Science & Research
Science Behind Every Formulation
At Heartmin, science plays an important role in how we approach food supplements.
From ingredient selection and formulation development to manufacturing and quality assessment, we aim to make informed decisions based on available scientific information, technical specifications and applicable regulatory requirements.
Our approach is practical: understand the ingredient, understand its purpose within the formulation, and ensure the finished product is manufactured to an appropriate standard.
Science. Quality. Confidence.
Our Approach to Product Development
Creating a food supplement involves more than selecting a list of ingredients.
Different nutrients, botanical ingredients and other substances have different characteristics, recommended levels of use, formulation requirements and stability considerations.
When developing products, relevant factors may include the intended formulation, ingredient specifications, available scientific information, permitted use, product format, manufacturing requirements and target market.
This helps us develop products with a clear and considered formulation approach.
From Research to Finished Product
01. Research & Ingredient Review
Product development begins with understanding the ingredients.
Depending on the formulation, we may review technical information, ingredient specifications, established nutrient information, available scientific literature and relevant regulatory guidance.
Our aim is to understand how an ingredient can appropriately contribute to the intended formulation before progressing to manufacturing.
02. Formulation Development
The right formulation depends on more than the ingredients themselves.
We consider factors such as ingredient quantities, combinations, product format, serving requirements and manufacturing feasibility when developing a product.
This process allows us to create a wide range of food supplement formats, including:
Tablets | Capsules | Caplets | Softgels | Gummies | Powders | Drops | Syrups & Liquids
03. Ingredient & Supplier Documentation
Ingredient quality starts with appropriate specifications and documentation.
Depending on the ingredient and product, documentation may include specifications, Certificates of Analysis, origin information, allergen information and other technical or quality documentation.
Additional certification or documentation may also be required depending on the product, ingredient or destination market.
04. Manufacturing Controls
Once a formulation moves into production, manufacturing controls help support consistency between the approved formulation and finished product.
We work with suitable manufacturing partners and established quality systems, including GMP and relevant ISO standards where applicable.
Manufacturing requirements vary according to the product format, formulation and intended market.
05. Testing & Quality Assessment
Testing requirements are determined according to the product, ingredients, manufacturing process and applicable requirements.
Where appropriate, assessment may include areas such as:
Microbiological Quality
Testing or assessment for relevant microorganisms and microbiological limits.
Ingredient or Nutrient Analysis
Analytical testing may be used where appropriate to assess particular ingredients, nutrients or other specified characteristics.
Heavy Metals
Relevant products or ingredients may be assessed for metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic where appropriate.
Physical & Product Specifications
Depending on the format, this can include characteristics such as appearance, weight, dimensions and other defined specifications.
The exact testing programme can differ between products.
Quality Through Documentation
Good science also requires good documentation.
Technical and quality documentation helps provide traceability and supports decisions throughout product development, manufacturing and supply.
Depending on the product and its requirements, this may include:
Product Specifications
Defines important characteristics and requirements for the product.
Certificates of Analysis
Provides analytical information relating to specified ingredients, materials or finished products where applicable.
Ingredient Documentation
Technical information supporting the identity, specification and suitability of ingredients.
Manufacturing & Quality Documentation
Relevant records and certificates supporting the manufacturing and quality processes used for the product.
Stability & Shelf-Life Information
Where applicable, stability information can help support product quality and the establishment of an appropriate shelf life.
Stability Matters
Food supplements can change over time.
Ingredients may respond differently to factors such as temperature, moisture, light, oxygen and interactions within a formulation. Packaging and storage conditions can also be important.
Where appropriate, stability information and product-specific data are considered when establishing product requirements and shelf life.
This is particularly important because different product types and ingredients can behave differently over time. There is no single approach that is suitable for every supplement.
Evidence-Informed Nutrition
Scientific knowledge continues to develop.
We recognise the importance of distinguishing between emerging research and well-established nutritional information. When considering scientific information, relevance to the particular ingredient, quantity, formulation and intended use matters.
We therefore aim to take a balanced approach to available evidence rather than relying on individual studies or broad claims.
For consumer-facing product information, we also consider the regulatory requirements governing nutrition and health claims in the markets where products are supplied.
Different Formats Require Different Expertise
A tablet is different from a softgel. A gummy is different from a powder. A liquid formulation presents different considerations again.
Each format can involve its own manufacturing, stability, ingredient compatibility and packaging requirements.
Tablets & Caplets
Formulation can involve consideration of compression, coating, ingredient compatibility and physical characteristics.
Capsules
Capsule formulations require consideration of fill materials, capsule shell type, quantities and manufacturing suitability.
Softgels
Particularly suitable for certain oils and oil-based formulations, with consideration given to the fill material and softgel shell.
Gummies
Require careful formulation to balance ingredients with the physical and manufacturing characteristics of the gummy format.
Powders
Ingredient blending, serving size, flow characteristics and packaging are among the considerations for powdered supplements.
Drops, Syrups & Liquids
Liquid formulations can require particular attention to ingredient compatibility, concentration, flavour, stability and suitable packaging.
Science Meets Quality Assurance
For us, science and quality assurance are closely connected.
Research can help inform what goes into a formulation. Specifications define what is required. Manufacturing controls help produce it consistently. Appropriate testing and documentation help assess whether defined requirements have been met.
Together, these elements form part of our approach to developing and supplying Heartmin food supplements.
Working with Specialist Partners
Modern food supplement development often involves expertise from different parts of the supply chain.
Heartmin works with ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, laboratories, packaging suppliers and other specialist partners according to the requirements of individual products.
Working with appropriately qualified partners gives us access to technical knowledge and capabilities across different stages of product development and production.
Continuous Learning
Nutrition science, analytical methods, ingredients, manufacturing technology and regulatory requirements continue to evolve.
Our approach is to continue learning and reviewing relevant developments as our product portfolio grows.
Where appropriate, we use new information to review formulations, specifications, quality requirements and future product development.
We believe responsible product development is not about making the biggest scientific claims.
It is about asking the right questions, using appropriate evidence and maintaining a strong focus on quality from formulation to finished product.
Heartmin
Science-led thinking. Quality-focused development. Food supplements for the UK and international markets.