The increasing demand for effective and safe dietary supplements has led to renewed interest in new production techniques. This is the case, for example, with peppermint-based supplements. The main challenge in their production concerns protecting the active ingredients from the acidic environment of the stomach.

This is where IPS comes into play, with a technique called microencapsulation by coacervation. This technique allows the active ingredient to be protected within a gastro-resistant membrane, significantly improving its bioavailability, and overcoming problems related to its volatility and chemical degradation (see graph below).

Research and practical application have shown that microencapsulated peppermint-based supplements offer a better profile of efficacy and safety. Thanks to microencapsulation, controlled and prolonged release of active ingredients can be achieved, significantly enhancing the therapeutic experience for consumers. The polymeric membrane only dissolves upon reaching the small intestine, ensuring targeted release where absorption is most effective.

This process not only improves the stability of the active ingredients but also protects the gastric mucosa from potential irritations or other undesirable side effects. This innovative approach therefore allows the beneficial properties of peppermint to be fully utilized, offering a natural and effective solution to symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive disorders.

The production of peppermint-based supplements containing microencapsules with gastro-resistant membrane represents a significant step forward in the field of nutraceuticals. This technology not only ensures greater bioavailability of active ingredients but also meets the needs of increasingly informed consumers who are attentive to the quality of the products they consume.

The integration of this innovation into production processes offers significant added value, promising supplements that are more effective, safe, and in line with the holistic well-being expectations of modern consumers.