The panel:
André Tomazelli Sabará, Sales Director, Concepta Ingredients, Valinhos, Brazil, https://conceptaingredients.com
Angie Rimel, Marketing Communications Manager, North America, GELITA, Sioux City, IA, www.gelita.com
Liki von Oppen-Bezalel, PhD, Business Development Director, TriNutra, Harrison, NY, https://trinutra.com
Maggie McNamara, Vice President of Global Marketing, Gencor, Austin, TX, www.gencorpacific.com
Mark G. Walin, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, BIO-CAT, Shakopee, MN, https://www.bio-cat.com
Steven Riley, Head of B2B & Corporate Marketing, Clasado Biosciences, Reading, Berkshire, U.K., www.clasado.com
Combination ingredients represent a rising niche in the nutraceutical industry, with synergistic combination products showing up in store aisles under a variety of health banners. These combination supplements offer consumers a more effective means of enhancing their health, promising benefits beyond those of single-ingredient formulations. As consumer awareness of combination products grows, expect more consumers to seek out these one-two punch ingredients. Nutrition Industry Executive (NIE) has invited a panel of experts to discuss the rising trend of combination products within the nutraceutical market.
NIE: What are the latest developments in synergistic combination products?
Sabará: We’re particularly proud of our Arboreto Premium Protein range, which combines sesame and babaçu flours. This innovative blend exemplifies how two active ingredients can work synergistically to enhance not only nutritional value, but also product functionality. The combination offers high protein content, fiber and minerals, while also promoting sustainability through our Bio Abundance Program, which supports local communities and environmental conservation.
Rimel: Product developers are look at holistic way to develop solutions that are addressing several health concerns that are connected. This offers opportunity to combine multiple active ingredients to target the various physical need states.
Von Oppen-Bezalel: Clinically studied ingredient synergies offer great potential for supporting wellness and lifestyle goals. They can improve efficacy by mutually enhancing the effects of the ingredients and giving consumers more flexibility to customize and incorporate the nutritional products they want to consume. In some cases, taking a “standard” X ingredient with known health benefits and combining it with another less known active can create synergistic benefits via a Super X. It’s an innovative way to get more for less, contributing to affordability by reducing dosage while maintaining or even improving efficacy.
McNamara: Many brands are combining ingredients for enhanced health benefits and developing more personalized products to address the holistic benefits consumers seek. Some manufacturers are adding botanicals to formulas to help meet the “natural” and “clean” consumer trends. Popular ingredients such as collagen, curcumin, PEA, resveratrol, quercetin and iron are being combined in previously unseen ways. Popular combinations include collagen and curcumin for joints; curcumin, PEA, quercetin and resveratrol for a broadband anti-inflammatory; curcumin and iron for increased iron absorption with reduced side effects; and vitamins D3 and K2-7 for bone and cardiovascular health in liposomal format to improve efficacy.
Walin: Recent product launches highlight a growing trend in the dietary supplement industry on front-loading probiotic formulations with fast-acting enzymes. This innovative approach is designed to deliver immediate, noticeable benefits to consumers, making the concept of synergistic combinations more accessible and appealing. By combining probiotics and enzymes, we can enhance digestive health and overall well-being, leveraging both symbiotic and synbiotic relationships to maximize efficacy.
Riley: Well-informed companies are now strategically matching components based on their synergistic potential, rather than simply combining trendy ingredients. We’re seeing targeted combinations like prebiotic fiber blends that support GI (gastrointestinal) health through multiple pathways or pairings, such as prebiotics with colostrum, for enhanced immune support. A notable development is in synbiotics—combinations of specific prebiotics and probiotics where the prebiotic selectively feeds the probiotic strain. As research in this area advances, we anticipate growing interest in these products due to their enhanced benefits and rising consumer interest. The key is creating added value through ingredients that work well together from a mechanism of action perspective.
NIE: What trends are you seeing with combination ingredients?
