Microencapsulation allows the controlled release of ingredients

Challenges in the production of nutritional supplements, such as the use of substances that are poorly soluble in water, sensitive to degradation by gastric acid, have a bad taste and poor absorption, and substances subject to self-degradation and oxidation, can be successfully solved by using the microencapsulation process.

AUTHORS: dr. Dejan Gmajner, Biovis, dr. Rok Devjak and dr. Boštjan Šumiga, Laboratoriji Natura

In the composition of food supplements, we also encounter substances that are poorly soluble in water, sensitive to degradation by stomach acid, substances that have a bad taste, and poor absorption, are subject to self-degradation and oxidation, etc. Microencapsulation can successfully solve these challenges in the production of nutritional supplements containing coenzyme Q10, vitamins, minerals, cannabidiols or other plant extracts, in spices and essential oils, insoluble proteins and probiotics.

The innovative process of microencapsulation of food supplements

With the help of microencapsulation technology, the desired active substance can be surrounded by another substance that forms a barrier between the active substance and the external environment. Microencapsulation methods such as spray drying or fluid bed technology coating usually take place at higher temperatures, which can have a negative effect on thermolabile substances. The method of microencapsulation and drying by lyophilization enables the entire process of preparing dry microcapsules to take place at low temperatures.

Biovis company, in cooperation with Slovenian researchers and scientists, we have developed microencapsulation technology for Biostile food supplements with an innovative and patented microcapsule drying process lyophilization, where the microcapsules are deep-frozen and slowly dried in a vacuum to a dry powder.

All steps include only natural ingredients, and the procedure is especially suitable for: protection and preservation of biological activity and functional properties during production and storage,

• masking and prevention of unpleasant odor and/ or taste,

• increased product stability,

• increased bioavailability of active substances,

• controlled release of active substances in the digestive system,

• targeted delivery to the desired place in the body.

Microencapsulation technology with a patented process is used to produce Biostile food supplements containing coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, cannabidiol (CBD) and curcumin.

Microencapsulation of coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is an important link in the electron transport chain of the inner mitochondrial membrane in the production of chemical energy in the form of ATP. Under stressful conditions, energy production and the level of coenzyme Q10 in the body may decrease. This deficit is successfully compensated by oral administration, which has shown a positive effect in the treatment of many diseases such as cardiomyopathy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and periodontal diseases, and in reducing the risk of statin use in myopathy. It has also been proven to improve the condition of people with coenzyme Q10 deficiency due to genetically determined conditions8

Coenzyme Q10 and selenium

Selenium and coenzyme Q10 work in synergy, so it makes sense to add them simultaneously to the diet of modern man. Selenium is required in the metabolic pathway for the synthesis of coenzyme Q10, and coenzyme Q10 is required for the incorporation of selenium into enzymes that require selenium for their activity. Selenium deficiency also negatively affects the intracellular distribution of coenzyme Q101.

The average daily intake of selenium in America is 93 to 134 µg/day, and in Europe, due to the lower content in the soil, only 40 µg /day1. Additionally, a link between low plasma selenium content and high mortality from cardiovascular diseases has been proven in Europe. The addition of selenium through food supplements allows a controlled and economically profitable addition of selenium to the diet.

Clinical study KiSel-10, in which they were supplemented simultaneously as a dietary supplement for four years coenzyme Q10 and selenium, showed an extremely positive long-term effect. After 10 or 12 years, the mortality rate from cardiovascular diseases was as much as 50% or 40% lower, and the risk of hypertension, ischemic heart disease, weakened heart function and diabetes was also significantly reduced1,2 Another large clinical study, Q-SYMBIO, showed a 43% reduction in mortality from cardiovascular diseases with additional consumption of coenzyme Q109

Controlled release in the small intestine

In Biostile microencapsulated Q10 with selenium, coenzyme Q10 is dissolved using the principle of coacervation 10 in non-polar olive oil, then surrounded by a capsule of polysaccharides and proteins and dried at temperatures below freezing. Resuspended microcapsules are stable in acidic and neutral media and resistant to degradation in the stomach. The microcapsule shell is successfully broken down only with the help of pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine, where coenzyme Q10 is released, which is in the oil phase, which enables high bioavailability5,11 and successful absorption in the intestine (Dr. Devjak and Dr. Šumiga – unpublished results).

FIGURE 1 Resuspended microcapsules. Stable microcapsules of polysaccharides and proteins resistant to low pH are visible around the coacervate drops, which contain coenzyme Q10 dissolved in olive oil.

FIGURE 2 After the addition of pancreatic enzymes, the microcapsules break down and release the internal oil phase with coenzyme Q10, in a more bioavailable form suitable for intestinal absorption.

Microencapsulation of vitamin C

The level of bioavailability of vitamin C largely depends on absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and reabsorption in the kidneys, and on excretion. At low and moderate concentrations in the digestive epithelium, in the tissues and in the kidneys, transport takes place mainly by active transport that is subject to saturation6. Regardless of the amount of ascorbic acid consumed, there is an upper limit of absorption. In order to increase the absorption of ascorbic acid, various forms of application have been developed, and the proven best effect on increasing bioavailability was achieved by encapsulation.

Beta- cyclodextrin is widely used for the controlled uptake of organic, inorganic, biological and pharmaceutical molecules. Encapsulation of the non-polar part of the included molecule into the hydrophobic cavity of cyclodextrin and by stabilizing the soluble part of the included molecule with the polar end, inclusion complexes with a wide spectrum of molecules can be formed. The technology is used in the pharmaceutical and food industry to influence solu-