According to Shelby Linville, Associate Director of Global Product Marketing at Lonza Capsules & Health Ingredients (CHI), the dietary supplements industry across Asia-Pacific (APAC) is witnessing a surge in innovative format and delivery technologies, driven by evolving consumer expectations and advances in science and technology.
“Today’s consumers seek more convenient supplements that can be easily incorporated into their busy schedules, efficacious solutions backed by science, as well as multifunctional and experiential formats.
“We anticipate breakthroughs in supplement delivery that merge science, sensory appeal, and personalisation. In fact, from a personalisation perspective, AI-driven apps and customisable supplement solutions are set to provide a new level of tailored health support and dosage form technologies,” she told NutraIngredients-Asia.
At the same time, visually appealing supplements are expected to gain momentum.
“Formats like capsule-in-capsule and beadlets-in-capsule can be used to make eye-catching products. Take Lonza CHI’s Capsugel Beadlets technology for instance, it enables the combination of multiple ingredients into an aesthetically pleasing dosage form, such as colourful beadlets suspended in liquid, creating an engaging consumer experience on the shelf and during use.”
Additionally, the technology supports multiple media and filling options, including pellets, beads, oil, suspension, aqueous and semi-solids, allowing otherwise chemically or physically incompatible ingredients to be delivered within a single dose.
These can be mixed and customised based on the optimal nutrient content required to meet the needs of a market.
“Beyond aesthetics, innovation in supplement formats is increasingly driven by the demand for enjoyable experiences. As a result, we expect more formats that engage the senses to emerge. One example is Lonza CHI’s recently launched AromatiQ technology, a new aroma capsule-coating technology that enhances the sensory aspect of supplements.”
Trends to stay
Linville also identified the major trends that are likely to persist going forward.
These include powder formats, which have gained traction particularly in the performance nutrition and weight management categories, where single-serve sachets and functional beverages offer on-the-go convenience and portion control.
On the other hand, capsules remain a dominant and trusted format, especially in China, where consumers associate them with high efficacy, ease of use, and premium quality.
“Capsule technologies that enable precision dosing and protection of sensitive ingredients are increasingly important. Biotics, including probiotics, prebiotics and probiotics, will remain a key force driving APAC’s nutraceutical market in 2025. As demand for these ingredients rises, specialised delivery technologies are critical to ensure their stability and efficacy.
“Timed-release solutions, such as Lonza CHI’s Capsugel DRcaps capsules, help protect ingredients from the harsh stomach environment, supporting their delivery to the intestine where they can perform optimally. This technology offers formulators more options to develop effective products with the in-demand ingredients.”
Specifically, Capsugel DRcaps’ hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) capsules are designed to be disintegrated approximately 45 minutes later than a typical release within five minutes. This protects acid-sensitive ingredients from degradation in the stomach, without the cost and complexity of incorporating acid-resistant properties during manufacturing.
Another trend in APAC is the adoption of plant-based lifestyles, leading to a continuous high demand for vegan supplements.
“Known for their health benefits, certain mushroom powders are now recognised as superfoods in the region, particularly in India, China, and Japan. Low-moisture capsules, such as our Capsugel Vcaps Plus vegan capsules, can help protect hygroscopic ingredients like mushrooms.”
Furthermore, multifunctional supplements are growing in popularity as consumers take a more holistic approach towards health and well-being.
Innovative technologies that can encapsulate multiple ingredients and deliver multiple benefits in one supplement are therefore in high demand.
“These trends in supplement format and delivery technology are here to stay because they are deeply rooted in long-term consumer behaviour. What’s more, the dietary supplements market in APAC is projected to increase by 12.6% annually from 2023 to 2030.
“This growth is driven in part by rapidly ageing populations combined with heightened health awareness, and a rising interest in preventative healthcare, personalised nutrition, self-care, and well-being. As these factors continue to shape consumer needs, demand for innovative formats and advanced delivery technologies will only intensify, making them a lasting priority for formulators and brands,” Linville reiterated.