The capsule technology uses a clear enteric coating on the inside of the gel instead of on the outside. This see-through coating means the ingredients are visible, but it also does not breakdown until it reaches the lower intestine - thereby averting unpleasant reflux.
The technology has uses for omega-3 as well as for other healthy ingredients with potent flavors that can lead consumers not to take their supplements. Encapsulators like Prime Nutrisource have sought a solution to this counterproductive obstacle.
"We are focusing on the omega-3 market because of the demand from our clients to make a scentless fish oil softgel," Stephane Barjolin, sales manager with Prime Nutrisource, told NutraIngredients-USA. "Because our scentless technology is so versatile, we are now seeing more requests to make custom formulated softgels such as fish oils mixed with other products and also high potency garlic oils."
The company said its disintegration standard eliminates the repeat or reflux of the product in the softgel once ingested. As well, unlike many softgels, the scentless enteric coating on this capsule is clear, allowing the consumer to see the product inside.
According to Barjolin, the price is "very similar" to other enteric coated softgels on the market.
"Consumers and retailers know the benefits of taking omega-3 softgels, but the two biggest drawbacks are the smell of the softgels and the reflux or repeat once ingested," said Barjolin. "When consumers started to complain, we felt compelled to do something about it."
To manufacture the capsule, Prime Nutrisource runs gelatin through a softgel machine and deposits a thin layer of scentless enteric coating on one side, which becomes the inside of the softgel.
The so-called scentless softgels were developed in Prime Nutrisource's research and development facility in Lianyungang City, China.
The company is currently researching and developing a vegetarian version of the scentless softgel.