioxide, Croscarmellose sodium
Products: Vitamin D 25mcg Tablets, Vitamin B12 Tablets, Glucosamine Sulphate

Antioxidants
Purpose: Prevent or slow oxidation, thereby extending shelf life.
Examples: dl-Alpha tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sodium Ascorbate (vitamin C), Astaxanthin
Products: Fish Oils, Algae Oils, Krill Oil

Bulking Agents
Purpose: Increase the size of the tablets to get a significant tablet weight that can be handled or compressed, thereby making the manufacturing process more reliable.
Examples: Microstalline Cellulose, Calcium Hydrophosphate, Anhydrous Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Maltodextrin
Products: Zinc Gluconate Tablets, Green Tea Extract (4:1), Vitamin B complex

Coating and glazing agents
Purpose: Protect tablet ingredients from deterioration by moisture in the air and make large or unpleasant-tasting tablets easier to swallow.
Examples: Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hypromellose-6CP, Carnauba Wax
Products: Vitamin C Tablets, Mega Green Tea Extract (4:1), Nutritional Gummies

Colours
Purpose: Impart, enhance or restore colour, compensating for changes during processing, or boosting naturally occurring weaker colours.
Examples: Carmine, Beta-carotene
Products: Nutritional Gummies

Disintegrating Agents
Purpose: Ensure that when the tablet is in contact with water in the digestive tract, it rapidly breaks down into smaller fragments, so the active ingredients absorb.
Examples: Croscarmellose sodium, Crospovidone
Products: Vitamin D 25mcg Tablet, Green Tea Extract (4:1) 50mg

Emulsifiers
Purpose: Prevent ingredients from separating and keeps mixture stable.
Examples: Lecithin, Distilled Monoglycerides, Glyceryl Monostearate
Products: Lutein, Odourless garlic, Coenzyme Q10

Gelling agents, thickeners & stabilisers
Purpose: Provide texture and consistency without compromising taste.
Examples: Pectin, Gellan gum, Arabic gum, Gelatin, Hypromellose, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Agar
Products: Nutritional Gummies

Sweeteners
Purpose: Intense sweeteners are many times sweeter than sugar, hence are used in smaller quantities and contribute fewer calories. Bulk sweeteners, such as polyols, are not broken down into acids that cause tooth decay.
Examples: Maltitol Syrup, Stevioside
Products: Children’s Sugar-Free Gummies, Chewable Fish Oil Softgel

In addition to the additives listed above, there are also other additives categories such as preservatives, used to prolong product’s shelf-life, or flavour enhancers, however these, are more commonly used in food products and not health supplements.

E Numbers Explained

Additives must be assessed for safety before they can be used in any food products. To regulate them and inform consumers, each additive is assigned a unique number called an “E number”. An E number means that a food additive has passed safety tests and is approved by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for use in the EU. Other countries may use different systems to categorise additives.

Often consumers associate E numbers with chemical ingredients that are used to make cheap foods or artificial colouring. In reality E numbers are given to all approved additives whether they are man-made or exist in nature, and regardless of their origin they are subject to the same safety evaluations by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Food Additives Labelling Rules

Many additives are only permitted in certain foods and at maximum usage levels. Under EU law, manufacturers must provide information about any additives used in the foods they produce. All used additives should be listed on the Ingredients List on the product label to ensure consumers have the correct information to confidently make informed food choices.

All ingredients should appear on the label in decreasing order, explaining to the consumer what each additive does, followed by its name or E number to avoid complicated chemical terminology.

If you buy bulk health supplements from HTC Health you’ll find a complete list of ingredients, including all food additives on the Product Specification or Certificate of Analysis enclosed with your order.

More Information on Food Additives

If you’d like to find out more about Food Additives, please visit Food Standard Agency website, where the applicable regulations are explained in detail.

Additionally, Institute of Food Science and Technology has recently published a very concise and informative publication on the subject, as a part of their Food Science Fact Sheet series. Click here to access it.

If you have any questions in regard to food additives used in our health supplements, please get in touch and our in-house technical team will be happy to guide you through the relevant regulations and provide assistance.