Sabará: A significant trend is the upcycling of ingredients. Our Arboreto Premium Protein range is a part of this movement—we reuse byproducts from sesame oil extraction, transforming them into high-value protein ingredients. There’s also a growing interest in combining different plant-based flours to meet the increasing demand for clean-label, high-protein and sustainable products.
Rimel: Trends such as beauty and sleep, joint and weight management, or joint and stress, are examples. Collagen blends well with ingredients making it a perfect match for ingredients such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc.
Von Oppen-Bezalel: Most consumers want to purchase products that support their daily health and wellness routines. They are becoming more educated on ingredient synergies and understand that combining ingredients should work better together than alone. Because of this, consumers often look for items they are familiar with and offer a science-backed combination. Popular ingredients include omega-3s, vitamins and minerals, herbs and botanicals, and specialized or branded ingredients like astaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, CoQ10 and black seed oil. These pairings target multiple health benefits and create broader and greater efficacy.
McNamara: Some popular combinations include vitamins and minerals with added specialty ingredients, such as ashwagandha, probiotics, PEA and omega-3s. Other leading brands are utilizing advanced delivery technology with specialty ingredients to enhance the nutraceuticals’ functionality and absorption, boosting the ingredient’s health benefits and giving consumers more “bang for their buck.” Take, for example, a combination of Levagen+ (PEA) and HydroCurc for joint health. Both branded ingredients have robust published clinical studies in this health area. They also utilize an innovative delivery technology—LipiSperse, developed by Pharmako Biotechnologies—that increases their bioavailability dramatically to ensure effective results and optimized dosage.
Walin: First and foremost, there’s a strong push toward simplifying health regimens. Consumers increasingly seek products that make it easier to adhere to recommended daily health habits. By streamlining supplement intake through combination products, we can significantly improve compliance and reduce the likelihood of regimen abandonment. This convenience factor is becoming a major selling point. Additionally, we see a growing preference for combination products that address multiple nutritional concerns. Instead of managing a collection of individual supplements—often with varying formats and schedules—consumers are gravitating toward all-in-one solutions that offer comprehensive support. This trend not only enhances the user experience but also aligns with supporting functional ingredients as part of a holistic approach to health. Another notable trend is the focus on building formulations around proven, clinically supported base ingredients. Brands are increasingly adding complementary ingredients that address specific needs or tap into current health trends. This not only creates product differentiation but also opens the door for stacking new claims that resonate with consumers’ evolving health priorities.
Riley: We’re observing several key trends in the market that seemingly are here to stay. Consumers are increasingly seeking out products that go all-in on a targeted benefit, likely driven by the perceived greater effectiveness in the designated area. Additionally, brands are doubling down on formulations for specific demographics and life stages—for instance, cognitive health products tailored differently for younger versus older populations. There’s also a notable trend toward using gut health as a foundation for proactive overall wellness. This is a stark contrast to where historically, consumers would typically address health concerns as and when they occur, instead of more mainstream “preventive maintenance.” Importantly, science remains central in establishing credibility, especially for combination products. Brands are prioritizing ingredients and combinations backed by robust research portfolio to differentiate themselves in the market and connect with savvy consumers.
NIE: What research are manufacturers and suppliers interested in?
Sabará: Research is focused on developing ingredients that not only improve nutritional profiles but also deliver superior functionality. Manufacturers are interested in plant-based proteins with high bioavailability, innovative textures and the ability to improve product stability. There’s also significant research around sustainability, as companies want ingredients that have a lower environmental impact.
Rimel: Manufacturers and suppliers are interested in research that allows them to make reliable and trustworthy claims to the consumer. GELITA has an excellent record of high-level clinical studies that support our customers’ positioning in the market as well as supporting structure function claims.
Von Oppen-Bezalel: While there are no specific rules regarding synergistic effects, it is essential for brands and suppliers to rigorously test the effectiveness of ingredient combinations. This testing should be conducted through both in-vitro, in-vivo and human clinical studies, ensuring that the claimed synergy is validated by evidence rather than being merely an assertion.
