Not every nutrient is suitable for every pharmaceutical form
Why are some Burgerstein products available as tablets, whilst others come in capsule or granule form? The answer is simple: every nutrient and every formulation places different demands on product development.
The choice of dosage form is therefore made on the basis of various criteria. This includes, amongst other things, the properties and nature of the ingredients – for example, whether they are solid, liquid, oily or hygroscopic – the desired dosages and the composition of the formula. The question of whether it is a mono-product with a single ingredient or a combination product with several ingredients also plays a role. At the same time, we make sure that the product can be integrated into day-to-day life as easily and pleasantly as possible. Our goal is always the same: to develop a solution that makes sense in scientific terms and at the same time is pleasant to take.
The right dosage form is part of product development
An important question arises when we develop a new formula:
Which dosage form is best suited for this product?
Factors that play a role include:
| The crucial factor is… | Why it matters |
| Properties of the ingredients | Each ingredient has different properties that must be taken into account when choosing the dosage form. – Sensitivity to oxygen, light or moisture – Volume – Properties, e.g. solid, liquid, oily or hygroscopic – Taste – Odour |
| Stability |
The dosage form should contribute to the best possible protection of the ingredients over the entire life of the product. |
| Application | The dosage form should suit the target group and make it as easy and convenient as possible to take in day-to-day life. – Number and size of tablets or capsules to be taken – Simple dosing – How it is taken, e.g. by swallowing, chewing or dissolving – Needs of the respective target group, e.g. children or adults |
| Formula |
The composition of the formula also influences which dosage form can be implemented for effective use. |
Every dosage form has its strengths
Tablets
Tablets make it possible to process ingredients in a compact way, as the raw materials are compacted during production.
Example:
Burgerstein MagnesiumVital contains magnesium compounds that require a lot of space. A tablet enables an effective dosage in a practical form.
Soft gelatine capsules
This capsule form is particularly suitable for sensitive ingredients, as they must be optimally protected from oxygen. Inside the capsule, the ingredients can be in the form of a suspension, where solid components are dispersed in an oily suspension. The capsule shell, which does not allow oxygen to pass, helps to prevent unwanted reactions between ingredients, such as between iron and vitamin C, or to better stabilise sensitive ingredients such as carotenoids.
Example:
Burgerstein Eisen plus is available as a soft gelatine capsule. The micronutrients contained are present inside in an oily suspension. This dosage form helps to prevent unwanted interactions between iron and vitamin C within the formula and thus enables the targeted combination of the different micronutrients.
HPMC capsules
HPMC capsules are capsules with a vegetable capsule shell. HPMC stands for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a substance derived from cellulose. Unlike soft gelatine capsules, they contain no gelatine and are therefore also suitable for vegetarian products. They are mainly used for solid ingredients such as powders or granules and make it possible to combine different ingredients in an easy-to-take form.
Example:
Burgerstein ImmunVital is available in an HPMC capsule.
Granules and powders
Granules or powders offer advantages if the focus is on flexible and uncomplicated administration or if a formula is particularly well suited for this purpose. This may be the case, for example, with larger amounts of ingredients for which several tablets or capsules would otherwise have to be taken. The taste and smell of certain ingredients can also be concealed to a certain extent by suitable technologies such as a coating. However, if the taste or smell is too strong, this can limit its implementation as a powder or as granules.
Example granules:
Burgerstein microcare® is based on a wide range of granules, which can be combined individually. The advantage of this dosage form is that larger volumes are also easy to take. In addition, different products can be combined in a single formula. The granules are provided with a special coating for additional protection and to make them more pleasant to take.
The granules can be taken directly or simply stirred into cold food and beverages – ideal for anyone who prefers individualised supplementation that is particularly straightforward to use.
Example powder:
Burgerstein Probase® powder, on the other hand, offers the classic advantages of a powder form. The ingredients have been selected so that they are tasteless and odourless and the powder does not contain any flavouring. This means that the high-volume organic minerals can be dosed simply and individually: 1 teaspoon instead of several tablets. This makes it suitable for different needs and, as it is simply stirred into water or other drinks, can be taken by both children and adults.
Liquid
Liquid dosage forms such as drops or oil are particularly suitable for people who cannot or do not want to swallow tablets or capsules, as well as for flexible dosing using drops or measuring spoons.
Example:
Burgerstein Omega-3 liquid is available as an oil with a natural orange flavour. It can be taken directly or added to foods such as smoothies or muesli – an ideal solution even for children aged 2 and over.
There is no best dosage form
People often ask whether tablets are generally better than capsules or whether powders are generally of higher quality than other forms of administration. The answer is: no.
Each dosage form has its own advantages. The decisive factor is always which solution is best suited to the respective formula, the ingredients and the intended area of use.
For this reason, the dosage form at Burgerstein is already carefully selected during the product development stage.
Quality is also reflected in the details
Choosing the right dosage form is an important part of every Burgerstein formula. It helps to ensure that ingredients can be optimally processed, that the desired quality is maintained and that the product can be easily integrated into day-to-day life. Because sometimes it is not just the content that makes the difference – but also the form in which the product reaches the customer.
Further insights into our quality
What makes a high-quality raw material
Find out which criteria we use to select and test raw materials.
Why each product needs its own formula
Discover the scientific considerations behind every Burgerstein formula.
If you’re interested in the stages that take place long before production begins, then you’ve come to the right place.
