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August 27, 2019

Benefits and Challenges of Applying Nanotechnology in Nutritional Supplements



Nanotechnology is the latest technological innovation that is increasingly used today to deliver bioactive materials more effectively to the human body through foods, pharmaceuticals, skin care products, and dietary supplements. Many renowned manufacturers of personal care products and dietary supplements now consider nanotechnology to be a gamechanger in terms of increasing the benefits of cosmetic products and nutraceuticals.



Technology that deals with materials smaller than 100 nanometers is nanotechnology, and may be referred to as the art and science of creating new and unique products and materials by manipulating matter at the nanoscale. It is important to note that the behavior of nanoparticles is not similar to that of conventionally sized particles. The novel characteristics displayed by them depend entirely on the quantum mechanical forces seen at this level. As a result of these quantum mechanical forces, the material may become more conductive and stronger, have altered solubility properties, and better able to transfer heat. However, the change in scale may also bring about many unintended effects that are poorly understood at this stage.

Increased Use of Nanotechnology

Since the introduction of nanomaterials to the general consumer market in 2005, this technology has emerged as a major source of innovation for food packaging, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and food processing.  Interestingly, the application of nanotechnology has not been limited to the field of mainstream dietary supplements. It is not difficult these days to learn about hemp oil, but not many of us know that scientists have been able to create nanoparticles of CBD (an ingredient of hemp) that can be absorbed better in the human bloodstream compared to its regular-sized particles. The experts suggest that some of the properties of the nanoparticles are completely different from the old particles, and scientists utilize these changed properties to deliver better absorption of bioactive materials in the body.     

FDA Involvement

There is no denying the fact that the applications of nanotechnology are potentially beneficial for many industries. However, the safety of the products derived using this technology has not been established properly. In 2007, observing the rapidly growing popularity of nanotechnology, the FDA created a task force in order to address all concerns related to safety and regulatory compliance. Two draft guidance documents were issued by the FDA in 2012, one each for cosmetics and food products. Surprisingly enough, dietary supplements were not specifically addressed by any of these drafts. However, since FDA considers dietary supplements to be a food category, the draft guidance on foods is completely applicable to the dietary supplements industry.

In its draft related to nanotechnology, FDA mentions that the bioavailability of a food substance can be affected by its changed physical and chemical properties via altered distribution, metabolism, absorption, and excretion. Moreover, the FDA also acknowledges the fact that such alterations in the biological interactions of a substance may affect the level where toxicity comes into play. 

Labeling:

Another subject of discussion related to nanotechnology is the labeling of new ingredients. As of now, there is no regulatory requirement to specifically label products that contain nanoscale ingredients. At the same time, there is no need to label nanomaterials because these ingredients are treated by the FDA as any other New Dietary Ingredient (NDI). Also, pre-market approval of products derived by the application of nanotechnology requires no safety assessments. The absence of labeling guidelines, however, denies the consumers from making informed choices regarding the use of these products. 

As long as there is no clear cut solution to this situation, it is important for consumers to be well acquainted with the latest developments in the field of nanotechnology. This will help them decide which of the nanotechnology derived products should be used. 



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