McNamara: Ingredient combinations have the potential to better support specific health conditions. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the product is a crucial responsibility and key factor for manufacturers. Investing in this research and demonstrating the products’ results through clinical research is not just about building trust and loyalty with all parties involved, but also about meeting the needs and expectations of the end consumers.
Walin: Manufacturers and suppliers are increasingly interested in collaborating with strategic partners to explore ingredient synergies or enable companion ingredient benefits. For example, a probiotic with clinical substantiation for bloating support can be combined with enzymes to support digestion, culminating in incremental benefits that neither ingredient alone could provide. A whey protein powder for muscle health could also contain probiotics to help with occasional gas and bloating, and enzymes for amino acid liberation. Manufacturers and suppliers are also interested in leveraging partner R&D capabilities to accelerate product development and manage capital expenditure. For instance, BIO-CAT internally leverages advanced technologies, such as nanopore sequencing, in silico modeling, LC-MS analysis, and upper gastrointestinal digestion simulation protocols. For the study of lower intestinal biology that requires the use of human donor stool, we look outward to partners. For clinical trials, we work with top-tier contract research organizations (CROs) and academic institutions to ensure that clinical research effectively substantiates the efficacy of our products. This hybrid model of internal and external research not only enhances our offerings but also drives category growth in the enzyme and probiotic markets. Overall, the emphasis on high-quality research and strategic collaboration is key to advancing innovation and ensuring that new products meet the highest standards of safety, product relevance and effectiveness.
NIE: How do these synergistic ingredients help meet product formulators’ needs?
Sabará: Our combination ingredients, like Arboreto Premium Protein, help formulators address several challenges: improving texture, increasing protein content, and providing functional benefits like emulsification and thickening. These properties are essential in plant-based applications, ensuring product stability and an appealing sensory experience.
Rimel: Independent of synergistic effects, collagen is easy to formulate with as it dissolves or blends easily, has a neutral sensorial profile and is also non-allergenic. It is versatile and the most promising ingredients are bioactive collagen peptides which can target the specific health benefits for which we are seeing a growing consumer interest.
Von Oppen-Bezalel: It’s crucial that brands or suppliers put effort and time into understanding the pairings, as this is the key to unlocking the potential of these ingredients. This understanding can lead to an excellent opportunity to improve specific health benefits, and the research may reveal additional evidence to support other health-related benefits. Additionally, synergies between ingredients could bring more options for innovation and versatility of compositions and health benefit claims. It can also help reduce the costs of the formula and its use levels while maintaining or even improving efficacy.
McNamara: Most health conditions are a culmination of several factors; therefore, combining ingredients is a logical solution to help adequately address a person’s issues. For example, curcumin and PEA are wide-band anti-inflammatories that act on different inflammatory markers. By combining the two, you achieve a synergistic effect and can now address conditions, such as pain at an entirely different and broad level. Secondly, when ingredients are combined with sophisticated delivery technologies, brands have the flexibility to create various delivery formats and create a more bioavailable product with enhanced absorption. Specific delivery technology allows oil-to-powder conversions, like CPOs (Compressible Powered Oils) by Pharmako Biotechnologies. This technology helps overcome the challenges of formulating with oily-lipid-based ingredients and addresses the problem of product spoilage from oils. CPO can be included in a stable tablet and powder without leaching the oils.
Walin: Synergistic ingredients play a crucial role in helping product formulators achieve their goals by driving innovation and brand differentiation. By incorporating these ingredients, formulators can deliver meaningful performance improvements in their products, enhancing overall effectiveness and appeal. By leveraging synergistic ingredients, formulators can create unique products that stand out in a crowded marketplace, meeting consumer demands for quality and effectiveness.