Coconut Oil is one of these supplements that go through phases of increased demand and attention, just to suffer from bad press a few months later. However, the highest quality Coconut Oil supplements remain popular, with many devoted fans proclaiming it to be a miracle solution to not only skin problems but also weight management issues, heart conditions and many, many more. But is it justified? Read on to find out!

Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of matured coconuts harvested from the coconut palm. It is unique in its structural make-up, due to its medium-chain fatty acids – coconut oil contains a large proportion of lauric acid. This rare combination of fatty acids can have a profound positive effect on health.

Medium Chain Fatty Acids Explained

Coconut oil contains a unique fatty acid composition – it is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), meaning these fatty acids are shorter than the fatty acids we typically consume. The shorter length of the fatty acids causes MCTs to quickly enter the liver and they are used as an instant source of energy or converted to ketones. When compared to long-chain fatty acids, MCTs increases fat oxidation and energy expenditure.

MCTs may also help to suppress hunger for longer periods than long-chain fatty acids. Therefore, swapping long-chain fatty acids for MCTs may help support weight management.

Coconut oil also increases High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This type of cholesterol scavenges cholesterol in our bloodstream and transports it to the liver. High levels of HDL cholesterol can benefit heart health and may translate to a reduced risk of heart disease.

Coconut oil is also renowned for treating skin conditions. When applied directly to skin, it can effectively act as a skin moisturizer and protect hair against damage. What’s more many people believe coconut oil to be a great immunity booster – lauric acid in particular, which accounts for roughly 50% of the fatty acids in each capsule, together with other breakdown products in coconut oil, can kill bacteria, viruses and harmful pathogens, potentially helping to prevent infections.

What Makes Our Coconut Oil Supplements Different?

Like with many other supplements, the quality of the raw material plays a significant role in its beneficial influence on human health, but with this particular product, it is really crucial. There are significant differences between the coconut oil supplements available on the market. In order to preserve the valuable effect of coconut oil, the raw material, as well as the whole manufacturing process, should be as pure as possible.

For best results from this supplement, you should ideally look for organic virgin coconut oil. Virgin coconut oils are made from the first pressing of fresh, raw coconut without the addition of any chemicals. Such unrefined coconut oil isn’t bleached or deodorised, which is why it preserves all of its important nutrients.

The term refined coconut oil refers to coconut oil that has been bleached and deodorized, often stripping the coconut oil of its natural goodness. This form of oil is derived from dried coconut meat known as copra. Traditionally, the oil obtained from copra has to be purified with bleaching clays, because contaminants arise during the drying process. High heat is then used to deodorize the coconut oil to remove its distinctive odour and flavour. It is proven that refined coconut oil does not offer the same health benefits as the virgin one.

Buy Quality Products From Renowned Supplier

Since our softgel coconut oil capsules are certified organic and made using unrefined oil of the finest quality, they preserve all the vital nutrients. They are also odourless and easy to take, which makes them a perfect choice for those who aren’t too keen on the coconut taste but would still like the benefits of the oil. Each softgel contains an impressive 1,000mg of pure Coconut Oil, with absolutely no fillers or additives.

The product is available with a very low MOQ of 6,000 capsules from our UK stock. For more information, product spec or for a free instant quote, contact our sales team now on 01923 652 529 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.

Vitamin E is a highly regarded super-nutrient and one of HTC’s bestselling individual vitamins. Very popular in its synthetic form, now it’s also available in its natural form, directly from our UK warehouse.

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is a fat-soluble vitamin, found in every cell of our bodies, that is also most known for its antioxidative properties, helping protect the cells of the body from damage by free radicals. It is a staple nutrient you’d expect in all multivitamin formulations, however, increasingly, it also appears to be gaining popularity with very specific health conditions, like cardiovascular support formulas and, due to its free-radical fighting properties, it also often features in the increasingly prominent beauty-enhancing supplements.

