9 July, 2019

5 reasons for the growth of food supplements in 2019

The growth of food supplements and its industry lives a momentous year for its consolidation and regulation for five reasons, unraveled the Association of Dietary Companies and Food Supplements (Afepadi) after analyzing a report from the International Alliance Dietary – Food Supplements Associations (IADSA) , organization to which it belongs and watches worldwide for the interests of the sector.

Legislation of vegetable ingredients in food supplements

After six years of studies on botanicals, IADSA concluded that the use and tradition of vegetable ingredients is relevant to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of these in food supplements.

This year it is expected that the European Commission will finally issue its report on the permitted vegetable ingredients.

Likewise, the countries of the Pacific Alliance of Latin America are working to improve their negative list of botanical products.

The market value of food supplements

The constant growth of food supplements that the industry is experiencing and the level of innovation they have leaves no doubt for governments about the value of the sector.

This has led different governments to increase their commitment. In the case of the Pacific Alliance, there is a will to create specific legislation for food supplements.

On the other hand, the popularity of certain Ayurvedic herbs has caused the Indian authorities to begin to develop strategies to promote this trend to benefit their economy.

As for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), they expect a future single market to attract new investments to research and develop that industry.

Integration of food supplements in health policies

Although many governments recognize the economic value of food supplements, there is still no widespread awareness of the value they have in supplying food deficiencies, explains IADSA.

However, there are many voices that are making loudspeakers to publicize the impact of food supplements on people’s health. This could lead the authorities to recognize their qualities and integrate these products into their health policies.

More controls and greater security

The growth of food supplements has involved more demanding controls of the components of food supplements to verify safety, health claims or consider approval of new ingredients.

Although sometimes the measures are excessive, it is logical since the health of consumers is at stake. For IADSA, this is a sign of the recognition that the sector is having.

Process of harmonization of the food supplement industry

In summary, both AESAN, as well as the EU and the Pacific Alliance, are moving “at a good pace” to consolidate the industry, according to IADSA, and although achieving it “can never be easy,” they explain, it is a sign that the process Harmonization is still alive.