Riley: Synergistic ingredients offer formulators powerful tools to meet consumer demands. They allow for the creation of products that either provide an enhanced benefit as components work together on a single health area or deliver multiple distinct benefits in one product. This creates potential for more targeted, efficient formulations. However, it’s critical that formulators carefully consider dosages when combining ingredients. Each component should be included at its clinically proven effective dose, unless research specifically supports a different synergistic dosing. Maintaining science-based dosing ensures the finished product delivers on its promises and provides consumers with the health benefits that are claimed.
NIE: What problems do these synergistic ingredients solve?
Sabará: One key issue these ingredients solve is achieving high-quality, functional plant-based products without the need for artificial additives. By combining sesame and babaçu, we provide natural solutions that improve mouthfeel, texture and nutritional profiles. This is particularly beneficial in gluten-free and allergen-free formulations.
Rimel: Synergistic ingredients holistically address multiple health concerns/benefits in one solution. Here, collagen formulations are supportive of products that provide the consumer with ease and convenience. Ease and convenience lead to compliance.
Von Oppen-Bezalel: Many consumers are gravitating toward the “less is more” concept when it comes to supplementation. Specifically, many prefer a daily powder with several ingredients rather than taking a multitude of pills. Combining ingredients can help solve the demand for increased personalization, the less is more concept, and saving costs for both formulators and consumers. At TriNutra, we have heavily invested in testing our black seed oil, ThymoQuin, and its synergistic effects with some of the most popular ingredients, including omega-3s, vitamin D, astaxanthin, hemp oil, beta-carotene, lutein and Pycnogenol. Each investigatory study demonstrated a variety of significant synergistic benefits.
McNamara: Some of the most common ingredients are very poorly absorbed by the body, which significantly affects their performance. Advanced delivery systems, such as LipiSperse (a solid lipid dispersion technology), AquaCelle (a micelle technology), CPOs (liquid to solid conversion), and PlexoZome (a liposomal technology), efficiently address these issues and are backed by multiple human studies. These specialty products are not only designed to increase bioavailability and uptake by the body, but also dramatically improve the functionality of combination actives, promising exciting potential benefits.
Walin: By consolidating functional ingredients into fewer doses, synergistic ingredients simplify the regimen, making it easier for consumers to adhere to their health plans. This theoretical increase in adherence can significantly reduce the likelihood of abandonment, which is one of the largest growth opportunities for the industry. A prime example is the use of probiotics. Traditionally, consumers experience a two-to three-week lag time before noticing benefits, which can discourage continued use. In fact, clinical trials of probiotics for gastrointestinal benefits are rarely conducted for less than six weeks. At BIO-CAT, we tackle this issue by front-loading probiotics with enzymes, providing immediate digestive benefits. This not only offers instant value but also allows the probiotics to work effectively over the longer term. By delivering both immediate and sustained benefits, synergistic ingredients help reinforce positive consumer behaviors, encouraging adherence to new health routines. This ultimately supports the development of a proactive approach to health, improving compliance and overall wellness.
NIE: Do these ingredients have special requirements, such as specialty delivery systems?
Sabará: These ingredients may require specialty delivery systems due to their water absorption properties and ability to gel or emulsify. When formulating, slight adjustments in liquid or fat content may be necessary, especially in gluten-free applications. For instance, sesame flour tends to absorb more water, so recipes need to adapt accordingly.
Rimel: Collagen peptides allow for a wide range of formulations, for example, powder, gel, gummies, concentrated shots, near-waters and bars, and inclusion in everyday foods such as bars and yogurt.
Von Oppen-Bezalel: In some cases, when ingredients are combined, they may accelerate the degradation or cause severe modifications of one another. Additionally, if the ingredients are combined for their known health benefits, it is advisable to separate them within the formula, such as through encapsulation within encapsulation. Furthermore, ingredients with conflicting benefits should not be mixed as this may diminish their effectiveness. It is critical to get an ingredient combination right when creating it. Testing the finished product’s efficacy may not be just a step but a crucial part of the process to ensure it is truly synergistic.
