[Case Study] How Prozena optimized its Vitamin D3 supplements through microencapsulation combined with functional oils

Objective: increase the bioavailability of Vitamin D3 in dietary supplements

Prozena, an emerging brand in the nutraceutical supplement sector, targets a wide audience with the goal of developing highly effective and well-tolerated products.

One of the critical challenges in formulating Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplements is its low bioavailability in traditional formats (tablets, dry capsules, or powders):

• Vitamin D3 is fat-soluble and requires fats for proper absorption.
• Without an appropriate oil-based carrier, part of the ingested vitamin is not absorbed.
• Vitamin D3 is unstable when exposed to light, heat, and oxygen, leading to a reduction in its activity.
• Individuals with gastrointestinal issues or those taking certain medications may experience even lower absorption, increasing the risk of deficiency.

For this reason, Prozenadecided to develop a formulation that combines Vitamin D3 with functional oils to maximize absorption and active ingredient stability.

The solution: microencapsulation with highly synergistic functional oils

To address the challenges mentioned above, Prozena turned to FLOWACTIVES^®technology. Microencapsulation of Vitamin D3 within a blend of selected oils (e.g., MCT oil and olive oil) allows for:

• Protection of Vitamin D3 from oxygen, light, and moisture, reducing degradation.
• Delivery of D3 along with high-bioavailability lipids, enhancing intestinal absorption.
• Controlled and prolonged release in the gastrointestinal tract, improving absorption even in individuals with slow metabolism or digestive issues.

This formulation offers unique advantages over other approaches:

1. Superior absorption
   Thanks to the oil-based microencapsulated system, Vitamin D3 absorption is increased by 2–3 times compared to conventional formulations.
2. Improved stability
   The microcapsule protects the vitamin from light, heat, and oxidation, preventing degradation during the product’s shelf life.
3. Targeted and gradual release
   The system ensures sustained release over time, supporting steady absorption and reducing plasma spikes.
4. Neutral taste and ease of use
   The technology allows integration into formats such as stick packs, powders, or hard capsules without altering the taste, making the product suitable for a wide audience.
5. Broad adaptability
   The technique is scalable and flexible, allowing for the inclusion of other fat-soluble actives (such as Vitamin K2, CoQ10, Vitamin E) in synergy with D3.

Conclusions

The microencapsulation technology with functional oils developed by Prozenarepresents a groundbreaking innovation:

• Significantlyimprovedabsorption
• Protection of the active ingredient from oxidative, thermal, and photochemical degradation
• Versatile, palatable, and stableformulations
• An effective solution for all target groups, from children to the elderly

UsefulReferences

• Wagner D., et al. (2012). The role of lipids in the absorption and bioavailability of vitamin D. Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism.
• Singh J., et al. (2016). Microencapsulation: A promising technique for controlled drug delivery. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research.
• EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products (2016). Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level of vitamin D.