EU Registered Health Claim: Vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Antioxidants are natural substances that exist as vitamins, minerals and other compounds in foods. They are believed to help prevent disease by fighting free radicals, substances formed by normal bodily processes such as breathing, and by environmental contaminants like cigarette smoke, that harm the body when left unchecked. Without adequate amounts of antioxidants, these free radicals travel throughout the body, damaging cells.

Part of this cellular damage leads to one of the major known factors in the development of heart disease, oxidation of cholesterol. Oxidation, meaning the addition of oxygen to low-density lipoproteins (LDL or “bad” cholesterol), contributes to the build-up of fatty plaque on artery walls (atherosclerosis), which can eventually slow or block blood flow to the heart. Vitamin E helps prevent arteries from clogging, but it also thins the blood, allowing it to flow more easily through arteries even when plaque is already present.

Premium Natural Form Of Vitamin E

While the synthetic form of this supplement, remains to be prevalent, mostly due to its affordability, it is believed the natural version of it might deliver better health benefits. Natural Vitamin E is usually derived from vegetable oils, primarily soybean oil.

On a supplement label, natural Vitamin E is listed as d-alpha-tocopherol or d-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, while synthetic forms of vitamin E are labelled with a dl-prefix. Both forms of this essential nutrient have very beneficial health effects, however, the main difference between them lies in their molecular structure, which can affect absorption.

Some research findings suggest that a natural form of Vitamin E can be more effective physiologically than the synthetic version. It has been proven to be more bioavailable and retained longer in body tissues. This means you may need lower concentrations or smaller amounts of natural Vitamin E to achieve the same effect as you would with the synthetic equivalent.

Buy Quality Products From A Renowned Supplier

At HTC we offer a selection of Vitamin E supplements. In addition to the synthetic 200iu and 400iu softgel capsules, now you can also order from us the natural form of Vitamin E in a 100iu concentration per softgel, with a low MOQ of 30,000 capsules. For more information on these products or for a free instant quote, contact our sales team now on +44 1923 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.

We are delighted to announce another arrival to our growing line-up of Fish Oils – this time we offer our customers the most popular line of Fish Oil 18/12 1,000mg with Natural Vitamin E.

Among all the new exciting developments in the health nutrition market, fish oil remains one of the top supplements of all times with its importance only growing while new applications are being discovered and tested.

Due to the huge demand for this product among our customers, we’re constantly expanding our Fish Oil portfolio. Just last month we launched the new Fish Oil in fish gelatine soft capsules and this month we’d like to share the news about the latest addition to the range – Fish Oil 18/12 1,000mg (TG) with Natural Vitamin E.

The benefits of Omega 3 Fish Oils are widely known and we’ve also written about them many times before (click here and here for more info). Fish oil capsules are an effective and science-backed way of boosting brainpower, while at the same time delivering a plethora of benefits for other bodily functions and organs, primarily the bloodstream and heart function.

Fish Oil Permitted Health Claims

Fish oil supplements deliver both naturally occurring EPA and DHA types of omega 3 essential fatty acids in each capsule. Although EPA and DHA have individual roles to play and are often responsible for different processes in the body, their positive impact on health increases when consumed together, warranting the use of multiple proven health claims that were approved by the EU to be used as label claims, providing the correct dosage information is displayed:

• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart
• DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure
• DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglyceride level
• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and vision
• DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal brain development of the foetus and breastfed infants.
• DHA maternal intake contributes to the normal development of the eye of the foetus and breastfed infants.

The Benefit of Natural Vitamin E

The new line contains natural Vitamin E in greater quantity than our regular lines. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects fish oil from degradation caused by oxidation and ensures product quality throughout its shelf life. Natural Vitamin E’s bioavailability is double that of synthetic Vitamin E. This means a greater proportion of Vitamin E is absorbed into the bloodstream and can reach target tissues within the body and exert its benefits.

Buy Quality Products From Renowned Supplier

At HTC Health we supply a wide array of Fish Oil supplements varying in the EPA/DHA and Vitamin E content in traditional softgels and fish gelatine capsules available from our UK stock. For more information on our Omega 3 range or for a free instant quote, contact our sales team now on 01923 652 529 or email sales@htc.co.uk.