Tube Packaging for Nutritional Supplements

Supplements need to be properly protected in order to maintain their potency. That’s why tube packaging is a popular option for nutritional supplements.

Today’s top health and nutrition packaging options include plastic tablet tubes, extra large bottles for protein powder, medicine bottles, and resealable bags. Choosing the right type of packaging is crucial for your brand.

Tube-Feeding Formulas

If someone's gastrointestinal tract doesn't work normally or their ability to chew and swallow has been affected, they may need tube feeding to meet their nutritional needs. This is called enteral nutrition and there are a number of different tube-feeding formulas to choose from.

These liquid formulas contain calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep patients healthy while they have problems with eating. They can be used in a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube, a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (PEJ) tube or a nasogastric tube that goes down through the nose and into the stomach.

Blenderized tube-feeding formulas made with whole foods have become increasingly popular. But the formulas need to be properly designed to ensure that they're nutritionally complete and do not clog tube feeding tubes. Also, these products need to be stored and used at room temperature to avoid bacterial contamination. There are a variety of specialized formulas to choose from including polymeric, peptide-based and modular formulas.

Liquid Supplements

A growing number of consumers have nutritional supplement needs that require liquid vitamins and supplements. Tubes are the ideal packaging choice for these products because they offer a sleek, modern look that sets them apart from other brands, and they can be sealed tightly to protect ingredients from oxidation and spoilage. They also allow plenty of space for displaying product information, an important feature for a supplement that needs to be clearly labeled.

For those who have pill aversion or health conditions that make it difficult to swallow pills, liquid vitamins and supplements are an excellent alternative. These bottles can be packaged in a variety of shapes and sizes, including tablet tubes, extra large buckets for protein powder, medicine bottles and resealable bags. Choosing the right container for these products will help to increase sales and attract the attention of potential buyers. Great packaging shows the world what you stand for, makes people remember your brand, and helps prospective customers understand if your product is right for them.

Standard Formulas

A nutrition formula can be packaged for enteral (EN) or oral use and can contain added ingredients to aid with digestive health and bowel management. EN formulas are categorized as standard, elemental or disease-specific and differ in how much of each macronutrient is broken down for absorption by the gut.

A standard tube-feeding formula contains intact proteins and is designed for adults or children with normal digestion. People with impaired GI function may have difficulty tolerating polymeric formulas and may need a semi-elemental or fully hydrolyzed formula.

Ready-to-feed formulas come pre-mixed in 2-, 6- or 8-fluid-ounce containers/cans and provide a no-mess, no-measure option. This type of formula should be used with a closed system EN tubing set to reduce the risk for contamination. Homemade formula recipes should be reviewed by a registered dietitian to ensure they are nutritionally complete and based on safe food handling techniques. Homemade formula should also be diluted before feeding to prevent inconsistent viscosity that can increase the risk of clogging a tube.

Oral Supplements

Whether in a tube, pill or other container, oral supplements provide essential nutrients that can’t be consumed in the normal diet. These include vitamins, minerals, proteins, fatty acids, herbs, and fibers.

Oral supplement packaging must be sturdy and tamper-resistant to protect the contents. It also needs to have enough space for vital nutritional information regarding the encased product.

Today, tablet tubes are popular for holding dietary supplements. They’re a sleek and modern alternative to standard bottle options like extra large bottles for protein powder and medicine bottles.

Great nutritional supplement packaging tells the world what you stand for, makes people remember your brand, and helps potential customers understand if your products are right for them. Work with a designer to create custom packaging that stands out on shelves and reflects your unique identity.