McNamara: Some of the most popular ingredients are poorly absorbed by the body. However, technology plays a critical role here, along with nutraceuticals in general. Sophisticated and clinically tested delivery technologies allow us to boost an ingredient’s bioavailability and improve functionality for various delivery formats that align with consumer demands.
Walin: Yes, some ingredients do have specific requirements, particularly regarding their sensitivity to water activity, heat treatment during manufacturing, and optimal pH levels. These factors can significantly affect their stability and efficacy.
Riley: Some combinations can benefit from specialized delivery systems. For example, certain probiotics may require slow-release or delayed-release mechanisms to improve survivability through the GI tract. Microencapsulation is one approach that can protect sensitive ingredients.
Additionally, understanding the stability of ingredients in various formats is crucial, particularly while innovative categories such as prebiotic RTD (ready-to-drink) beverages are on the rise. For instance, some prebiotics degrade over time in liquid solutions, unlike galactooligosaccharides (GOS) such as our proprietary ingredient Bimuno GOS, which remains stable. Formulators must carefully consider the stability and delivery needs of each component to ensure the finished product maintains its functionality throughout its shelf life.
NIE: How can finished-product manufacturers use these ingredients to meet consumers’ needs in a practical way?
Sabará: Manufacturers can leverage the versatility of our synergistic ingredients to meet growing consumer demand for plant-based, sustainable, and nutritious foods. By incorporating ingredients like Arboreto Premium Protein into snacks, baked goods or beverages, brands can offer products that are not only health-conscious but also environmentally responsible.
Rimel: Consumers desire convenience and portability while getting a nutritive value from a pleasant sensorial experience. Collagen peptides allow for a wide range of formulations, for example, powder, gel, gummies, concentrated shots, near-waters and bars, and inclusion in everyday foods such as bars and yogurt. Classified as foodstuffs, collagen peptides enable clean label solutions: They contain no E-numbers, which means they meet continued consumer demand for products that are pure, safe and naturally functional. GELITA’s Bioactive Collagen Peptides (BCP) which are clinically backed with studies supporting a low dose that optimizes the targeted health benefit, makes them especially easy to add to combo formulations. For example, TENDOFORTE with just a 5 g dose supports tendon and ligament health benefits or VERISOL with only 2.5 g benefits skin health.
Von Oppen-Bezalel: Developing a truly synergistic finished product will appeal to and satisfy many of today’s consumer demands—whether that be health benefits, personalization, sustainability, taste, or affordability—and it is a realistic and feasible option for both the manufacturer and the consumer.
McNamara: Consumers are seeking personalized nutrition products to address various health conditions. Offering synergistic ingredient combinations with innovative delivery technologies will help to meet these consumers’ needs. It also opens the door to new product delivery formats, offering a more personalized approach to wellness.
Walin: Manufacturers of finished products can effectively meet consumers’ needs by collaborating with strategic partners known for their commitment to high-quality functional ingredients. At BIO-CAT, we pride ourselves on being leaders in quality and innovation, offering customized solutions that enhance product development. We also prioritize robust clinical research to ensure improved efficacy and substantiated claims. By partnering with companies like BIO-CAT, manufacturers can leverage our expertise and extensive investments in ingredients that not only enhance product performance but also differentiate their offerings in a competitive market. This collaboration enables them to tap into cutting-edge innovations that address consumer demands for quality and effectiveness.
Riley: Manufacturers should thoughtfully select ingredient combinations that either synergize or complement each other, always keeping the target consumer’s needs in mind. It’s crucial to match ingredients with appropriate applications—for instance, highly stable and versatile prebiotics like Bimuno GOS are ideal for beverages alongside other formats, while less stable options may be better suited for dry formats only. What’s more, manufacturers and their formulation teams should prioritize ingredients with strong scientific backing at clinically demonstrated doses. By focusing on evidence-based formulations and considering factors, such as stability, health and nutrition, brands can create effective products that deliver on consumer expectations. NIE
