Introduction
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) remains one of the most renowned and extensively studied nutrients in nutraceutical science, playing a fundamental role in antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, immune defense, and energy metabolism.
Beyond its well-known benefits, recent research has revealed lesser-known but highly promising functions, such as its ability to modulate inflammatory responses, support endothelial health, and contribute to cognitive performance through the protection of neuronal cells from oxidative stress.
Despite its broad spectrum of benefits, the use of Vitamin C in dietary supplements faces significant challenges:
- marked instability (sensitive to oxidation, light, and heat),
- limited intestinal absorption and rapid renal excretion,
- and low gastric tolerability, especially at high doses.
Formulation Challenges and the Importance of Dosage
The nutraceutical efficacy of Vitamin C strongly depends on its release profile and bioavailability. In conventional formulations, absorption occurs rapidly, leading to a sharp plasma peak followed by a fast decline. This not only limits the active’s persistence in the body but can also increase the risk of gastric discomfort.
For manufacturers, it is therefore crucial to rely on an ingredient that is easy to dose, standardized, and reproducible, ensuring a controlled and consistent release over time.
IPS Innovation: Vitamin C MATRIS® RETARD
To address these formulation challenges, the SURACTIVES® division of IPS has developed Vitamin C MATRIS® RETARD, a high-potency ingredient based on MATRIS® technology, designed to ensure:
- 8-hour controlled release, providing sustained plasma levels;
- enhanced stability during processing and storage;
- superior gastric tolerability thanks to gradual release and optimized coating;
- reproducible and standardized release profiles, ensuring industrial reliability.
This innovative formulation represents the ideal solution for manufacturers seeking highly concentrated Vitamin C with predictable kinetics and excellent handling performance in both solid and semi-solid nutraceutical applications.
MATRIS®: Scientific Evidence and Preclinical Research
The SURACTIVES® division of IPS is actively engaged in validating its proprietary technologies through in vitro preclinical studies using intestinal organoids and advanced 3D cellular systems.
These studies—conducted on various active ingredients formulated with MATRIS® technology—have demonstrated that the improvements in absorption, bioaccessibility, and reduced impact on gastric and intestinal membranes derive exclusively from the microencapsulation system itself, rather than from the active substance.
Building on these promising findings, IPS is currently developing dedicated studies in collaboration with specialized laboratories to extend this evidence to Vitamin C MATRIS® RETARD and other proprietary formulations.
Formulations and Applications
The versatility of the MATRIS® coating system enables Vitamin C to be incorporated into a wide range of nutraceutical dosage forms, including:
- tablets and capsules, even at high concentrations;
- single-dose sachets and stick packs for prolonged release;
- dosing-cap vials, ideal for liquid formulations.
For direct compression applications, IPS also provides its proprietary SmarTTabs® formulations, which fully preserve the product’s release profile and allow the development of ODT (Orally Disintegrating Tablets) — combining convenience, performance, and stability.
Moreover, IPS now offers different dosage options of Vitamin C MATRIS® RETARD, giving formulators the flexibility to adapt the dosage precisely to market requirements and formulation design.
Conclusion
Vitamin C MATRIS® RETARD represents a next-generation functional ingredient, overcoming the intrinsic limitations of conventional Vitamin C by enhancing its stability, tolerability, and bioaccessibility through proprietary MATRIS® technology.
Through continuous innovation and scientific validation, the SURACTIVES® division of IPS reaffirms its commitment to providing the nutraceutical industry with technologically advanced, reliable, and evidence-based solutions, designed to optimize performance, safety, and consumer experience.
Note: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice.
