Many brand owners exploring supplement manufacturing services often inquire about the significance of ingredient overages. In this blog post, we delve into what overages are, their importance, and the potential consequences of underages. Join me with this short read on understanding the key aspects that contribute to product potency, efficacy, and overall quality.
Defining Overages in Dietary Supplements:
An overage refers to the additional amount of a nutraceutical included beyond the claimed quantity on the product label during the manufacturing process. To illustrate, consider a supplement listing vitamin C at 100 mg with a determined overage of 10%. The final product would contain 110 mg of vitamin C, ensuring its potency throughout its shelf life.
The Importance of Overages:
Overages compensate for the natural decline in nutrient levels over time, guaranteeing that the product maintains its full potency until its expiration date. As supplements age on shelves or in warehouses, nutrient levels may decrease, emphasizing the necessity of overages. Reputable contract manufacturers, like Montana Global Health, incorporate overages to ensure product quality. However, some may choose to avoid overages or even use “underages” to cut costs and offer lower prices. This short-term gain can lead to severe consequences for the brand and its reputation.
Ramifications of Non-Compliance with Label Specifications:
Failing to meet label specifications can result in consumers experiencing reduced product efficacy, leading them to discontinue use. Third-party testing may reveal sub-potent products, damaging the brand’s image. Additionally, FDA inspections may result in violations, publicized through Form 483 on their website, causing significant harm to the brand’s reputation.
Protecting Your Dietary Supplement Brand:
To safeguard against these issues, choose a reputable supplement contract manufacturer that consistently includes appropriate overages. Consider third-party testing for verification and cost containment strategies, such as rotating nutraceuticals testing. Ingredient overages play a pivotal role in ensuring the potency, efficacy, and quality of vitamins and supplements. By understanding their importance and collaborating with reliable manufacturers, brands can protect their reputation and deliver high-quality products to consumers.